Homestay Categories
Choose your ideal homestay location based on London transport zones.
London is divided into public transport zones. Your homestay zone affects journey time and travel costs. Our categories help you choose a location that fits your budget and daily routine.
If you’re not sure where to start, Zone 2 or zone 3+ are often a practical balance of travel time and value. Typical door‑to‑door journey times (as a rough guide) are shown below — your actual commute depends on your exact address and school/work location.
Tip: Share your school/work address (or nearest station) so we can recommend areas with convenient transport links.
- Standard (Zone 3+): often around 45–60 minutes to central London
- Superior (Zones 2–3): often around 40–50 minutes to central London
- Executive (Zones 1–2): often around 30–40 minutes to central London
Our Homestay Categories
Standard Homestay Zone 3+
Zones 3–5 — Safe, suburban areas with larger homes and green spaces. Our best value option.
Superior Homestay Zone 2 and 3
Zones 2–3 — Well-connected suburban areas with excellent transport to Central London.
Executive Homestay Zone 1 and 2
Zones 1–2 — Closest to Central London with the most convenient transport links.
Understanding London's transport zones
Zones start at Zone 1 (central London) and increase as you travel outward. Your daily journey time depends on your exact address and the nearest Tube/train/bus connections — not just the zone number.
A simple rule of thumb:
- Zone 2 can be faster than Zone 1 if it has a direct line to your school/work.
- A Zone 3 home near a fast train can be quicker than a Zone 2 home with multiple changes.
Tip: Tell us your school/work address (or nearest station) so we can advise on a suitable area.
London homestay prices and availability
Prices vary by zone, room type and meal plan. Availability changes throughout the year, especially during busy school intake periods.
Ready to apply for a London homestay?
If you already know your dates, the fastest way to start is to apply online.
“Valerie was a really lovely host! She was really helpful in helping me get used to London and was always really nice. She made sure I had enough room for all my things and set me aside some space in the kitchen for me to cook my own meals which was great. I would recommend it to anyone moving to London for the first time.”
— James Milne, homestay guest from the UK — Google Review ★★★★★
Support and safety
We provide the same support route regardless of zone. If you need help during your stay, you can contact us during office hours. Out-of-hours emergency support details are provided at booking confirmation and via our office voicemail.
For safeguarding information and how to raise a concern, please visit our Safety hub.
Ready to book your London homestay?
Start your application today and find the perfect host family.
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