Your home in Eastbourne

Our dedicated accommodation teams have carefully selected a range of options to ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible. The accommodation department at ELC Eastbourne has chosen a selection of accommodation options to help you make the most of your English language studies. All our accommodation is within easy travelling distance to school.

Our selection of accommodation, all within 40 minutes of school, includes:

  • homestay
  • hotels and guesthouses
  • self-catering student house

Please note: If you are under 18 and unaccompanied, you must normally choose homestay accommodation (half-board).

Unless otherwise requested, and subject to availability, in summer we will normally place you in a twin room with another student of the same sex and a similar age if you are under 18. For students aged 18 and over shared homestay is only available for two students travelling together.

Accommodation features

  • You'll be the only person of your nationality in a homestay, unless you ask to stay with a friend
  • Arrive on Sunday and depart Saturday or Sunday
  • Friendly and safe environment
  • All homestays have study facilities
  • All accommodation options are within 40 minutes' journey time of school
  • Free wifi in all accommodation options

Homestay accommodation in Eastbourne

One of the best ways to improve your English is by living in England, speaking to local people and experiencing UK life and culture by living in homestay accommodation.

We understand how important it is to feel comfortable where you live so our dedicated accommodation department carefully selects our homestays, choosing hosts who understand the needs of students from other countries.

The majority of our students stay in homestay single rooms on a half-board basis.

Key facts

  • The host provides breakfast and dinner every day with a light lunch/packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Other meal options may be possible - please contact us.
  • The normal day for arrival with the host is the Sunday before the course starts (before 22.00) and the day of departure is normally the Saturday or Sunday after the course ends.
  • You live as a member of the household, eating meals together and sharing common living areas.
  • The host will clean your room and provide you with towels and bedding. One load of laundry per week is included in the cost.

Special diets in your homestay

When you book your course and accommodation, you will have the opportunity to tell us about your dietary needs. Most homestays can cater to a no pork, or a vegetarian diet at no extra cost. You’ll just need to let us know.

For a celiac, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free or nut-free diet, there is a supplement to pay of 30 GBP per week. Please speak to us if you have any concerns or questions.

One of the English students on the 50+ English programme in Eastbourne sits with her back to the window reading a magazine in her bedroom.
One of the English students on the 50+ English programme in Eastbourne sits with her back to the camera working at a computer in her bedroom whilst looking out over a green garden.
A bowl of brightly coloured cereal filling a white bowl, with a silver spoon floating on top. The bowl is on a pink background. Lots of food colouring involved - better check those additives.
A stunning array of flowers by the seafront in Eastbourne.
Typical 1970s housing in Eastbourne. The houses in the phone are arranged in a terrace which disappears uphill out of view. Each house has its own driveway and garage. You can see a few cars parked. There are trees on the opposite side of the road casting shadows over the road.
Someone is pouring milk into a cup of tea. Usually a British scene, but the tea is in before the milk, so we're not sure.
A photo of the town centre in Eastbourne which, in this shot, is characterised by the vertical lines of buildings or different colours of brickwork.
A beautiful white blossomed cherry tree dominates the photo of a typical residential street in Eastbourne. The houses are possible from the 1920s or 1930s.

Self-catering student house accommodation in Eastbourne

For students who are aged 18 and over who would like more independence and the possibility to cook their own meals, we can offer a range of well-maintained shared student houses. These are mainly available in the summer but there may be some limited year-round availability.

Key facts

  • self-catering student houses are between 5 and 15 minutes’ walk from the school
  • bedrooms are large rooms with double beds, and bed linen provided
  • you share a bathroom or showerrooms with other students
  • you also share a fully-equipped kitchen
  • free wireless internet access
  • single or double occupancy rooms
Someone is looking relaxed. They're layed out on a sofa with a cushion behind their head, looking at their phone and smiling.

Hotels and guest houses in Eastbourne

Staying in hotel accommodation can give you greater freedom and flexibility. There are a wide range of hotels and guesthouses available in Eastbourne. ELC Eastbourne has agreed discounted rates* for our students with some hotels and guest houses.

Key facts

  • all hotel rooms have ensuite bathrooms
  • all recommended hotels are between 5 and 15 minutes’ walk from the school
  • hotels are close to shops and a wide range of restaurants
  • hotels are either on seafront or within a few minutes’ walk to the sea
  • all hotels have WiFi (some may charge)
  • you must be at least 18 years old to stay in a hotel or guest house

Special diets in your hotel or guest house

Most hotels can cater to vegetarian, vegan or gluten free diets at no extra charge. To be sure, please check with the hotel if you have any special dietary requirements, or contact us to ask a question.

