One of the first things you’ll sort out before arriving in Malta is where to stay. It isn’t complicated, but the options work quite differently, and the right one depends on how you like to live. Here’s a straight-talking breakdown of the three main accommodation types for English language students in Malta.
Host family: immersion without trying
Staying with a host family means you’re not just learning English in a classroom, you’re living it. Meals are usually included, and you’ll find yourself picking up casual phrases and everyday habits that no textbook teaches. Most host families are used to international students and know how to be welcoming without being intrusive.
The cost usually sits between €120 and €180 per week, depending on the room type and whether you want breakfast only or half board (breakfast and dinner). For Malta, that’s genuinely good value, especially once you factor in the money you save on groceries and cooking.
How close you are to school varies. Maltalingua is in St. Julian’s, and host families in the area are usually within walking distance or a short bus ride. If your family is further out, budget 20 to 30 minutes for your commute.
Who this suits: students who want maximum immersion, would rather not cook, and like a structured daily routine. First-time travellers to Europe often find host families reassuring. If you’d prefer to be independent and go at your own pace, it might feel a touch formal.
Student residence: social by default
Student residences in Malta are popular because they come pre-loaded with people your own age from all over the world. Most residences used by language school students are apartment-style: your own bedroom (sometimes en-suite), a shared kitchen and living area, and communal spaces. The social side is hard to beat, and it’s almost impossible not to make friends.
Prices range from around €130 to €220 per week, depending on the standard of the residence and whether you book direct or through the school. Some residences near St. Julian’s are walkable to Maltalingua, while others are a bus journey away.
One thing to be aware of: residences can get noisy. Kitchen parties at midnight are common, so if you need absolute quiet to study, it’s worth checking whether your residence has designated quiet zones or whether it’s more of a social hub.
Who this suits: social learners who love meeting new people, don’t mind a bit of noise, and want the full student experience. It’s also good if you’re booking on a tighter budget but still want your own space.
What about hotels and Airbnb?
Hotels are rarely the best value for language school students staying more than a few nights. They’re comfortable, but you miss the immersion of a host family and the social side of a residence, and you pay a premium for privacy you might not need.
Airbnb has a bigger footprint in Malta than some other European destinations, and there are genuine apartments listed. The risk is the usual one with any rental: photos can flatter, locations can be misleading, and getting your deposit back isn’t always straightforward. If you’re booking remotely for a stay of two weeks or more, it’s worth getting a second opinion from someone who’s been there. Maltalingua’s accommodation team can often flag which buildings and areas are reliable.
Shared apartment: freedom with responsibility
Renting your own apartment (or a room in one) gives you the most control. You choose your flatmates, set your own schedule, and cook what you like. It’s the most grown-up option, but it comes with grown-up responsibilities: utility bills, supermarket runs, sorting out the deposit, and getting your head around Maltese rental contracts.
A single room in a shared apartment in St. Julian’s usually costs €100 to €160 per week, with bills on top. For a studio or one-bedroom flat, you’re looking at €500 to €800 per month. If you’re sharing with two or three people, the per-person cost becomes very reasonable.
The catch is the logistics. Finding a flat remotely before you arrive is risky, since photos don’t always match reality and scams do exist. Some students use their first week in a hostel or hotel to flat-hunt in person, which is smarter than committing to something you haven’t seen. Maltalingua’s accommodation service can help match you with verified options, which takes a lot of the risk out of it.
Who this suits: independent travellers who are comfortable handling logistics, prefer their privacy, and plan to stay longer, since apartments make more financial sense on a 4-week-plus stay.
Which should you choose?
There’s no single right answer, but here’s a quick way to narrow it down:
- Immersion and ease → host family
- Social energy and meeting people fast → student residence
- Privacy and longer stays → shared apartment
If you’re still unsure, Maltalingua’s team can advise based on your course dates, budget and personality. That’s what they’re there for.
Maltalingua’s accommodation service can match you with the right option and take the guesswork out of booking.
Getting help from the school
Maltalingua’s accommodation service can do a lot of the legwork for you. They’ll match you with options that fit your budget, your preferred environment and how close you want to be to school. For host family and residence bookings made through the school, there’s usually someone you can contact if something isn’t as expected when you arrive. That’s worth knowing, because private rentals offer less protection if something goes wrong.
If you’re not sure which option suits you, email the school before you book. Most are happy to give honest advice based on what you’ve told them about yourself.
Ready to start sorting out your trip? Get a quote for your English course in Malta, with no booking fees, no material fees and straightforward pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accommodation options does Maltalingua offer?
The main options are host families, shared student apartments, student residences and nearby hotels. Each suits a different budget and travel style.
Is a host family or a shared apartment better for improving my English?
A host family gives you the most English practice outside class, because you speak it at home every day. A shared apartment offers more independence and a social mix of fellow students.
How close is the accommodation to the school?
Most options are within easy walking distance or a short bus ride of the school, so commutes are short.
Can the school arrange accommodation for me?
Yes. Maltalingua books your accommodation alongside your course so it’s ready when you arrive. Fill out our short quotation form and our team will check availability.