Supporting your child’s future
Providing services and facilities to our local communities
“I want to say thank you. Thank you for taking good care of me and Billy back in the days. Thank you for being here with me during my journey.”
Andrew (Hong Kong), 2024
“I have to reconsider the stereotypes of food in this country – it’s amazing! My host is an excellent cook!”
Davide (Italy) 2025
For more information, please contact our International Admissions Team:
+44 23 80 43 5636 option 3, or email international@itchen.ac.uk
“I want to say thank you. Thank you for taking good care of me and Billy back in the days. Thank you for being here with me during my journey.”
Andrew (Hong Kong), 2024
“I have to reconsider the stereotypes of food in this country – it’s amazing! My host is an excellent cook!”
Davide (Italy) 2025
For more information, please contact our International Admissions Team:
+44 23 80 43 5636 option 3, or email international@itchen.ac.uk
We provide our International students with safe and comfortable College-managed accommodation with one of our local homestay hosts.
Homestay accommodation provides you with an invaluable opportunity to:
We endeavour to place students in homes that are within a reasonable commute to the College, whether by walking, on public transport or a College-managed bus. Any additional transport costs will be confirmed when the College confirms a host placement.
We have many types of homestay hosts from couples with or without children, single parents, extended families, childless families, step-families or grandparent families, senior citizens, those living alone or with a partner or friend. Many of our hosts have cats or dogs as we love our pets in the UK. We celebrate difference and are proud to say that our homestay offering is varied and diverse. Please trust that we will match you with a host that meets your needs and cannot accept requests for specific family structures. We do our best to place you with the most suitable homestay, which is why we encourage you to send the application and necessary forms as early as possible.
We encourage our students and hosts to take part in activities together as a good practice to improve your English outside the classroom, and to get to know each other. Our hosts have set house rules which you will need to follow, just like anyone else living in the household.
+44 (0)7384832408
This number is for out-of-hours emergencies for the International School only. All other emergencies must be logged through the appropriate channels.
Living with a local host family is a unique way to experience life beyond campus. Here’s what you can look forward to:
A welcoming home environment – You’ll be part of a household that provides comfort and support while you adjust to College life.
Daily life with your homestay host – Expect to share meals, conversations, and traditions, giving you insight into local culture and everyday routines.
Independence with support – While you’ll have your own space and freedom, your host is there to answer questions, help you settle in, and make you feel at home.
Cultural exchange – Homestays are a two-way experience. You’ll learn about your host’s way of life and also have the chance to share your own culture.
Practical conveniences – All homestays provide furnished rooms, half-board meals (full-board at the weekends and during Christmas and Easter holidays), internet access, and guidance about the neighborhood and transportation.
Helpful information and tips to living in homestay accommodation.
Please note that we have a strict curfew for all students living with one of our host families, regardless of their age, which is as follows:
Sunday to Thursday evenings 10:30pm
Friday & Saturday evenings 11:00pm
The curfew is non-negotiable.
For any emergencies outside of office hours, students and hosts can call our 24/7 emergency phone: +44 (0) 7384 832 408
Guide to Living in Homestay Accommodation
Homestay Top Tips
Coral Serjent
Position: Student Welfare and Accommodation Officer
Phone: 02380435636 EXT 305
Email: cserjent@itchen.ac.uk
Lynne Jones
Position: International Operations Manager
Phone: 02380 435636 EXT 302
Email: ljones1@itchen.ac.uk
Samuel Byres
Position: International Marketing & Programme Manager
Phone: 02380 435636 EXT 301
Email: sbyres@itchen.ac.uk
Lisa Melendez
Position: International Student Support Officer
Phone: 02380 435636 EXT 271
Email: lmelendez@itchen.ac.uk
