Some of you may have previous experience of living in the UK and many of you may be coming to the UK to study for the first time. We hope this information answers some of your questions and provides you with useful advice and information with regard to the different types of accommodation that are available to you. We suggest that you print this page for future reference.

Accommodation available through York College

Although York College does not have any accommodation on campus, we do have a database of providers in York who offer various types of accommodation for students.

With each type of accommodation, you would have your own room with a bed, chest of drawers, wardrobe, desk and chair and adequate heating and lighting. In some cases, the room may have a TV and there may also be the facility for internet access at a small additional charge. (This can be discussed with the provider on arrival).

Types of accommodation are:

• Living with a family/owner with breakfast and an evening meal provided
• Living with a family/owner on a self-catering basis (you would be responsible for buying and cooking your own food)
• Shared student housing (self-catering and living with other students).

The rent for the first two types of accommodation mentioned above includes bills (gas, water and electricity) but does not include telephone costs. You will also have use of a washing machine unless the owner prefers to do the washing for you, and be able to use the kitchen and living areas.

The rent for shared student houses sometimes includes bills, but not always. Where bills are not included, you would have to share the cost of bills with the other students living in the accommodation. Students are advised to check with the provider before signing any contract or agreeing to take the accommodation.

Providers of shared student houses may also ask for a bond/deposit, which would need to be paid in advance, along with the first month's rent. The bond/deposit is returned in full when you move out of the accommodation provided no damage or breakages have occurred. In order to protect your bond/deposit, the Government introduced a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and the Accommodation Office can provide more information and advice about this scheme.

Rent is normally payable in advance either weekly or monthly as agreed with the provider. If you choose to find alternative accommodation, for whatever reason, you can do so at any time, but you will be required to give at least one week's notice, sometimes you may need to give one month's notice or payment in lieu of notice. We would advise that you discuss the period of notice required with the provider.

If you choose to live in a shared student house, you will be responsible for keeping your own room and the shared facilities (eg, kitchen, bathroom and living area) tidy and clean. You will also need to be considerate of others living in the house.

Students are also responsible for advising the owner if there are any problems and for reporting any maintenance or repairs that may need to be carried out.

We would advise students who are coming to the UK for the first time to stay with a family as there are many benefits to be gained. A family can help familiarise you with your surroundings and help you to settle in more quickly. It is also a good opportunity to practise and improve your English and to learn about British customs and culture.

There is also the option to rent within the private sector should you wish to do so. It may be useful to know that there is a large demand for accommodation in York so it may not always be possible for you to find suitable accommodation. If you are interested in this type of accommodation, the Accommodation Office can provide you with details of property letting agencies in York who offer accommodation for students.

All full-time students are exempt from Council Tax. Council Tax exemption certificates can be obtained, on request, from the InfoZone located behind main reception in the atrium.

Arranging accommodation through the Accommodation Office

Once you have decided that you are definitely coming to York College, an acceptance letter will be sent to you from the International Office, which should include an accommodation form.

You should complete and return this form to York College as soon as possible. We will keep your form on file until we receive details of your travel arrangements.

A deposit of £100 will be paid to the provider to reserve the accommodation for you until your arrival, and will be used towards your first week's rent. This deposit is non-refundable should you decide not to come to York College.

You will need to provide us with your flight details before we can start looking for accommodation for you as we need to advise the provider of your time and date of arrival. We need at least 14 days notice of your flight details to try to find appropriate accommodation for you and to reserve the accommodation, based on the preferences that you have indicated on the form and the accommodation available.

We always advise students to fly to Manchester or Leeds Airport as this is the simplest and most convenient way to travel to York. We will need to have your time and date of arrival and the flight number arriving at Manchester or Leeds Airport.

Please try to arrive at Manchester or Leeds airport during the day. If this is not possible then the latest time for arrival at the airport is 7:00pm as the transfer time to York is approximately two hours from Manchester and 1 hour from Leeds. We do not expect our providers to be prepared to accept students after 10.00pm.

When we have received your flight details, we will make arrangements for you to be met at the airport and brought to York directly to your accommodation. This is a service we offer for all students flying to the UK and there is no charge to you. You do not need to pay the driver! Unfortunately, we are not able to arrange airport collection from any other UK airports - students arriving at other airports would have to make their own travel arrangements to York either by train or coach.

We would advise students who are already in the UK, and those who choose to travel to York by coach or train to inform the Accommodation Office of their expected time and day of arrival in York.

We can then try to arrange for the provider to be at the coach/rail station to meet you; if this is not possible then you will need to take a taxi to the accommodation where the provider will meet you.

Points to remember

• Our providers have housed many students over the years and are able to offer support and advice. If you are not sure about something, please speak to them to seek clarification.
• Be considerate and respectful - remember that you are living in somebody else's home or property.
• Observe any 'house rules' set by the provider, particularly with regard to smoking or friends visiting/staying overnight.
• If you are living with the family/owner where meals are provided, do please let them know if you will not be in for a meal or if you are going to be away for a few days.
• If you decide to move to other accommodation, please make sure that you give the agreed notice to the provider.
• Please also inform the Accommodation Office immediately of any change of address.
• We strongly advise that you agree a particular day each week or month to pay the provider for your accommodation. Please ask them to provide you with a receipt to say that payment has been received. This will prevent any difficulties arising around payment/non payment of rent and hopefully will avoid disagreement at a later date.

Please return your accommodation form to York College as soon as possible

We cannot assist with your accommodation until we have received your form and your travel arrangements

Please arrive at Manchester or Leeds airport during the day at a reasonable time

You must give at least 14 days notice of your travel arrangements

The information below is provided to advise you of some issues that you may not have considered:

If you choose to live with a family/owner, your possessions may be covered by the provider's contents insurance, but we would advise that you discuss this with them, particularly if you have anything of great value (eg mobile phone or a laptop).

We advise all students living in shared housing to take out contents insurance to cover against loss of personal belongings. Bicycles require separate, additional insurance.

All students who are studying for 6 months or more are entitled to NHS (National Health Service) treatment. You will be able to visit a doctor, dentist or optician and receive treatment in a hospital. However, you may need to pay for prescription medicines and dental treatment. In order to use these services you must register with a doctor and dentist once you arrive in the UK.

You will be advised in more detail about these and other issues when you come to College and receive an induction. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have.

If you would like any further information regarding accommodation, you can contact us by telephone or e-mail.

Tel: +44 1904 770401

E-mail: accommodation@yorkcollege.ac.uk