It is not possible for the British Council to find accommodation for language assistants or to provide lists. Ask your school if they are able to find any accommodation for you, even if it is just for the first few weeks.

Also try the following: -

			Ask around at school and advertise on the staff noticeboard
			Buy the local newspaper and call early in the morning.
			Look online such as www.gumtree.co.uk; www.flatshare.com
			Assistants in London should buy LOOT magazine.
			Check university or other student noticeboards.
			Go to the local citizens' advice bureau/tourist office and ask if they keep accommodation lists.
			Ask the previous assistant if they can offer any advice.

You can also visit the Monetos website for more advice on finding accomodation in the UK.

Accommodation at YMCAs and YWCAs can be expensive, but it usually includes all meals and provides an instant group of friends. They offer sports and social facilities, entertainment, cafeterias and restaurants, and accommodation.

Do not:

			visit places alone
			advertise your telephone number in public places
			sign any contract with an agency without finding out if there are any fees to pay.

Please read the Personal Safety leaflet carefully before you travel to the UK and save a link to it in case you need quick access to the phone numbers there. Please also read the Creating Confidence booklet, to prepare yourself for living in another country.

Your host school will not pay your transport costs between your accommodation and school, so make sure that you don't arrange accommodation too far away as travel could be expensive. However, if you are working in more than one school and have to travel to both schools in one day, and have to pay higher transport costs, the schools should make a contribution to your costs.

If you share accommodation with people other than language assistants or students, you may have to pay Council Tax (see section on Money Matters.)