Accommodation for International Students
Students who need accommodation have the choice of Highbury’s onsite Hall of Residence, the Tower, or staying with a Host Family. The College’s Accommodation Office can discuss your options and help arrange what is best for you.
Onsite accommodation
Highbury's onsite accommodation is situated within the College's tallest building, the Tower. All 75 bedrooms enjoy views of Portsmouth and its coastline.
Each floor consists of 15 good-sized bedrooms, two kitchens, dining area, lounge and television. Each bedroom includes a bed, desk, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (shower, toilet and wash basin), telephone (with software for low-cost international phone calls), television and computer points and free Internet access. There is also a laundry room, with washers and dryers, and 24-hour security in operation on the College site.
Summary of onsite accommodation
Rent: £75 per week, inclusive of heating, hot water and lighting.
Payable: Half-termly in advance by standing order, credit/debit card or cheques made payable to ‘Highbury College Property Services’
Reservation deposit: £100 holding fee will be required to secure the room. The College reserves the right to retain this holding fee if you do not take up residence.
Damages deposit: £150 is required and is subject to deduction for amounts due to the College for damage, replacement or repair. This amount, or the balance, will be refunded to the student within 14 days of the date of vacating the room.
Restrictions: Pets (except Guide Dogs, by arrangement); overnight guests.
Homestay accommodation
Homestay accommodation is a bedroom in a private house. The landlord/landlady will live in the house, perhaps with their family or other students. All of our homestay hosts are in the Portsmouth and Cosham areas, close to Highbury College.
All homes are carefully selected and visited at least once a year to ensure that the facilities on offer are of the highest standard. They also undergo police background checks, abide by relevant health and safety regulations and are culturally sensitive to international students.
You will have a room with a bed, storage and desk/table to work on. Eating arrangements will depend on which of the two types of homestay accommodation you choose.
Self-catering – If you choose the self-catering option you will have use of the host’s kitchen to prepare your own meals. You will also be expected to do your own shopping and laundry.
Half board – The host will provide you with breakfast and dinner during the week as well as a light lunch at weekends. Your laundry (washing only) will also be included in the price.
Finding the right host
When you apply for homestay, we will ask you if you have any preferences for the type of host family you would like to live with.
It is also very important that we are aware of any special needs you may have, such as health problems, disabilities, dietary restrictions etc so we can match your requirements to those of your host. Additionally, you will be required to sign an agreement with your host family.
How much does it cost and how do I pay?
As a guide, you should expect to pay between £70-£75 a week for self-catering homestay and between £95-£100 a week for half board. This price includes all bills, except telephone. In both instances you will be expected to pay your host monthly in advance from the day of arrival. Should you decide to leave, one month’s notice must be given, or one month’s rent is payable instead of giving notice.
Summary of homestay accommodation
Rent: Price on enquiry.
Payable: Monthly, in advance; rent is payable directly to the host.
Reservation deposit: None.
Damages deposit: None.
Restrictions: Some restrictions may apply.
Notice required: One month
To apply for accommodation at Highbury College please complete the Accommodation Questionnaire and return to Highbury College, Portsmouth, Hants PO6 2SA.
