Student Homestay Accommodation and Host Families in London
Hosts International arranges homestay accommodation in London for students, recruits welcoming London host families, and works with schools, colleges, universities and education agents across the world. Trusted since 1988, we bring students, hosts and education partners together with genuine local care.
A Trusted Approach to Homestay in London
London is one of the world’s leading study destinations, and homestay provides a welcoming, supported way for students to live in the capital. Whether you are a student looking for homestay accommodation in London, a household considering becoming a host family, or a school, college, university or education agent seeking a reliable accommodation partner, Hosts International is your local partner. We have been arranging placements in welcoming London homes since 1988, and every placement is supported by a real person who knows the city.
Living with a carefully matched London host family means more than a comfortable room. It means home-cooked meals, everyday English practice, and a genuine window into British life. It usually costs far less than a private flat or student halls, and it removes the stress of managing bills, contracts and travel alone. From your first enquiry to the day a student arrives, our accommodation team handles the details so that families, students and schools can focus on what matters.
Three Ways We Work With London
Everything we do in London sits across three connected services, one for each of the people we work with: students looking for a place to stay, families who want to host, and the schools, universities and education agents who partner with us. Whichever one brings you here, our team can help.
Homestay for Students
Supported homestay accommodation in London for students of all ages. Private rooms, welcoming hosts, optional meals, and short or long stays across London. Our homes and hosts are vetted to Hosts International quality standards, so students settle in safely from day one.
Become a London Host Family
Have a spare room in London? Welcome students into your home, earn income through the HMRC Rent a Room Scheme where eligible, and share everyday life in the capital. Full support, careful matching and a dedicated coordinator are provided at every stage.
Partner With Us: Schools, Universities and Agents
Schools, colleges, universities and education agents around the world partner with Hosts International as their accommodation team in London. We find, vet and manage the host families so you can offer students a safe place to stay, backed by a dedicated account contact who handles matching, arrivals and welfare.
Homestay Accommodation in London for Students
A homestay places you in the home of a friendly, checked London host, giving you a comfortable base while you study. It is ideal for students on English language courses, university foundation programmes, work placements and short study trips. You practise English every day, learn how life really works in the capital, and always have someone to turn to.
- Your own private, furnished bedroom with study space
- Breakfast and evening meals available if you would like them
- Host families across North, South, East and West London
- Easy access to Underground, Overground and bus routes
- Short stays, semester placements and long-term options
- A dedicated coordinator and 24-hour emergency support
Why Choose a London Homestay
London brings together world-class language schools and universities, endless culture, and neighbourhoods with real character. A homestay lets students enjoy all of it while feeling settled and supported.
Everyday English Practice
Living with a local family means speaking English at breakfast, over dinner and in daily conversation. Progress is faster and far more natural than in a classroom alone.
Better Value Than a Flat
Homestay accommodation is typically much more affordable than private rentals or halls in London, with bills, Wi-Fi and often meals included in one simple arrangement.
A Safe, Supported Base
Our homes and hosts are vetted to Hosts International quality standards, and a coordinator is always on hand. Students, families and education partners have real peace of mind from day one.
Connected to the Whole City
Our host families live within easy reach of London transport, so students can travel to their school, university or work placement with confidence.
Genuine Cultural Exchange
Students see British life from the inside, and families share their city with someone new. Many stay in touch long after the placement ends.
Local Knowledge On Tap
Hosts help students find their feet quickly, from the nearest station to the best local market, so the capital feels like home within days.
Become a Host Family in London
If you live in London and have a spare room, hosting students can be a rewarding way to earn extra income and support someone during their studies. Through the HMRC Rent a Room Scheme you may be able to earn tax-free income, subject to current rules, and our team supports you at every step, from your first enquiry through to each placement.
- Earn a reliable, tax-free weekly income
- Choose when you host and for how long
- Careful matching to suit your household
- A home visit and full guidance before you start
- A dedicated coordinator and 24-hour support line
- Meet students from across the globe from your own home
Partner With Hosts International in London: Schools, Universities and Education Agents
Schools, colleges, universities and education agents around the world partner with Hosts International as their accommodation team in London. Rather than recruiting and checking host families yourself, you draw on ours. We find, vet and manage the homes, so you can offer your students a safe, quality-assured place to stay and build homestay into your programmes with confidence.
For education agents in particular, we make it simple to package trusted London accommodation alongside your courses and services, with a dedicated account contact who handles matching, arrivals, welfare and reporting on your behalf. Our aim is to help you win and keep clients, not just to place students.
