Accommodation in Bristol

We realise that where you are going to live is an important concern for you. Our experienced and caring Accommodation Officer can help by arranging your accommodation before you arrive and offering ongoing support. Most of our accommodation is situated in pleasant residential areas with easy access to both the College and the city centre.

You can expect to travel to the Bristol Academy by bus in about 20 minutes although some of our accommodation is within walking distance. Our Accommodation Officer regularly inspects our homestay and self-catering accommodation to ensure that it meets British Council standards.

Types of Accommodation

Homestay

This is the ideal opportunity to learn all about British family life and to practise your English at the same time.

Living as part of the family, you will have a single room in a comfortable home. Breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals at weekends are provided. There may be other students living in the house, but they will not be of the same nationality. Payment is made direct to your host family, by arrangement.

Cost: £110 per week inclusive of bills.

Self-catering in a family home

If you prefer to do your own cooking and live more independently, then this is the best option to choose. You will still have the support of your host family when you need it, but you will usually share a separate kitchen and bathroom with other students. You will not have to worry about bills as these are included. You need to pay your family directly, by arrangement.

Cost: £85 per week inclusive of bills

Please note that not all host families are made up of two parents with children. We have many friendly and experienced host families on our register of differing ages and situations.

Renting a house or flat

If you are used to living independently, this may be the best choice for you. You can share a house or flat with other students (either British or international) and be responsible for your own cooking, cleaning and paying the bills.

You can only choose this option if you are staying for at least 6 months and you will need to pay a deposit equivalent to 1 month’s rent. We cannot arrange rented accommodation until you are in Bristol because you will need to sign a contract with the landlord. We can arrange homestay or self-catering accommodation for the first month, and once you have settled into your studies our Accommodation Officer will help you to find a house or flat. Please note that while we can help you to find rented accommodation, we have not necessarily inspected all the properties.

Cost: Approximately £65 per week. Gas, electricity and water bills are not included

If you would like us to arrange your accommodation for you, please complete the Request Form included with the travel information pack. We will try our best to honour specific requests, but we cannot offer any guarantees.

Travel Preparations

We will send you a detailed information pack which contains an accommodation request form, visa and travel information, and useful facts about coming to the UK as an international student.

Meet and Greet

If you have asked us to arrange accommodation, we will confirm the address and send you details of how to travel to Bristol and the College. Be sure to let us know if you would like us to arrange airport pick-up. If you would like to use this service, please fill in your request on the form included with the travel information pack. There is a charge of approximately £165 for transfer from Heathrow airport and £30 for transfer from Bristol airport. Please ensure that you give us your travel details at least 2 weeks before you arrive.

Welcome to the Bristol Academy

We will meet you at the College on your first day and introduce you to your tutors. We have an excellent induction programme which will help you to settle in as quickly as possible.