What is the cheapest accommodation type for language students?

Homestay is generally the cheapest option once you factor in meals. A typical homestay with half-board costs 150 to 300 per week in most European destinations, while self-catering options like shared apartments require an additional 50 to 80 per week for food. Student residences and private studios are more expensive, with studios often costing two to three times as much as a homestay.

Can I switch accommodation type after my course starts?

Most language schools allow you to request a change during the first week of your stay, particularly if there is a genuine issue such as a poor homestay match or a maintenance problem. However, switches depend on availability, and there may be an administrative fee. Check your school's accommodation change policy before booking, and raise any concerns as early as possible so the school has time to find an alternative.

How far in advance should I book school accommodation?

For summer courses between June and August, book at least eight to twelve weeks in advance, especially if you want a student residence. During off-peak months, four to six weeks is usually sufficient. Homestay placements tend to have more availability year-round because schools work with large networks of host families, but popular cities like London and Dublin can still fill up quickly.

Is accommodation included in the course price?

Accommodation is almost always priced separately from tuition. Language schools quote a weekly accommodation rate on top of the course fee. Some schools offer package deals that bundle tuition and housing at a slight discount, so it is worth asking about combined pricing when you request a quote. On lancourse.com, you can see both course and accommodation prices listed side by side for easy comparison.

Do I need to pay a deposit for language school accommodation?

Yes, most schools require a deposit at the time of booking, typically between 100 and 300 euros or pounds. The deposit is applied to your total balance or returned after checkout, minus any deductions for damages. Some residences and studios may also require a separate refundable security deposit. Always read the terms carefully and keep your payment receipts.

Decision guide

Language School Accommodation Types Compared: Homestay vs Residence vs Apartment

Compare homestay, student residence, shared apartment, and studio accommodation for language courses abroad. Includes cost breakdown, pros and cons, and tips for choosing the right option in 2026.

Last updated: 2026-03-29 · 10 min read

Why Accommodation Choice Matters for Language Students

Your accommodation during a language course abroad affects far more than where you sleep. It shapes your daily routine, your social life, and how quickly you improve. Students who live with host families, for example, tend to practise the target language outside the classroom every day, while those in a private studio may enjoy independence but miss out on casual conversation practice.

Budget is another key factor. Accommodation typically accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the total cost of a language trip, so the type you choose has a significant impact on your overall spend. A four-week course in London could cost anywhere from 600 to 2,400 pounds for accommodation alone, depending on whether you opt for a homestay or a central studio flat.

Beyond money and language practice, your living situation influences wellbeing. Feeling comfortable and safe at home makes it easier to focus during lessons and enjoy your time in a new city. This guide walks through the four most common accommodation types offered by language schools, compares them side by side, and helps you decide which one fits your goals and budget.

Homestay: Living with a Local Family

A homestay places you in the home of a vetted local family, usually in a private bedroom with shared common areas. Most homestay packages include breakfast and dinner, which means you spend mealtimes with the family and get daily exposure to natural, everyday language.

Homestays are the most popular accommodation type for students aged 16 to 25, and they remain the most affordable option in almost every destination. In 2026, typical weekly costs range from 150 to 250 euros in Spain, 180 to 300 pounds in the United Kingdom, and 200 to 350 euros in Ireland. Half-board meals are generally included in these prices, which reduces your daily food expenses significantly.

The main advantage of a homestay is immersion. You hear the language at breakfast, negotiate bathroom schedules, and discuss local news at dinner. Many former students credit their host family for breakthroughs in listening comprehension and colloquial vocabulary. The downside is less independence. You usually need to respect house rules around noise, guests, and mealtimes, and commute times can be longer since families often live in suburban areas.

Schools handle the matching process. You fill out a preference form covering dietary requirements, allergies, pet tolerance, and smoking habits, and the accommodation team assigns a family. If the match does not work, most schools allow a transfer within the first week at no extra cost.

Typical cost: 150-350 per week depending on destination (half-board included)
Best for: first-time travellers, younger students, anyone wanting maximum immersion
Watch out for: longer commute times and limited privacy
Meals usually included: breakfast and dinner on weekdays, all meals on weekends

Student Residence: Campus-Style Living

Student residences are purpose-built or converted buildings with individual rooms, shared kitchens, and communal social areas. They are the closest equivalent to university halls and suit students who want a sociable environment with more independence than a homestay.

Rooms range from basic singles with a shared bathroom to en-suite studios with a small kitchenette. Prices reflect this range: a shared-bathroom single in Dublin might cost 220 to 300 euros per week, while an en-suite room in central London can reach 350 to 500 pounds. Meals are not typically included, so you should budget an additional 50 to 80 per week for groceries.

The social aspect is a clear strength. Common rooms, shared kitchens, and organised events mean you meet students from around the world. This is great for practising English with other learners, though it can also mean you end up speaking your own language if many students share your nationality. Residences tend to be centrally located or well-connected by public transport, which shortens your commute.

Availability is the main limitation. Popular residences in cities like London, Dublin, and Barcelona fill up months in advance during summer. If a residence is important to you, book at least eight to twelve weeks before your course start date. Also check what is included: some residences cover Wi-Fi and laundry, while others charge extra.