- A dedicated account manager for all your placements
- Vetted London host families for individuals and groups
- Homestay you can package into student offers and study programmes
- Young learner and under-18 safeguarding provision
- Airport transfers, arrivals coordination and welfare monitoring
- Clear reporting and reliable communication throughout
Homestay Host Families in Central London
We place students with welcoming host families right across London. These are some of our most popular and best-connected central districts, all within easy reach of schools, colleges, universities and placements:
Mayfair
Marylebone
Soho
Bloomsbury
Covent Garden
King’s Cross
Kensington
These are popular areas rather than the limit of where we work: we place vetted host families right across Greater London too. Availability varies by date and placement type, so we match students to hosts based on study location, travel time, preferences and individual needs.
How It Works
Arranging a London homestay is simple. Tell us what you need and our team takes care of the rest.
- 1
Tell Us What You Need
Make an enquiry using the form below. Let us know whether you are a student, a household interested in hosting, or a school placing students in London.
- 2
Speak With Our Team
A friendly coordinator gets in touch to understand your requirements, answer questions and explain the options and costs clearly.
- 3
We Match Carefully
We match students with London homes and hosts vetted to Hosts International quality standards, taking account of location, preferences and needs so the fit is right from the start.
- 4
Arrive and Settle In
We confirm the details, arrange transfers if needed, and stay in touch throughout, with 24-hour support available at all times.
What People Say
“My homestay in London felt like a real home from the very first day. My host family were so welcoming and my English improved more in three months than I expected in a year.”
Student from Italy, homestay in South London
“We have hosted students in our London home for years. The team makes everything easy, and the extra income has been a lovely bonus alongside the friendships.”
Host family in Ealing, London
“As an education partner we need accommodation we can trust. Hosts International place our London students reliably and communicate brilliantly every time.”
Education partner, Central London
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does homestay accommodation in London cost?
Homestay costs in London vary by location, room type, meal plan and length of stay. It can offer good value because bills, Wi-Fi and often meals are included. Our team explains the exact rate and what is included before a student, parent or education partner confirms a placement.
Which London areas do you cover?
We place vetted host families right across London. Popular, well-connected central districts include Westminster, Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho, Bloomsbury, Covent Garden, King’s Cross and Kensington, and we also match students with hosts further out across Greater London to suit their study location, budget and travel time. Availability changes, so we match each student to the right home wherever they are studying.
Can UK and home students apply for a London homestay?
Yes. Our London homestays are available to UK and home students as well as international students. We support suitable short and longer stays for students attending schools, colleges, universities, courses and placements.
Are meals included in a London homestay?
Meals are optional. Many students choose breakfast and an evening meal, while self-catering and other arrangements may also be available. The agreed meal plan is confirmed before arrival so the student and host both know what to expect.
How are London homes and hosts checked?
Our homes and hosts are vetted to Hosts International quality standards. The checks and safeguarding requirements applied depend on the student and placement, with safety, suitability and student welfare central to every match.
How do I become a host family in London?
If you live in London and have a suitable spare room, you can enquire about becoming a host. Our team will discuss the process, arrange the required checks and home visit, and guide you through matching, arrivals and ongoing support.
Can you accommodate groups of students in London?
Yes. We arrange group homestays for schools, colleges, universities, educational institutions, summer programmes and study tours. Education agents can also contact us about individual or group requirements, dates and safeguarding needs.
How do education agents partner with Hosts International?
Education agents can use Hosts International as an accommodation partner for UK, home and international students. We provide a dedicated contact, clear placement information, quality-assured homestays and support from enquiry through to departure.
Do you offer airport transfers for London arrivals?
Yes. Airport transfers can be arranged alongside homestay placements, with coordinated arrivals and departures so students reach their London host safely. Additional support can be discussed where a student or group has specific travel needs.
How long can a student stay in a London homestay?
Stays are flexible. Some students need accommodation for a short course or study visit, while others stay for a term, academic year or longer. Tell us the dates and requirements and we will look for a suitable match.
Ready to Get Started in London?
Whether you are looking for homestay accommodation, want to become a London host family, or need reliable accommodation for your school or students, our team is here to help. Trusted by families, students and schools since 1988.
No commitment required. We will answer all your questions first.
Enquire About London
Fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch. Please tell us whether you are a student, a prospective host, or a school or agent.