Built into the basic program cost is the cost of the homestay option with morning and evening meal each day. On-campus accommodations are available at an additional fee.
The Accommodation Office at St. Mary's, which is open Monday through Friday all year, will arrange for the American students to live in British homes in the surrounding community. In most cases, the accommodations will be within a half an hour's walk of the campus. Some householders take just one student, while others take two. No more than two students placed in a given accommodation.
Breakfast is provided by the householder, and the evening meal is taken on campus with the other SMUC students. Most hosts will allow students to use their kitchen to prepare drinks and snacks.
Within the accommodations, students will have their own keys and will be free to come and go as they please, except of course, that they must be considerate of the other people living there.
St. Mary's University College Refectory, where the American students will take their evening meal, is open seven days a week during term time and is situated centrally on the campus. It offers a wide range of food, all at reasonable prices, including a daily choice of main meals, vegetarian dishes, hot and cold snacks, burgers and salads. There is also a Snack Bar open from 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and La Dolche Vita - a new cafe with wonderful views over the campus which opens from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
For an additional fee (TBD), students may elect to live on-campus in a designated residence hall (Lady Frances De Marillac). Single en-suite rooms with internet access include a meal plan for 5 breakfasts, 2 weekend brunches and 7 evening meals.
Under no circumstances will students be allowed to live in apartments or in any other housing situation that is not approved by and under the direct supervision of the staff at St. Mary's University College.
Naturally, some adjustments with regard to customs, food, and heat must be anticipated, but every effort will be made to provide an agreeable living situation.