We want your stay with a host to be a truly valuable and rewarding experience. Remember that things may be a bit different from what you expect at first. It may take you a little time to adjust to Irish culture, travel, greetings, and the like but your host is there to help you. Below are some hints and tips which we hope will help to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Your Expectations, Our Expectations:
Homestay:
A homestay in Dublin does not always consist of two parents with children. Other types of families (such as a widow or an older couple whose children have left home) also make excellent hosts. They will do their best to help you settle in and feel as comfortable in their home as possible. Remember that you are living in somebody else’s home and you must respect their rules and routine. In order to use the house address, you must have approval from your host family in advance.
Location:
All of our accommodation is located in Dublin in good areas close to train stations and bus routes. Please refer to http://www.dublinbus.ie/, http://www.luas.ie/ & http://www.irishrail.ie/ about-us/dart-commuter to plan your commute.
Arrival Procedures:
It is very important that you contact either your host or Accommodation Dublin with your arrival details to get things off to a good start. If we do not have this information, we cannot guarantee that there will be someone at home when you arrive on your first day in Dublin. It is usually possible to arrive at your accommodation between 08.00 and 22.00. If you need to arrive outside of these hours, please check with us before making travel arrangements.
Living with a Host:
Your Bedroom: You will be given a key to the house but it is unlikely you will have a key to your room. If you want to move any furniture, ask first. You may also want to invite friends from time to time but again, you must always ask first. WI-FI is available in homestays.
Cleaning/Laundry: Towels and bedding are provided and are cleaned once a week. You are responsible to clean your room and keep it tidy. Your host will do one load of light washing a week or alternatively, you will have access to laundry facilities. Please arrange where and when you will leave your clothes to be washed. Your homestay may suggest that you use a launderette for any extra items of clothing.
Bathroom: The host may ask you to use the bathroom at set times. This does not mean they are strict but it may be just to make things easier if there are other students in the house or other members of the family who also need to use it at a similar time. Leave the bathroom tidy when you have finished.
Meals: If you have self-catering accommodation booked, you will be able to use the kitchen to prepare your meals. Please discuss the times with your host family. Leave it tidy and clean.
Heating: In the winter, your host will probably have the heating switched on in the mornings and evenings but it will probably not be on overnight. If you feel cold, ask your homestay for extra blankets. In winter, you will need to wear more layers when you are indoors, as well as out.
Smoking: Smoking is allowed outside only and not inside the home. Please always let us know if you smoke, before coming to Dublin.
Homestay Extension: If you wish to extend your Homestay Accommodation, please speak to a member of the staff. You have to notify us 2 weeks before your accommodation end date.
Payments:
The accommodation fee (€ Euro) and payment dates are set out in your Payment Request statement. The minimum period of stay is 4 weeks for homestays. Rooms booked in host families for extra days, over and above the first week will be charged on a nightly basis. Students should never pay money directly to their host family for accommodation or make any arrangements with the host family not previously and explicitly agreed with Accommodation Dublin. There is a 75 Euro host family arrangement fee and a 100 Euro security deposit. The security deposit will be refunded back to after you leave the accommodation. In case of any personal arrangement with the host family or damage to their house, your deposit will not be refunded back. The weekly prices are subject to change.
Cancellation:
If the client has to cancel the booking, you should do so by contacting Accommodation Dublin in writing at the earliest opportunity as cancellation fees will apply. 100 Euro administration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
If the Client has to cancel the booking, the following refund off the balance of the fees paid will apply;
· 3 months prior to arrival date: 90% refund;
· 2 months prior to arrival date: 60% refund;
· 4 weeks prior to arrival date: 50 % refund;
· 2 weeks prior to arrival date: 25% refund;
· Less than 7 days prior to arrival date: 0% refund
You will be refunded fees as set out above by electronic funds transfer to your nominated bank account. (Please note that there may be additional deductions due to transaction costs.)
If you do not comply with the house rules, the host keeps his/her right to ask you to leave. If this is the case, we will not be able to refund your remaining fee. In the event that a student chooses to depart from the host family without providing prior notice, we hereby declare that we shall not be held responsible for any associated costs, losses, or transportation expenses. Please pay attention! You must watch the video here before you accept our terms & conditions.
Your Welfare Safety:
It is very important that you call your host if you are going to be out for the whole evening or away overnight as they will be worried about you. Try to travel home with a friend at night and ask your host about the best ways of getting home late at night. Take care of your valuables and keep to well-lit streets and main roads.
Advisors: You should report any signs of sickness or ill health, bullying, harassment, cultural difficulties, or any issues relating to alcohol or drug abuse to our Advisor.