Accommodation and Welfare
The International Office will help you with accommodation whether it be independent living or with a host family. The following types of accommodation are available in the UK: room sharing in a house/flat, university accommodation or renting property.
Types of Accommodation
Host Families
If you wish to improve your spoken English and learn more about British culture, living with a host family is an excellent option. Living with a host family you will have your own bedroom.
Cost: Approximately £100 - £120 per week to include bed/breakfast and evening meal during the week, and full board at weekends and holiday times.
Private Rentals
You can arrange accommodation through a private landlord. The College can provide you with the details of letting agents should you want to explore this option. If you are to consider this option, be aware that private rentals often don’t include utility bills and are usually unfurnished. There are some properties that are part furnished and will cost a bit more. The majority of landlords require a month’s rent as a deposit.
Cost: Approximately £450 plus a month for the accommodation only (most landlords require the first month’s rent in advance. Food, utility bills and all household expenses would be extra.
Hostels and Hotels
This type of accommodation is suitable for those who wish to stay for a shorter period of time, as it is the most expensive option. If you wish to choose your own accommodation, you might like to stay at a hotel as a temporary measure until you find satisfactory accommodation. Details of local hotels and hostels can be given upon request.
Cost: Approximately £65 plus on a bed and breakfast basis only. Additional costs to consider are lunch, evening meals and laundry cleaning.
Please Note: Accommodation costs are indications only
Living Expenses
Your main living expenses will be learning materials, food and entertainment. It is recommended that you allow approximately £5,000 per year to cover living expenses whilst in the UK. The bullet points below indicates some approximate prices for entertainment options:
• Movie Ticket £6
• Monthly Gym Pass £26
• Football Ticket £30
• Weekly Bus Pass £13
• Swimming £5 Bowling £10
• Budget Meal £5
• Train to London – advanced and off peak £15
Welfare
The International Office will help you to settle into College life. For special groups this will start with an induction course especially designed to help you adapt to the UK, Derby and Derby College. Individual students will have a College induction within their chosen curriculum area.
Both the International Office and Student Services are available to offer advice and guidance and assist you in any way that we can.
Students’ Union
Derby College has a very active Students’ Union. All students can join and take part in social events and benefit from discounts in shops, cinemas and other entertainment.