It is considered polite to turn off lights and electrical items when you leave a room because electricity is expensive. If you want to move the furniture in your room, or put up posters or photos, please ask the family for permission first. If you damage anything, please tell your family as soon as possible and offer to pay. Homestay families do NOT offer restaurant style food - just normal family meals. A lot of students mistakenly think that English families all eat full cooked English breakfasts, take afternoon tea, have three course meals in the evening and a light supper before bed.
Most families are very busy and eat convenience foods - such as cereals and toast in the morning.
Please let the family know if you cannot eat anything in particular and tell them if you are going to be late or absent from a meal. Please do not use the homestay family's telephone without asking. You will be expected to pay for your telephone calls. You can make a reverse charge call, if necessary. Please ask for permission to use the kitchen or to help yourself to additional food and drink.