Are you applying to an undergraduate course at a UK university or college starting in Sep / Oct 2016? Hopefully, you should not need the reminder that the deadline set by UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for applications to UK higher education courses is 15th January.
Apart from ensuring you have all the required forms properly filled out and ready to go you may need to obtain a visa to study in the UK. And there is also the task of finding a place to live as near as possible to your college. The increasing number of international students who study on UK courses every year means you should definitely not leave things to the last minute to secure the right place for you and your particular needs, whether you’re happy with a straightforward standard accommodation, prefer house shares or group accommodation.
The choice of accommodation can be even more critical if you’re applying to the UK to study on an English language course. The reason being that English language courses are usually much shorter and students tend to be of a younger age group who may only need a temporary but, nevertheless, a secure place to stay.
Top choice for learning English
England has to be the top choice for learning English, of course – attracting more than half a million people (of all ages) every year. In 2014, around 590,000 students studied at 479 private sector English learning centres for an estimated 2.3 million student weeks, according to a new student travel survey.
Unsurprisingly, English language students in their teens will naturally opt for a homestay accommodation, or perhaps, Mum and Dad will have a say in the matter!
The reality is that living away from home by yourself in a foreign country – perhaps for the first time – can be daunting. A hosted homestay simply means a kind of “home from home”, with your own room and living in the same house with the homeowner, who takes care of things like laundry and cooking, preparing meal plans and sandwiches. You can even be collected at the airport or station when you arrive and be dropped off at the front door! How reassuringly worry-free and cool is that.
Language learning combined with homestay accommodation
An exciting, and popular option for students wanting to study English in the UK is the opportunity to enrol on an inclusive programme, which means language learning is combined with cultural sightseeing and homestay accommodation. The fully trained, experienced and knowledgeable guys on a Hosts International team will ensure you get to see some of the iconic landmarks around the UK, from Wembley Stadium to Stonehenge, or Shakespeare’s Globe to the Royal Pavilion Brighton, the Indian styled palace built for the Prince Regent (later George IV) in 1911.
The good news for overseas students applying to study on an English language course is that there are no set deadlines – you can apply at any time! However, it is always strongly recommended to apply as early as possible. Remember, its’ not just about ensuring a place on your chosen course, you do need to secure your accommodation.
While there might not be formal entry requirements for many of English language courses, each centre will set its own entry requirements, such as taking a test, aimed at ensuring that you have the right skills and knowledge to successfully complete the course.
Learning English with Hosts International usually takes place at a summer school where an exciting, interactive programme of daily lessons are provided by trained EFL teachers for 16-18 year-olds of all ability levels. Course applications combined with accommodation are being accepted now. “It’s an early bird that catches the worm”, according to a traditional English saying – your first lesson right here!