Code of conduct for students under 18 staying in a homestay

According to UK law, all people under the age of 18 are legally considered to be children. This means that all adults that come into contact with you have a duty of care to ensure your safety. This includes the staff at your school, your homestay hosts and ourselves, the provider who helped organise your homestay. As your homestay provider, we feel it is important that we make clear the rules you will be expected to follow while staying in your homestay, to you and your parents and/or legal guardians.

Please note that this code of conduct is in place to ensure you have a safe and pleasant stay in the UK and with your host. Please also note these rules are non-negotiable, and serious or repeated breach of the rules will result in you being asked to leave your accommodation, without any obligation for us to offer you alternative accommodation or refund fees.

Every country has slightly different rules, laws and customs and what is ‘normal’ or usual in one country may be unusual or even illegal in another. While you are staying in the UK it is essential you are aware of and follow the laws of this country. Some of the keys laws are included in this code of practice and can be found below:

• Never drink alcohol. The minimum legal age to drink alcohol in the UK is 18 years old. If you are under 18, drinking alcohol is not only illegal, it can make you vulnerable and put your personal safety and possessions at risk.
• Never buy tobacco products. The minimum legal age to smoke in the UK is 16 years old, BUT the minimum age to buy tobacco in the UK is 18 years old.
• Never use or buy illegal drugs.
• Never gamble. The minimum legal age to gamble in the UK is 18 years old.

When living with a host, it is important you understand and try your best to fit in with the host/host families routine and house rules. Some common key house rules are included in this code of practice and can be found below:

• Please remember you are a guest in another person home and you should at all times treat homestays hosts, their families and other students with respect.
• Curfew times are subject to host and parental approval and any student under 18 should follow the times set by their host. However, we suggest that students aged 16-17 should be home no later than 11 pm Friday and Saturday and 10.30 pm all other days of the week. Students must ensure they have returned to the homestay by or before this time on a daily basis without fail. If you are running late, please ensure this is not by more than 15 minutes and keep in touch with your homestay host to let them know why you are late and when to expect you. You should not be late on regular occasions. You should never stay away from your home overnight unless this has been formally arranged in advance with both your host and homestay provider having written permission from your parents.
• Please give your mobile phone number to your homestay on arrival and ensure you have their contact details as well.
• Your homestay host will let you know what time breakfast and dinner will be served. Please ensure that you are home in time for all meals. If you are going to be late for the meal please notify your homestay host in advance, with enough notice to allow the host to change meal plans.
• Your homestay host will let you know the laundry arrangements for the house. Please follow the host’s schedule and instructions about where to place your laundry. The host will wash your clothes and return them to you as scheduled.
• Try to speak English at all times in your homestay, this includes when speaking to other students.
• Keep your bedroom tidy and make your bed each day.
• Leave the bathroom clean and tidy after using it and remember to use your own shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.
• When you arrive please speak to your host about using the kitchen to prepare drinks. Do not use the kitchen to cook or help yourself to food unless this has been previously agreedon with your host. If you are hungry, please let your host know.
• In the UK, heating is rarely kept on overnight. If you are cold please speak with your host. They will often be able to provide you with extra blankets or a hot water bottle.
• Ask permission before inviting friends to visit your homestay. Do not bring friends to your homestay when the host is not at home.
• Remember to switch all electrical appliances and lights off when you are leaving the room or the homestay.
• Please make sure after using any tap (running water) that it is turned off fully.
• Do not put pictures or posters on the wall unless you have agreedon this with your homestay host in advance.
• Check with your homestay about using laptops and other appliances, etc.
• Please do not use your homestay hosts’ telephone to make outgoing calls unless they are with you and have given you permission. Mobile phones and sim cards can be purchased easily in the UK and are relatively inexpensive. Your homestay host or school reception will usually be able to give you advice on how to do this.You must ask permission from your homestay to receive incoming calls.
• If you break or damage something, either in your bedroom or anywhere in your homestay, please tell your homestay host immediately.
• Please dress modestly and in an appropriate manner for living in someone else’s house.

Please remember that your host, your school and us your homestay provider are here to help you and ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay in the UK. If you have any queries, concerns or complaints, do not hesitate to contact a member of our staff. We have both male and female welfare officers who are trained in safeguarding and will be happy to talk with you about any concerns or issues you may have.Our office can be contacted on 020 8395 0333, if the office is closed you will be given the number of several mobile phones you can call out of hours. These numbers can also be found on your accommodation confirmation.