Accommodation FAQs

Can I use the kitchen in host family accommodation?

If you have booked the bed, breakfast and evening meal option, then you will not be able to use the kitchen. If you’ve booked bed and breakfast, then your host will often let you have limited use of the kitchen for making snacks like soup, salad or toast, but you will not be able to cook a full meal. If you have booked self catering in a host family home then you will be given fridge and cupboard space and will have full use of the kitchen.

What happens with meals?

Breakfast usually includes cereal, toast, fruit juice and tea or coffee. Evening meals typically take place between 6-8pm. If you think you are going to miss a meal or arrive late please tell your host as soon as possible. Lunches can be purchased in the IH London café.

Do I have to share a bathroom?

In most homes the bathroom will be shared with the family unless you have chosen an en suite bathroom option. Please be polite and ask your host when the best time to use the bathroom is. Always try to leave the bathroom in good condition after use.

How do I get to the International House campus?

You can travel by bus, overground train or underground (tube) train. The cheapest way to travel is by purchasing a weekly Travel or Oyster Card. Your host will be happy to help or advise you on buying your travel ticket and can give you directions to the school.

I’m a smoker, what should I do?

Please make sure that you inform our Accommodation Office if you are a smoker as many households are non-smoking. You may be asked to smoke only in certain places in the house or outside. If you are happy to smoke outside please let us know.

Who does the laundry and cleaning?

If you are staying with a host family, one wash per week will be done for you. Hosts may offer to do this for you or they will show you how to use their washing machine. An iron and ironing board are provided. Your sheets and towels will also be changed and your room cleaned once a week. Please keep your room tidy to make it easier for your host.

When does my accommodation start and finish?

Accommodation can only be arranged for the duration of your course. The first night of your stay will be the Sunday before your course begins with the last night being the Saturday after your course finishes. If you need an extra night before and/or after the course, due to flight arrangements, please speak with your host to see if it’s possible.

When should I arrive?

If you are staying with a host family please contact them directly or speak with IH London’s Accommodation Office to let us know when you plan to arrive. If you do not, then your host may not be at home when you get there.

How do I pay for my accommodation?

In order to guarantee your accommodation you must make payment at least one week before your arrival, either by credit card or bank transfer. If you pay by bank transfer, we will need to see proof of payment one week in advance.

How do I cancel my accommodation?

If you have to cancel your accommodation then please make sure you give us written notice at least seven days before your course starts. In you do not cancel in advance then one week’s payment will be charged as a cancellation fee. Refunds are not offered if you are away for a weekend or for short periods during your course.

I want to leave my accommodation how do I give notice?

If you feel unhappy in your accommodation, please come and speak to us before making your final decision, as we may be able to help. If you do decide that you want to change or leave your accommodation, you must tell your host and the IH London Accommodation Office one week before you intend to leave. Thus you must tell your host on Monday that you’ll be leaving the following Monday. If you leave before the week is finished, you will still pay for the full week. All money owed to you after the week’s notice period will be refunded to you.