This is a striking image of a twin bedroom at the Wilmington hotel in Eastbourne. Striking because the wall behind the beds is bright orange in colour which contrasts nicely with the dark wood of the beds and the crisp white sheets and towels.

Frequently asked questions about accommodation in Eastbourne

What accommodation should I book if I'm less than 18 years old?

If you're an unaccompanied student at ELC and you are aged 16 or 17 and booked onto an adult course, you must normally choose half-board homestay accommodation. In summer, you will normally have a twin room with another student of the same gender and similar age, unless otherwise requested and subject to availability.

How will I get to the homestay when I arrive in the UK?

You should make your own way to your host family. If you let them (or us) know your arrival time, they will be waiting for you at home. We can advise you on the best way to get to your family from the airport or if you would like to use ELC's airport transfer service, you can book this when you're booking your course and accommodation.

Will there be other students staying in the homestay?

There may be other students staying in the homestay but you should be the only student guest from your country. If there are other students in the family they should not be from countries which speak the same language as you. This is a very strict rule made by ELC, and we will find you other accommodation immediately if this rule is broken by the host family.

What will the meals be like in my homestay?

We hope you'll enjoy the food you eat in your homestay. If there is something you cannot eat because of your health or for religious reasons, please let us know when you book to help us to find you a suitable host family. Breakfast will usually consist of tea or coffee with cereals or toast.

What will my room be like in my homestay?

You will be given your own room (unless you ask to share with a friend). Your room should contain a chair, table and lamp suitable for studying, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers or dressing table.

What will the hosts in my homestay be like?

Your homestay hosts will not always be a "typical homestay family", e.g. two parents with children. A couple or a widow(er) whose children have grown up and left home, or an otherwise single person all make excellent "homestay families".

Can I stay with my homestay provider over the Christmas holiday?

You may be able to stay with your family over the Christmas holiday. If you do, you will be asked to pay a supplement of £50.00 for lunches on the 25th (Christmas Day) and 26th (Boxing Day) of December.

When should I arrive at my accommodation?

You should normally arrive arrive on Sunday and leave on Saturday or Sunday. Accommodation is paid for in units of one week and we are not able to give you a reduction part of a week.

What if I am not happy with my accommodation?

If you are not happy with your accommodation, you can speak to the Accommodation and Welfare Officer who will try to help you find a solution.

Do you cater for special diets?

We can cater for special diets such as lactose free, vegan and celiac on request and depending host availability. If your host can cater for your special diet, we will ask you to pay the special dietary supplement of £30 per week.

Where can I buy lunch?

The school is centrally located and there are many options within about a 5-minute walk - cafes, restaurants, supermarkets.

Will my homestay host do my laundry?

Your host is required to do a reasonable amount of laundry for you (one load of laundry per week) included in the homestay fees. If you are over 18, you can make a request to your host to do your own laundry, if you prefer.

Are there any restrictions or conditions when you live with a homestay?

As an adult there are no curfews and most students have independent lives but clearly you should also be respectful of the host family. There is a curfew of 11 pm every night for students aged 16 and 17.

Can I book a homestay with a private bathroom?

We have a limited number of hosts with private bathrooms so we recommend that you book early! We can also offer quality guest houses and hotels if you prefer.

Can I book a room in a student residence in Eastbourne?

No, unfortunately we do not offer residences in Eastbourne. If you are a student aged 16 and 17, you should book homestay accommodation.

Can I cook my own meals in homestay?

You cannot use the kitchen facilities in your homestay. If you would like to cook your own meals and you are over 18, you can choose to stay in residential accommodation.

How far are homestays from the school in Eastbourne?

Most homestays in Eastbourne are in walking distance, maximum 30 minutes. We also have some homestays that are a short bus journey, typically 15-20 minutes.

How often is my room cleaned in the student residence?

Bedding and towels are changed every other week. Student rooms and en-suites will have a basic clean once a week.

How will I travel from my accommodation to the school?

All accommodation is either in walking distance or on a bus route to school.

Will my homestay provide lunches at weekends?

If you have booked half-board homestay, lunches are included at the weekends.

Policies and procedures about accommodation

If you have any questions about accommodation in Eastbourne, please do use the chat function or the contact form, and we’ll be pleased to help you out.

Let us know your questions