Accommodation

The City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a vibrant, lively city with numerous things to see and do. It is steeped in rich history and is renowned as one of the most famous naval ports in England. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, beaches and historical monuments, Portsmouth is a legacy to both the old and the new. Within the city centre and along the esplanade, all manner of cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs can be found. Large shopping complexes house all of the latest fashions and technology, and there is a surplus of cinemas, bowling alleys, pool halls and sports centres.

It is located along the south coast of England, only a boat ride from the Isle of Wight, or even Spain and France. It is only ninety minutes by train to London, and much less than that to cultural and historical locations such as Chichester, Southampton, Winchester or Brighton.

For more images of Portsmouth and various other excursion destinations, please visit our photo gallery

All our accommodation is carefully chosen and monitored to ensure that high standards are maintained and that you will be comfortable and happy. We keep in close touch with all our accommodation providers and students and deal with any problems which might arise (although, as our families are so nice, there are very few). The accommodation is selected before you arrive. If you book a programme at short notice, the accommodation officers will naturally do their best to find the accommodation type you require, but we would advise you to book your accommodation at least four weeks before the date of your arrival to guarantee the type you require. Our Accommodation Manager will be pleased to arrange accommodation for you in Plymouth. You can choose from:

Homestay

You live in a house as though you are at home. You have your own key and come and go as you please paying respect to the host.

We recommend homestay accommodation for those who wish to benefit from home comforts and atmosphere. Staying in a homestay is probably also the best way to practise your English and generally learn about the British way of life.

If two applicants are placed within the same household, we try to ensure they are not of the same nationality, and, therefore, English is spoken at all times! We do our best to ensure all homestays are a maximum of 30 minutes by bus from the school or work place.
There are three types of Homestay:

1.   First Class

The home is decorated to a luxurious standard. You will have a room to yourself in a large home with ensuite or a guest bathroom. There will be no more than three other guests from other countries staying in the home. You will experience British eating at its best, wine will be served with your main meal and the little extras you would expect. Your hosts will be welcoming, informed and engaging.

2.   Business Class

The home is decorated to a high standard. You will have a room to yourself in a large home with access to a guest bathroom. There will be no more than three other guests from other countries staying in the home. You will experience British eating at its best and there will be wine served with your main meal. Your hosts will be welcoming, informed and engaging.

3.   Standard

The home is decorated to a good standard. You will share a room with one other person or you can upgrade to a room to yourself. You will share bathroom/s and other facilities with the members of the household and/or their guests. There will be no more than three other guests from other countries staying in the home. Your dining will reflect the diversity of the region. Your hosts will be welcoming and engaging.

There are two food options available with Homestay:

are two food options available with Homestay:

1.   Full Board:

This is where you have a bed, breakfast, packed lunch (sandwich, chocolate bar and fruit), and evening meal 7 days a week.

2.   Half Board:

This is the same as above but without the packed lunch. You may choose this option if you want to buy your own lunch. It is popular with our more senior students who want to try out a restaurant or cafe. *Host Family Half Board accommodation includes breakfast and evening meals from Monday to Friday and breakfast, lunch and evening meal on the weekends and bank holidays.

Homestay accommodation is suitable for young people. The accommodation is inspected and categorized as safe for young persons. The accommodation providers sign a disclosure declaration in relation to having no criminal convictions.

Private Home

There are two types of private home

1.   Private Home:

This is an alternative way of living with a family. You can choose full-board or half-board. You have use of all the facilities within the house. e.g. kitchen, washing facilities etc, subject to the house rules.

2.   Self-catering: (Check with Tellus for availability first)

This is where you may or may not live with a family but you are responsible for buying and cooking your own food, you may also be responsible for  doing your own cleaning and laundry.

University Student Residence:

This is is where you live in a student hall of residence. It is only available in the summer when the University students have gone home. Note: Self catering is very basic. You may need to bring your own bedding, towels, cooking items etc.

Bed & Breakfast Guesthouse

This is generally a large house or small hotel. Bed and Breakfast accommodation provides only a room and breakfast. It does not include other meals or laundry which must be paid for separately.

Hotel

You get a bedroom to yourself and you have a choice of traditional English or Continental breakfast in the hotel. It does not include other meals or laundry which must be paid for separately.

There are different hotel options available dependent on your budget.