Typical cost: 220-500 per week depending on room type and city
Best for: social students aged 18-30 who want independence with community
Watch out for: limited availability in peak season and self-catering costs
Usually included: Wi-Fi, bedding, utilities; sometimes laundry and cleaning

Shared Apartment: Independence with Flatmates

A shared apartment means renting a room in a flat with other language students or, occasionally, local tenants. Schools either manage their own apartment stock or partner with housing agencies to offer vetted options. You get a private bedroom and share the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas.

This option appeals to students who want a realistic, independent living experience. You shop for groceries, cook your own meals, and manage your own schedule without house rules from a host or a residence manager. It can also be a cost-effective middle ground: weekly rates in 2026 sit between 180 and 350 euros in most European cities, placing shared apartments above homestays but below residences and studios.

The quality of shared apartments varies more than other accommodation types. Some are modern, centrally located flats with two or three bedrooms; others are older buildings further from the school. Always ask your school for photos, the exact address, and reviews from previous students before booking. Check how many people share each bathroom and whether the flat has a washing machine.

One practical tip: shared apartments work best for stays of four weeks or longer. For shorter courses, the effort of settling into a flat with new housemates may not be worth it, and schools sometimes prioritise longer bookings for apartment placements.

Typical cost: 180-350 per week (self-catering)
Best for: independent students staying four weeks or more
Watch out for: variable quality and the need to self-cater entirely
Usually included: bedding, Wi-Fi, utilities; kitchen equipment varies

Private Studio: Maximum Privacy at a Premium

A private studio is a self-contained unit with its own bathroom and kitchenette. It offers the most independence and privacy of any school-arranged accommodation. Studios are available through some schools and increasingly through partnerships with apart-hotel operators.

Privacy comes at a price. Expect to pay 350 to 700 per week in popular destinations, making studios the most expensive option. In London, a basic studio in Zone 2 or 3 starts at around 450 pounds per week in 2026. In smaller cities like Galway or Seville, you may find options closer to 300 euros.

Studios suit mature students, professionals on executive courses, and anyone who values quiet evenings and complete control over their space. The trade-off is social isolation: without flatmates or a host family, you need to make more effort to socialise outside class. If you choose a studio, consider signing up for afternoon social activities or group excursions organised by the school.

Before booking, confirm what the studio includes. Some come fully furnished with kitchenware, towels, and weekly cleaning, while others provide only the basics. Also check the cancellation policy, since studios booked through third-party platforms may have different terms from those arranged directly through the school.

Typical cost: 350-700 per week depending on city and standard
Best for: professionals, mature students, those who need a quiet study environment
Watch out for: social isolation and significantly higher cost
Usually included: varies widely; confirm furnishings, linens, and cleaning before booking

How to Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Course

Start with your priorities. If budget is the deciding factor, homestay is almost always the cheapest after factoring in meals. If social life matters most, a residence or shared apartment will connect you with other students. If you need quiet and control, a studio is the clear choice.

Next, consider your course duration and intensity. Students on short intensive courses often benefit from a homestay because everything is taken care of and they can focus entirely on studying. For longer stays of eight weeks or more, a shared apartment or residence may feel more natural, since you have time to settle in and establish a routine.

Think about your language goals. If you are studying to reach a specific level quickly, the extra immersion from a homestay adds real value. If you are already at an intermediate or advanced level and want to focus on structured classroom learning, the accommodation type matters less for your progress.

Finally, book early and ask the right questions. Request the exact address or at least the neighbourhood, ask about average commute times to the school, and read reviews from previous students. Schools on lancourse.com list accommodation options alongside course details, so you can compare inclusions and pricing before you request a quote.

Budget-first: homestay with meals included is the most cost-effective
Social-first: residence or shared apartment offers the most peer interaction
Privacy-first: studio or homestay single room with private bathroom
Always confirm: exact location, commute time, what is included, and cancellation terms

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest accommodation type for language students?: Homestay is generally the cheapest option once you factor in meals. A typical homestay with half-board costs 150 to 300 per week in most European destinations, while self-catering options like shared apartments require an additional 50 to 80 per week for food. Student residences and private studios are more expensive, with studios often costing two to three times as much as a homestay.
Can I switch accommodation type after my course starts?: Most language schools allow you to request a change during the first week of your stay, particularly if there is a genuine issue such as a poor homestay match or a maintenance problem. However, switches depend on availability, and there may be an administrative fee. Check your school's accommodation change policy before booking, and raise any concerns as early as possible so the school has time to find an alternative.
How far in advance should I book school accommodation?: For summer courses between June and August, book at least eight to twelve weeks in advance, especially if you want a student residence. During off-peak months, four to six weeks is usually sufficient. Homestay placements tend to have more availability year-round because schools work with large networks of host families, but popular cities like London and Dublin can still fill up quickly.
Is accommodation included in the course price?: Accommodation is almost always priced separately from tuition. Language schools quote a weekly accommodation rate on top of the course fee. Some schools offer package deals that bundle tuition and housing at a slight discount, so it is worth asking about combined pricing when you request a quote. On lancourse.com, you can see both course and accommodation prices listed side by side for easy comparison.
Do I need to pay a deposit for language school accommodation?: Yes, most schools require a deposit at the time of booking, typically between 100 and 300 euros or pounds. The deposit is applied to your total balance or returned after checkout, minus any deductions for damages. Some residences and studios may also require a separate refundable security deposit. Always read the terms carefully and keep your payment receipts.

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