Accommodation
We understand that accommodation is an important part of your experience at Speak Up London while you are studying English with us. It is not always easy to get the right place in London. That’s why we are here to help you to find a safe and secure home by collaborating with our accommodation providers.
All our accommodation is chosen to make your daily commute to Speak Up London easier and quicker. We are working with partners who are registered with the British Council and/or members of English UK. This means that the houses and providers are regularly inspected and must follow strict rules when hosting students.
Discover our partners' accommodation options
FAQ About Accommodation
Homestays
Expect a warm welcome and a friendly introduction to the members of the host.
They will give you a helpful introduction to the local area, its amenities and transport links.
Do not be shy to ask for help planning your journeys. It is advised for students to buy a Pay as you go UK mobile phone and sim card.
It is normal practise to exchange contact numbers with your host family, for safety, wellbeing and general communication.
On arrival day, if there are delays, you must contact your host urgently as your delay may affect their plans and it is better that they are aware of the situation so arrangements can be made for your delayed arrival.
N.B -You must contact your host in regards to your arrival time well before your arrival date. If you do not, we cannot guarantee that the host will be home to greet you and you may have to wait until they arrive to let you in.
Self Catering (SC)
The guest prepares their own meals and has a dedicated storage area for food in the kitchen. The times for use of kitchen can be decided with the host.
Bed & Breakfast (BB)
Light access to kitchen only. Continental Breakfast: cereal, toast, jam, tea/coffee, juice. Light access includes the use of the kitchen to make a sandwich and possibly use of the microwave. No access to the cooker/oven to prepare meals.
Half Board (5 Nights) Continental breakfast 7 days in the week. Evening meal Monday to Friday only. Light access to the kitchen on weekends. Continental Breakfast: cereal, toast, jam, tea/coffee, juice.
Evening Meal
Main meal to include a meat or fish dish. To be eaten with the host. Light access includes use of the kitchen to make a sandwich and possibly use of the microwave. No access to the cooker/oven to prepare meals.
Yes
But it’s limited to once per week. If you need it more than once a week it is up to the host to give you permission to do this.
The host will clean your room and the rest of the house once a week. However if you would rather clean your room yourself, please talk to the host about it.
Yes – and will be changed once per week.
Student Residences
Studio rooms are self-contained, you have an internal kitchen and an en-suite bathroom (with shower).
The en-suite room involves sharing a large kitchen/common area with up to 6 other students whilst having your own bedroom and an en-suite bathroom.
No. If you are a full-time student in the UK, you do not have to pay council tax.
You will, however, be required to provide a council tax exemption letter from your place of study, which you will then send by post to the council tax department of the borough you are staying in.
No, at our student residences, you are given an access fob/key, which allows you to enter freely, as you wish. Some residences may have someone at the concierge to let you in if the hour is late, for security purposes.
You will be visited by staff, to check you out between the hours of 9:45-10:00am for dormitories. If you need to check out earlier, there is a lock box near the front door, where you can put your keys in an envelope provided and in the lock box.
No. Smoking is not permitted in any area within the buildings. You can smoke outside the accommodation in designated areas.
Yes, you are allowed to have guests visiting you, however, this must be limited and overnight stays require checking with the school.
Your room will be cleaned before you arrive and after you leave.
During your stay you are responsible for the cleaning of your room and cleaning the shared kitchen after you have used it.
Typically, you should be able to borrow cleaning equipment, for example, hoover – but you need to buy any cleaning products and toilet paper.
You can arrange a private cleaning service directly with the residence (additional costs apply, usually between £25-£30 for a studio)
All the other common areas are cleaned daily by the residence.
Yes
There are washing and drying machines available – the cost of 1 load of 7kg is around £8.00.
Towels are not included and you must bring your own.
One set of bedding is included but it is your responsibility to wash it.
House Shares
Our house shares all come with a lounge/living room with a television, where you can comfortably watch TV for free, as the TV license in these areas is paid for already.
Yes, there is free wireless internet access in most of our house shares. You can connect to the internet on any mobile devices that you may have.
Yes, but please respect the quiet hours.
No. Smoking is only allowed outside.
Yes, but please always communicate with the other flatmates in advance.
Yes, for a limited number of nights. If you need someone to stay longer, please speak with the
school as a fee may apply.
No. Please respect the quiet hours when using shared facilities.
The common areas of the house/flat are cleaned regularly. However, you are responsible for
cleaning your own room.
Towels are not included and you must bring your own.
One set of bedding is included but it is your responsibility to wash it.
Yes.
There is a washing machine available. However you must buy your own detergent.
Private Accommodation
Popular property websites include: rightmove.co.uk, zoopla.co.uk and onthemarket.com.
If you want to rent a room in a flat/house share, you can find many options on spareroom.co.uk
It depends. It is safer to rent a studio or a flat via an estate agency. Make sure you read the contract carefully or ask us for help if you’re unsure. You will be asked to pay a deposit – make sure you get a confirmation of payment and you understand the rules for when and how to get it back at the end of the tenancy.
Sites like spareroom.co.uk can be safe but you do need to be careful as anyone can advertise on them. Always visit new places with a friend, ask for a contract and do not give anyone money without a written confirmation of payment.
Don’t hesitate to ask us if you need help.
Read our Accommodation
Terms & conditions
Need some more advice?
Our friendly advisers are available to help you find the course for you. We understand that each student’s needs are different. Book a call, or video meeting, or come and see us at the school to discuss your course needs further.
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