Whether you stay with us for just one week or for a long period of time, accommodation is a very important aspect of your stay. You need to feel at home to be able to concentrate and progress with your learning. You are a long way from home and we understand that you need our support to organise a comfortable place for you to live.
Available all year round
10-35 minutes by bus from the school.
Personally approved by the school and regularly inspected
We cater for special diets such as vegan or Halal.
Regular or Executive Homestay
With Executive Homestay, you have your own private bathroom (not necessarily en-suite)
Half Board or Full Board
Staying in a homestay can be a valuable part of your language course. Your host welcomes you into their home and provides a comfortable and friendly base during your stay. You live as part of the household, sharing meals and common living areas. All hosts are personally approved by the school and regularly inspected, and many students and hosts stay in touch long after the course.
Homestays are typically 10–35 minutes by bus from the school. An adult bus pass usually costs around £14–18 per week.
Who will my host be?
We have a wide range of hosts, including families with children, couples without children, and single hosts. For students under 18, all adult members of the household are DBS-checked as part of our safeguarding procedures.
To help us find the most suitable homestay, we ask you questions on your booking form, such as your preferences regarding smoking, children, and pets.
What can I expect in my homestay?
Your host will welcome you, provide a comfortable room for study and relaxation, and explain the household arrangements. Bed linen and towels are changed weekly, and your clothes will be washed. Please remember this is a home, not a hotel, so you are expected to respect house rules.
What if I have a problem or a question?
Our welfare staff at reception are always available if you have any concerns. If necessary, we will arrange a change of homestay as quickly as possible.
What if I am under 18?
If you are under 18, all adult members of your homestay household will have a DBS check (police check). To help keep you safe, you must return home by 22.30 from Sunday to Thursday and by 23.00 on Friday and Saturday.
DETAILS EXPLAINED:
• Executive Homestay provides you with a private bathroom (NB this is not necessarily en-suite).
• Half Board includes breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday, plus all meals at the weekend.
• Full Board offers the same as Half Board plus a packed lunch Monday to Friday.
ADDITIONAL FEES:
• If you wish to keep your room while you are on holiday, we charge a retainer fee of £6 per day.
• Halal, vegan, coeliac, lactose-free or nut-free diet: additional fee of £30 per week.
• Vegetarian or no-pork diet: this can be provided at no extra cost.
Please note: special dietary requirements must be requested on the booking form
Lewis School co-operates with Austen House and Crescent Place: two city-centre residences — both within a 10-minute walk of the school.
TYPICAL ACCOMMODATION OPTION (subject to availability)
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks – summer only
Acceptance Policy: Under 18 allowed with a supervisor
Single en-suite room in shared flat of 4–6 occupants
Stylish decoration, double bed and high-speed Wi-Fi
Shared modern lounge-diner with kitchen appliances, dining table, chairs, sofa and TV
Included in fees:
All bills (water, gas, electricity, broadband)
Bed linen (to purchase)
Kettle, toaster and shared kitchen pack
Toilet paper
Gym access at Crescent Place
You are expected to keep your room and shared kitchen areas clean. Cleaning equipment is provided. An on-site laundry is available. Please bring your own towels.
PRICE
Advanced Rent Payment: £255 – deducted from total rent (no deposit required)
En-suite (Austen House & Crescent Place): £190 per week
Please Note: you may share a flat with non-Lewis students
Austen House Studio: £215 single / £250 double per week
Crescent Place Studio: £225 single / £260 double per week
Booking a room in Austen House or Crescent Place is simple: when completing your Lewis Adult School Application Form, choose your preferred option. We will then send you a residence booking link with full instructions.
PLEASE NOTE: This accommodation is NOT arranged or managed by Lewis School. Bookings are made directly with the residences, and any issues during your stay should be addressed to the residences.
If you wish to explore other residential options, below is a list of residences our students have previously stayed at. You will need to book directly with the following residences.
Click on a residence name below to be connected to its website.
Unilife Sparkford House
The Walls
Lucia Foster Welch Halls
Vincent Place – if you are booking for a minimum of 4 weeks, as a Lewis School student you can email this residence directly: [email protected] Rooms are double and 2 people can share at no extra cost.
If you are considering renting private accommodation, please see our advice at this link
You may wish to see options and availability on this website (or copy and paste into your browser: https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/southampton)
*We’ve included photos of one of these residences to give you an idea of the facilities on offer.