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. Please see the price list for the current rate.
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.