Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a reservation?
Please go to the San Rafael Student Home section on this website and click the reservations link to make a reservation.

Can I choose my room?
Yes, we will try to honor your room request. The earlier you apply the better your chances of getting the exact room you want.

What about my roommate? Can I choose my roommate too?
Yes, we also accept roommate requests. Just let us know and we will try to honor your request.

Can I arrive early or late?
In general, students should arrive 1-3 days before class starts.

ELS students should arrive during our regular arrival times. However, if you need to arrive earlier or later, we will try to accommodate you. Please inform us as early as possible.

All other students: please plan on arriving between 10:00 and 22:00, and please inform us of your exact arrival time as early as possible.

Are there any meals included?
No, we don't offer any meals. However, there are inexpensive restaurants near the Student Home and you can also purchase inexpensive meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the school cafeteria. And of course, you can cook at the Student Home (we have a beautiful, large kitchen).

Do you have private or shared bathrooms?
All bathrooms are shared (only deluxe suites have their own en-suite bathroom). Each student is assigned a bathroom. Shared bathrooms are located in the hallway near the bedroom.

What is the average age of the students at the student home?
Most of our students are between 18 and 24 years old, and a few are older. The average age is about 21 years.

Are there laundry machines?
Yes, we have coin-operated laundry machines for you.

Is there a desk for every student?
Of course, every student has their own desk with high-speed Wi-Fi internet access.

Can I access the internet at the Student Home?
Of course, we offer free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet in the Student Home.

What if I need help?
We have a 24-hour helpline, and our property managers are very friendly and helpful. Please call whenever you need help.

Can I stay at the Student Home even if I am not an international student?
No. You can only stay at the Student Home if you are taking classes during your stay. Our Student Home is designed for international students; it is not appropriate for the lifestyle of somebody on vacation.

Can I stay at the Student Home before my classes start or after my classes end?
You can stay at the Student Home for only a few days before classes start and only for a few days after classes end. Please arrive 1-3 days before your class starts, and please plan on checking out no later than 2 days after your last day of class.

Is living in the Student Home like being in a hotel on vacation?
Not at all! The Student Home is specifically designed for international students. You are expected to study and live together with the other international students as part of a large student family. This means that you and your new friends share responsibilities like in a family. For example, you have to keep your own room clean and orderly, you make your bed by yourself and you do your own laundry, you cook and eat meals with your new friends and then clean up the kitchen, you arrange with your roommate to supply soap and toilet paper or you use your own.

At the Student Home, you have the opportunity to study together with your new friends, practice English and learn about other cultures from around the world. Here you won't be alone but you will be part of a big student family!

Do you provide dishes, plates and silverware?
We no longer provide our residents with dishes but we help them purchase their own in a nearby store. This policy helps keep residents motivated to clean and take care of their own dishes.