Student Accommodation in London
Homestay, halls, or private rental — how to choose
If you are looking for student accommodation in London, the usual options are halls of residence, a private rental, or a homestay. This page covers how homestay works and who it suits. If you want a side-by-side comparison of all accommodation types, see our detailed guide.
What is a homestay?
A homestay is a room in a London family’s home. You live as part of the household — your own room, shared spaces, and meals if you choose them. It is not a hotel, not a student block, and not a flat share. It is someone’s home, and you are a guest in it.
What is included
- Your own room in a home that has been inspected in person
- A host family vetted through home visits and reference checks
- Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels
- A meal plan of your choice: self-catering, bed and breakfast, or half board
- Office support during your stay and an out-of-hours emergency contact
Bills, laundry (up to two washes per week), and your meal plan are all included in the weekly rate. There is no deposit and no council tax.
Who is it for?
Homestays suit a range of students. We regularly place:
- University students — undergraduates, postgraduates, exchange and visiting students
- Language school students studying English in London
- Medical students and junior doctors on clinical placements
- Interns and people on short-term work placements
- Summer school students
If you are not sure whether a homestay suits your situation, we are happy to talk it through before you apply.
How it compares
Halls and private rentals have their advantages, but they also come with things that homestays do not:
- Halls — often unavailable for postgraduates or late applicants. Meal plans vary. You are in a large building with other students, which some people love and others find noisy.
- Private rentals — usually need a UK guarantor, a deposit (5-6 weeks’ rent), and a 12-month contract. Bills and council tax are extra. More independence, more admin.
- A homestay — flexible dates, no deposit, bills included. You live with a family, so there are house rules, but you also have someone who can help you settle in.
For a full comparison including hostels and serviced apartments, see Which accommodation?
Pricing
Three tiers based on London travel zones:
Executive (Zones 1-2) — central locations. From £280 per week.
Superior (Zones 2-3) — residential areas with good transport. From £245 per week.
Standard (Zone 3+) — more space, lower cost, longer commute. From £205 per week.
All prices include your room and meal plan. A one-off booking fee applies.
Full pricing · Compare categories
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay?
Minimum two weeks. Most students stay for a term, a semester, or a full academic year. Shorter stays for summer schools or work placements are fine. You can extend or shorten your booking if your plans change.
Do I need a UK guarantor?
No. Unlike private rentals, a homestay booking does not require a UK guarantor or a deposit.
Are bills included?
Yes. Utilities, Wi-Fi, bed linen, towels, and laundry (up to two washes per week) are all included in the weekly rate. There is no council tax to pay.
Can I choose where I live?
Tell us your school, university, or workplace and we will match you with a host family on a sensible commute. If you have a preferred area or zone, we will try to accommodate that.
What if the placement does not work out?
Contact us and we will work with you to resolve it or move you to a different host family.
How to book
- Apply online at apply for a homestay with your dates, where you are studying, and any preferences.
- We come back to you within one to two working days.
- You confirm, and we send your host family’s details before you arrive.
Questions? Email info@londonhomestays.com or call 020 8395 0333 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
In their words...
“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3-
“London Homestays has been an excellent accommodation partner for our students. The team is always helpful, responsive and highly professional. They consistently match students with the right hosts based on individual requirements, ensuring a positive and comfortable homestay experience.”
Ellie Fordham, Student Services Manager, Stafford House 
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy
The London Homestays portal is amazing. You can manage availability, update photos, and see when you’ve been paid — something I’m always chasing the other agencies. Can’t recommend it highly enough!
Sharon, host in Finchley
