accommodation
A place to live or stay.
ExampleThe student asks whether the accommodation is close to the university.
ExampleThe speaker compares private accommodation with halls of residence.
Usage Scenarios
Listening for housing details
Listen for accommodation when the speaker discusses room type, location, cost, or facilities.
ExampleThe adviser says the accommodation includes internet access and shared kitchen space.
Completing a form
Recognize it when a listening task asks for housing preferences or booking details.
ExampleThe form asks whether the student needs accommodation for the first semester.
Usage Guide
Listen for accommodation when a recording discusses where someone will live or stay. IELTS listening often uses it in forms, campus conversations, and travel arrangements.
Listen for chunks such as student accommodation, temporary accommodation, accommodation fee, and book accommodation because the next detail is often a price, distance, date, or room type.
Do not use accommodation to mean a classroom or campus building in general. It refers to living or staying somewhere.
Word Forms & Word Building
Accommodation is built from accommodate plus the noun suffix -ion. The verb action becomes the place or arrangement provided.
Accommodate is the verb and has two useful meanings: provide space for someone, or adapt to a need.
Accommodating is the adjective meaning helpful or willing to adjust. In IELTS listening, accommodation itself is usually uncountable: find accommodation.
Meaning Boundaries
Accommodation vs apartment
Apartment is a specific type of home. Accommodation is broader and can include dorms, hostels, hotels, or rented rooms.
Accommodation vs facility
Facility means a service or feature. Accommodation means the place to stay.
Register
Accommodation is neutral and very common in IELTS listening, especially in university and travel topics.
Memory Tricks
Think place to stay, then immediately listen for the practical detail attached to it: cost, location, room type, date, or facility.
Pair it with student because IELTS listening often uses campus housing contexts.
When listening, note nearby details: price, distance, facilities, and dates.
Common Traps
Do not automatically add a plural s when using accommodation as a general housing noun.
Do not confuse accommodation with facilities; accommodation is the lodging itself.
In listening, check whether the answer asks for location, price, or type of accommodation.