Accommodation Options at Galway Business & English School

Choosing where you live is a key decision when planning your study abroad experience with GCI. Whether you wish to stay in a host family or in a residence, we have plenty of options for you to choose from. There is no doubt that you will have the time of your life in Galway and we are here to make you feel at home. 

Where you live shapes your time in Galway. We arrange accommodation for every student studying with Galway Cultural Institute (GCI) or Galway Business School (GBS), so you can settle in quickly and get on with your course.
You can choose between staying with a local host family or in one of our student residences. Both are within 10 minutes' walk to 40 minutes by bus of the school, depending on traffic and the area.

Accommodation is reserved on a weekly basis – i.e. 7 nights either for host family or residential accommodation. The minimum stay is one week. 

Accommodation is only organised for students attending a course at GCI or GBS. Accommodation fees and booking/placement fees are available to view and download here. 

IF THE PREFFERED OPTION IS UNAVIALABLE, THE NEXT BEST OPTION WILL BE ALLOCATED.

Two Accommodation Options

Host Family

The warmest welcome you'll get in Ireland. Live with a vetted local family, share meals, and practice your English from the moment you sit down for breakfast. The best choice if you want to improve quickly and see how Galway really lives.

Student Residence

Bright, modern, fully equipped apartments and houses in and around Salthill. Self-catering, available all year round, and ideal if you'd prefer your own space. Open to students aged 18and over.

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How booking works

1. Book your course. Accommodation is arranged only for students enrolled at GCI or GBS.
2. Tell us what you need at the time of booking, including any dietary, allergy, pet, location, or family-specific requests. We'll do our best to match, but special requests can't be guaranteed and may carry a weekly supplement.
3. Pay your fees: accommodation, placement, and (for residences) the security deposit by Transfermate.
4. Receive your placement details before you arrive: your host family or residence address, house rules, and directions from the airport or bus station.
5. Move in. Host family stays run Sunday to Sunday (7 nights). Residence stays run Saturday to Saturday (7 nights).

If your preferred option isn't available, we'll allocate the next best option and confirm with you in writing.

Fees, deposits and payments

Current accommodation rates, placement fees and supplements are in our downloadable price list. 

• Accommodation is reserved on a weekly basis, minimum one week
• Special-request supplements (diet, pets, children in the home, allergies, specific location) are charged per week
• Residence security deposits are payable by Transfermate only — cash is not accepted
• Accommodation fees are non-refundable
• Residence rates may increase during peak periods
  

Extending, changing or staying longer

• Extra nights in a host family - available at a per-night rate, subject to availability
• Christmas stays in a host family - not possible but we can arrange for student residence instead 
• Extra nights in a residence - not available; we can arrange B&B or a host family instead, subject to availability
• Changes after booking - we do not charge an additional registration fee if you wish to extend your stay
• Extensions must be arranged through the school office, not directly with the host family or landlord

House rules

We ask every student to respect the home they're staying in, whether that's a family home or a shared residence. In residences, students sign a Residential Student Contract before move-in, agreeing to:

• Respect the property, other tenants and neighbours
• Pay for any breakages, lost keys, or damage caused
• Avoid antisocial behaviour and noise that would disturb others
• No parties - this is a hard rule
• Follow the rules and regulations of GCI / GBS residential accommodation

Serious or repeated breaches can result in loss of deposit and, in some cases, removal from the residence.

Frequently asked questions

Can I book accommodation without a course?

No. We arrange accommodation only for students enrolled at GCI or GBS.

How far is accommodation from the school?

Between 10 minutes' walk and 40 minutes b ybus, depending on the area and traffic.

Can I choose my exact host family or residence?

We do our best to match preferences submitted at the time of booking. If the preferred option isn't available, we allocate the next best option and confirm with you.

Is residence accommodation available for under-18s?

No. Residences are for students aged 18 and over. Under-18 students are placed with host families.

Can I pay the residence deposit in cash?

No, residence deposits are payable only through Transfermate.

What happens if I cause damage?

Breakages, lost keys, or damage in residences are deducted from your security deposit. Serious damage may incur additional charges.

Can I stay over Christmas?

Yes, options available only in Student Residences. Please request this at the time of booking.