Info for students
Frequently asked questions
Does StudyStore charge for its service?
No. StudyStore services are completely free. Not only is it free, but in many cases you save when booking with us. We have the best deals on Language Schools in the UK. StudyStore will not charge you any booking fee or add any hidden costs to your booking.
Why should I book using StudyStore when can I book directly with school?
When you book with us you are not alone, you are part of big community of students that book with StudyStore and you have us as your agent. StudyStore can provide valuable help you during your stay. If there is a problem with your school or accommodation you have someone to call. We send large numbers of students to schools so when there is a problem they listen to us and are very keen to resolve problem and to help you. In addition, when you book with us you will usually pay less than booking directly and have access to great deals on insurance and free UK mobile SIM cards. With StudyStore you can search all UK language schools, compare prices and save, you get all benefits in one place.
How long do I need to book in advance?
Language schools can be very busy, especially during the summer. To ensure that you have a place and that there is enough time for you to get visa (if you require one) we recommend you to book at least few months in advance. If you do not require accommodation or a visa then we can accept short notice bookings. If you do require accommodation then we require at least 3 weeks advance notice and if you require visa then we advise you to book minimum 8 week before your starting date. The sooner you book the better it is as there is extra time to deal with any issues.
Can I change my booking?
That depends on what you want to change and when you wish to change it. If you have made mistake in your booking you need to call or e mail us within 48h. We will then correct any mistake and do a new correct booking, free of charge. If you wish to change following:
- Starting time of classes: If you want to change your starting time of classes, we can do so if there is availability with school and if there is no difference in price.
- Starting date: If you wish to change your starting date then you need to send us an e mail, we usually require minimum 6 week’s notice to postpone your course and/or accommodation. You cannot postpone your course at the last minute. We will also charge £100 administration fee to postpone your course. You can postpone your course for any starting date in that calendar year. If you are postponing your course for following year you may need to pay any price difference if the school changes their prices.
- Accommodation basis: If you want to change accommodation basis, for example from host family half board to host family bed and breakfast, or single to twin room, we will not charge you for any change providing you inform us 6 weeks prior to your arrival, this change will also depend on availability.
- Accommodation type: If you wish to change your accommodation type from host family to residence, or similar you may do so if you inform us 6 weeks in advance, you may need to pay the accommodation booking fee again.
- Canceling accommodation: If you want to cancel accommodation you have booked but you wish to keep course, you can do so providing you inform us 6 weeks prior to your arrival, please note that accommodation booking fee is non refundable and we will charge 2 weeks of accommodation cost as cancellation fee. If you canceling accommodation less than 6 weeks prior starting date four weeks cancellation fee of accommodation will apply.
- Transfer: If you wish to add transfer to your booking you may do so, we require payment for transfer and a minimum of two weeks advance notice. If you wish to cancel your transfer you may do so providing you give us minimum two weeks’ notice.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes you can but both the schools and StudyStore work on non-refundable basis. If you paid for accommodation and transfer we will refund you part of the cost as per our terms of business. We STRONGLY advise you to take insurance to cover you in case of cancellation. Schools have non refundable policy, so do we.
Is my place in the school secured for me once I have booked?
Once you have booked and paid for your courses we will confirm your place in school, usually within 48 hours during working week days. If it happens that school is fully booked we will offer you an alternative school. No place is secured until we receive payment. You are advised not to buy your flight ticket until we confirm your place in school.
Why is there a difference in price between schools?
Due to several reasons but main one are: how many students are per class, how long is the class, where the school is based, what time of day are the classes etc. Schools charge more or less depending how popular are they and quality of teaching they offer. As we only work with British Council approved schools you can rest assured that all of our schools offer the highest standards in teaching.
Can I start my course on any day in the week?
Most of schools have starting dates on Mondays, except where Monday is a holiday or you have booked a one to one course. If Monday is a holiday then you will usually start on the Tuesday.
Can I choose whether to study in the morning or afternoon?
Usually yes, this is clearly marked in your search result, when booking select course that start at time you wish to study. One to one tuition can be arranged at a time to suit you.
How many hours per week can I study?
As many you like, but if you require a visa you must study a minimum 15 or 20 hours per week.
How long are the lessons?
That depends on each school, the lesson's length is clearly shown in your search results, a class can typically be 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 minutes. It's up to you to decide which option is best for you.
Can I take an English test before I book my course?
Yes you can. The British Council has an online test that will help you determine your level.
Will I need to do a test on my arrival to the school to evaluate my level of English?
Most likely yes, you will be tested and put in class of your level. Please note that you may find this level too high or low and if that is the case you will have to speak to your professor and director of studies. If you have entered wrong level in your application then school may need to change your classes time or day, depending on availability.
Do I need to have certain level of English to take any of the courses?
For most examination courses you need to be minimum level pre intermediate or intermediate, for general English you can start from beginner.
Can I change my course level if I find it too difficult or too easy?
You will have to speak to your teacher and to director of study in your school, they will evaluate your situation and make decision.
Can I change my class time?
This may be possible, but it will depend on availability. You may need to wait until there is a place in other class. If there is difference between price you will have to pay difference. In some cases there is an administration fee too.
Will my school set exams during my studies?
Most of school will closely monitor your progress either with verbal exams and test or with written ones.
Can I take a holiday during my course?
Usually yes, you will have to speak to your school and inform them at least two weeks prior to your holiday.
What do I need to bring with me on the first day?
On your first day you need to bring four passport photos, your passport or ID, a pen and note book. You will also need to take email confirmation from us to show to your school. Make sure you are not late on your first day, as if you are not familiar with public transport or distances the journey may take more time on your first day.
What happens if I am sick and I can’t go to school?
You must inform the school immediately if you are planning to be absent for any reason. In case of illness a doctor's certificate may be required. There will be no reduction in fee or any extension, you are strongly advised to take insurance to cover you for unforseen events.
What happens if I have problem or wish to complain?
First you need to talk to your teacher and/or director of studies. If you feel that your problem is not being resolved you can contact us too. We will then speak to school to understand situation and we will then offer best solution. If you wish to complain about school you can do so by writing to us and writing to British Council. British council take seriously all complains and they will investigate. If you have problem with your host family we advise you to talk to them first before you speak to your school. Most of the time problems can be resolved immediately and most of them are misunderstanding and cultural differences. If you are ever in a life threatening situation or you need immediate police, ambulance or fire brigade help, call 999 in the UK. This number is only for emergencies. You will be given StudyStore emergency number when you make booking.
Who will wait for me at the airport or station?
If you have booked pick up service we will confirm with your name and number of company who will pick you up. On arrival you need to look for your name or name of your school on white board. Driver will be waiting for you even if your flight or train is late, if your flight or train is late more than 30 min you may need to pay an extra fee to driver. Driver will take you directly to your accommodation. If you can’t find the driver you need to call number that we gave you, if you can't get thru them you need to call us. You are not allowed to leave airport or station if you don’t find your driver, you will be charged and no refunds will be given. If you did not book pick up service you will have to go directly to your accommodation or accommodation office. StudyStore advise students in London to use public transport, its much cheaper and is usually fast and convenient.
What type of accommodation should I choose?
That will depend on many various factors. Most of students prefer host family and they will be living typical British life. Usually host family invite students on various family activities. Living with family means that you have to respect family rules. Please click here for more information about various accommodation options.
Should I take insurance?
In our experience insurance is really essential as it will cover you for most of unpredictable things in life. Schools and us operate on non-refundable basis so we strongly advise you to take insurance. For insurance info click here.