How do you choose between college and host family accommodation on a study abroad holiday? After all, among the first and most important decisions to make is where to stay:
Setting off on a study holiday abroad is one of the most valuable adventures a young person can experience. It is a chance to step outside familiar routines and enter a world of discovery, where every day brings new friendships, a different language and ways of life that broaden your perspective.
Each journey like this marks a step towards independence and self-confidence. It helps students not only improve their English but also grow as people, learning to adapt, communicate and thrive in a new environment.
Both staying in college and host family residences can be equally enriching, yet they offer very different experiences. Understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your personality, goals and expectations.]
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Two different worlds: college and host family life
Before making a decision, it helps to understand what these two accommodation types really mean.
College
A college is a campus or school residence where students live and study together, usually in the same location where lessons take place. Bedrooms can be single, double or shared with other students, and life on campus follows a lively rhythm filled with classes, sports, workshops, themed evenings and organised trips.
This type of accommodation is particularly common in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Canada.
It provides a stimulating international atmosphere where students from all over the world come together, creating friendships that often last far beyond the summer.
Host family
Staying with a host family means living directly in the home of a local family and taking part in their everyday life. You share meals, join in conversations and get a real insight into the culture, traditions and rhythm of the place where you are studying.
Host families are carefully chosen and monitored by the schools or agencies that organise the courses to ensure comfort, safety and a genuine welcome. This option is especially popular for language-based stays or longer programmes where daily interaction in English can make a big difference.
The advantages of staying in a college
Living in a college means joining a close-knit, international community where everything is designed for students. It offers structure, comfort and a lively social life that can make the experience both enjoyable and enriching.
One of the main benefits is the balance between independence and support. You learn to manage your own routine, keep your room tidy, follow timetables and take responsibility for your belongings, while still having staff available to guide and supervise. It’s an ideal way to build confidence in a safe setting.
Socially, college life is full of opportunities. Between lessons, group activities, sports and evening events, there’s always something happening. You’ll meet students from all over the world, make lasting friendships and practise English continuously, often without even realising it.
Colleges are also well organised and secure. Staff are present at all times, the facilities are monitored and the days are structured with a healthy mix of study, relaxation and leisure. This makes them particularly reassuring for parents of younger students, who can enjoy their independence without worry.
Finally, the environment itself is inspiring. Many colleges feature impressive facilities such as sports fields, performance spaces, art studios and landscaped grounds. This variety encourages students to get involved, try new things and use English naturally outside the classroom.
The limits of the college experience
College life, though exciting, isn’t right for everyone. Because it’s such a social environment, it can sometimes feel intense. You share your space, follow a fixed routine and spend much of your time in groups. For students who prefer quiet moments or a slower pace, this might feel overwhelming.
Another factor to consider is the degree of contact with local culture. While you’ll speak English daily, you’ll often interact with other international students rather than native speakers. The experience is enriching, but slightly more sheltered compared to everyday life in a local home.
In short, college offers security, structure and fun, but it’s less likely to provide the kind of cultural immersion that comes with living in a family setting.
The advantages of staying with a host family
Choosing a host family gives you the chance to live the language and culture of the country from the inside. You’ll experience real everyday life, develop natural fluency and gain a deeper understanding of local traditions and values.
Sharing meals, joining in conversations and taking part in family routines helps you practise English in a genuine and effortless way. You’ll learn common expressions, humour and everyday language that you simply don’t encounter in textbooks. It’s also an excellent opportunity to experience how people really live. You’ll learn about what they eat, how they spend their free time and what daily life looks like beyond the tourist experience.
For many students, the warmth of a family environment makes all the difference. Feeling part of a home, even temporarily, creates a sense of belonging and support. Many students stay in touch with their host families long after returning home, turning the experience into a lasting friendship.
Every host family is different, which makes each stay unique. Some live in cities, others in small towns or countryside villages. Some have children, others don’t. This diversity adds richness and authenticity to the experience.
The limits of the host family experience
Living with a host family requires adaptability and respect for new habits. You’ll be stepping into a home with its own rules and rhythms, from meal times to daily routines. At first, this might feel unfamiliar, but learning to adjust is part of what makes the experience meaningful.
Differences in culture or personality are natural and can take a little time to navigate. However, these moments often teach valuable lessons about communication, patience and open-mindedness.
It’s also worth noting that staying with a family means having less personal independence. You’ll need to follow house rules and coordinate with your hosts’ schedule. For some, this structure can feel limiting, but for many, it’s a reassuring framework that offers comfort and genuine connection.
Choosing between college and host family accommodation depends on…
Your personality
There’s no single answer to which option is best, because it depends entirely on your character and what you want to gain from the experience.
If you enjoy being surrounded by people, love teamwork and want a full schedule of organised activities, college life is likely to suit you. It offers structure, excitement and plenty of opportunities to socialise.
If you’re more interested in improving your language skills, discovering how locals live and forming close, personal relationships, a host family will probably be a better match. It allows for constant practice, cultural immersion and a homely environment that many students find comforting.
In essence, college is perfect for those looking for a lively, social and well-organised study holiday, while staying with a host family is ideal for those seeking a more personal and authentic experience.
Duration and your goals for your study abroad trip
The length of your study holiday can also help you decide. For shorter stays — one or two weeks — colleges tend to be the best choice, as they allow you to experience a lot in a short time and offer a ready-made structure of lessons and activities.
For longer programmes, typically a month or more, a host family stay allows for deeper language learning and cultural integration. Living with locals every day gives you the time and space to settle into the rhythm of the country and build stronger connections.
Your age
Age plays a key role when choosing between college and host family. Younger students, usually between 12 and 16, often do better in colleges where everything is supervised and well organised.
Older students, typically aged 16 to 19, tend to enjoy the independence and real-life experience that comes with a host family. For adults and university students, a family stay is almost always the preferred choice for authentic language immersion.
Host family and college stay experiences compared
Imagine Giulia, aged 15, spending two weeks in Cambridge. She lives in a college full of international students, attends lessons in the morning and takes part in sports and cultural activities in the afternoon. In the evenings, there are film nights, tournaments and themed events. She returns home with new friends from around the world and far greater confidence in her English.
Now picture Lorenzo, aged 18, spending a month in Ireland with a host family. He speaks English every day, helps with meals, watches television with the family and takes part in local events. By the end of his stay, he’s not only more fluent but also deeply familiar with Irish culture and daily life.
Both experiences are valuable, though they lead to different outcomes and impressions.
Final thoughts on choosing to stay with a host family or in college: there’s no wrong choice
Whether you choose a college or a host family, the most important thing is your attitude. Every study holiday teaches something important about language, independence, adaptability and curiosity.
A college offers energy, fun and friendship. A host family provides authenticity, warmth and personal growth. Both are meaningful, and both can change how you see the world.
What truly matters is setting off with an open mind and a willingness to learn!
