Student Accommodation — Foyle International, Derry

Live with a Derry family

One of the most popular ways to stay is with a local Irish host. You live as part of the household — eating and relaxing together as a member of the family. The Irish are known for their warmth, generosity and friendliness, and a homestay is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to get to know Irish people and practise your English every day.

Comfortable homestay accommodation in Derry

What your host provides

Breakfast — continental style: toast, cereal, fruit, tea/coffee/juice
A packed lunch for full-board students
An evening meal, 7 days a week
A furnished bedroom with bed linen, changed regularly
Use of utilities & laundry, within normal household limits
A private or shared room, with access to all living areas
WiFi included
Vetted & approved host families
24/7 Foyle support line

In most homes students share the bathroom. Students are liable for the cost of any excessive use of electricity, water or gas during their stay.

Different people, different homes

Our hosts come from all walks of life and every part of the city — single people, couples, families and older hosts, in everything from apartments to houses, in the city centre and on the outskirts. Some welcome one student at a time; others can host up to four. Rooms may be single or twin — if you're placed in a twin room, you'll share with another Foyle International student.

Hosts do their best to chat with their student and create a genuine "home from home". We ask students to remember that every host has their own customs and habits, and that meals are prepared in the local style.

"I really like my host family. Joan is so supportive and kind, and I feel completely comfortable here."
Li Mei HO-KIM, Réunion Island

Your own space

Prefer independence? Our self-catering houses and flats give you the freedom to cook and organise your own time — ideal for older students and groups who want their own space in the city.

Open-plan self-catering kitchen and dining area

Twin bedroom in self-catering accommodation

What's included

Fully equipped kitchen
Private or shared bedrooms
WiFi included
On good transport links
Bills included

"I really enjoyed living in my own place. What I liked best was the freedom and independence: I could cook whatever I wanted and organize my time as I wished. It also made me feel more responsible."
Naïma A., France · Erasmus+ Programme

01 — Safety & support

Your safety, their peace of mind.

Whether you're travelling alone or sending your child abroad for the first time, you're in careful hands. Every family we work with is chosen, checked and supported — and we're here around the clock.

Vetted host families

Every homestay is personally visited and approved by our team. Families working with under-18s are background-checked through AccessNI.

24/7 support line

A Foyle contact is available day and night for anything students or parents need — from a missed bus to a genuine emergency.

Close to school

Homestays are within a reasonable, agreed distance of the school, on good transport links, so the daily journey is short and simple.

Care for under-18s

Younger students follow age-based curfews and are supervised in line with our safeguarding and child protection policies.

Information for parents — students under 18

Students under 18 are classified as minors and cared for accordingly. Host families and staff who work with minors are background-checked through AccessNI (Northern Ireland's criminal records service).

Age-based curfews apply: ages 13–15 return by 9:30pm, ages 16–18 by 10:30pm. Students are supervised in line with our Child Protection policy.

Our full policies — Insurance, Health & Safety, Child Protection and Data Protection — are available on request. Email info@foyle.eu and we'll send them straight over.

Health, dietary & medical needs

Please tell us about any medical conditions, allergies or dietary requirements when you book. Sharing this early lets us match you with the right family and make sure your needs are met from day one.

Host families can cater for common dietary requirements. Any medication is handled discreetly, and all health information is kept confidential and shared only where necessary for your care.

We strongly recommend every student has valid travel and medical insurance for the length of their stay.

02 — How it works

From enquiry to front door.

Getting your accommodation sorted is simple. Here's what to expect.

Tell us your needs

Your dates, budget, any dietary or medical needs, and whether you'd prefer homestay or self-catering.

We match you

We pair you with a vetted family or place suited to you — close to school and on good transport links.

Confirm & pay

We'll confirm your placement and send clear details on how to secure your stay and arrange payment.

Arrive & settle

Read your pre-arrival pack, arrange an optional airport transfer, and we'll see you in Derry.

Your home away from home.