Accommodation Information for International Students

Types of accommodation and availability

All International Students who want to study on a year long award bearing programme (Undergraduate or Postgraduate) are offered university residence for the full year.

International students attending short courses (courses of less than an academic year) can apply for university residence - but this is subject to availability. It is usually available but it cannot always guarantee it. If you want this type of accommodation it is advisable to make your request as early as possible. For short stay students the university college has a network of host families that offer international students accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast or half-board basis.

University residence accommodation is mainly in city centre flats. These flats offer self catering facilities (use of a kitchen). The kitchen is equipped with fridges, cupboard space and cookers. There are also ironing facilities and washing machines for use. The university also has some residences on campus itself but these do not have self catering facilities and students are required to take their meals in the college food court.

Some of the city centre flats offer internet connection in the bedrooms. Most of these flats have en-suite bathrooms.

As well as modern flats the university college has some college houses - these are shared by students and are usually available to Masters students. They are all located next to the main campus.

Students are responsible for paying for electricity - this is done by using cards. The other amenities - water and gas are included in the rental fee.

Homestay Accommodation

International students that choose homestay accommodation can choose either breakfast only or breakfast with evening meal (half-board). The Accommodation Office regularly visits the homestay families and makes sure that they offer students rooms with accommodation that meet the criteria laid down by the Accommodation Office. All students will have study space and a room of an adequate size. The homestay will either be near to the college (within walking distance) or on a clear public transport route. Homestay family accommodation is generally all close to the university college.

Accommodation Office

The university has an accommodation office and there are staff there who are responsible for international student accommodation. There is one officer who is responsible for all homestay arrangements and another responsible for international university residence arrangements. International students will be contacted by this office about their accommodation needs and payment arrangements. The international Office works closely with the Accommodation Office.

Accommodation Extras

When a students books to stay in university residence, during the academic year they will need to buy their own cooking utensils and cutlery. This can be bought from the accommodation office at reasonable cost. Students during the academic year will also need to buy their own bedding (duvet, duvet cover, pillows and pillow covers and sheets). This is also available from the Accommodation Office. In the summer, short stay students do not need to buy these items as they are provided for them. A bed bale will be left on the beds for all newly arriving summer course students. The kitchen will also be stocked with cutlery and cooking utensils in the summer.