Homestay Accommodation for University Students in London
A practical guide to living with a host family while studying at a London university
If you are coming to London for university and want somewhere to live that is not halls of residence or a shared flat, a homestay is an option. You get your own room in a family home, meals if you want them, and someone to ask when you need to know how things work.
London Homestays matches university students with host families across Greater London. We have been placing students since 2009. Every host home is inspected in person before we accept it.
How it works
You tell us your university (or the area you need to be near), your dates, and any preferences — meal plan, budget, room type. We match you with a host family that fits, and you get the host’s details before you arrive.
Most university students book for a term or a full academic year, but we also take shorter bookings if you are on a placement, exchange, or summer programme.
What you get
- Your own room in an inspected home with Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels
- A meal plan of your choice: self-catering, bed and breakfast, or half board
- A host family vetted through home visits and reference checks
- Office support during your stay and an out-of-hours emergency contact
Most students start with half board (breakfast and evening meal) and find it takes the pressure off cooking during term time. Self-catering is there if you prefer to do your own thing.
Why university students choose a homestay
Halls of residence are the obvious option, but they are not always available — especially for postgraduates, exchange students, or anyone arriving outside the main intake window. Private rentals usually need a UK guarantor and a 12-month contract, which is not practical if you are here for one or two terms.
A homestay is flexible. You can book for the length of your course, extend if you need to, or leave at the end of a term. No deposit battle, no council tax, no surprise utility bills.
You also live with a real London family rather than in a student block. That means home-cooked food if you choose half board, and the kind of local knowledge — which bus to catch, where to get a good haircut, how the NHS works — that takes months to figure out on your own.
Which universities?
We place students attending universities across London. Some of the institutions our students have attended:
- King’s College London
- LSE
- SOAS University of London
- University of Westminster
- Queen Mary University of London
- Royal College of Art
- ARU London
- London Metropolitan University
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire
- St George’s, University of London (medical students)
If your university is not listed, it does not matter. We match based on commute — tell us where you need to be and we will find a host family on a sensible route.
Accommodation categories
We have three tiers, based on London travel zones:
Executive (Zones 1-2) — Central locations like Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington. Closest to universities in central London. From £280 per week.
Superior (Zones 2-3) — Areas like Clapham, Wimbledon, Shepherd’s Bush. A short commute to most campuses. From £245 per week.
Standard (Zone 3+) — Residential areas like Barnet, Wembley, Kingston. More space and a lower cost; the commute is longer but still manageable. From £205 per week.
A one-off booking fee applies. All prices include your room and the meal plan you choose.
Full pricing · Compare categories
Postgraduates and mature students
If you are a postgraduate or mature student, we take that into account when matching. You will not be placed with a family expecting a teenager. Many of our hosts are professionals or retired couples who prefer adult guests.
Exchange students and visiting students
If you are on a semester or year-long exchange (Erasmus, study abroad, or similar), a homestay works well because you can book for exactly the dates you need. No 12-month lease, no paying for a summer you will spend elsewhere.
We have hosted exchange students from universities in the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and many other countries.
What if it does not work out?
Sometimes a placement is not the right fit. If that happens, contact us and we will work with you to resolve it or move you to a different host family.
Frequently asked questions
Can postgraduate and mature students book a homestay?
Yes. We take age and preferences into account when matching. You will not be placed with a family expecting a teenager. Many of our hosts are professionals or retired couples who prefer adult guests.
Can exchange or visiting students book a homestay?
Yes. You can book for exactly the dates you need. No 12-month lease, no paying for a summer you will spend elsewhere. We have hosted exchange students from universities in the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and many other countries.
Which London universities do your students attend?
Students attend universities across London including King’s College London, LSE, SOAS, University of Westminster, Queen Mary, Royal College of Art, ARU London, London Metropolitan University, Trinity Laban, and St George’s. If your university is not on this list, we can still help — we match based on commute.
How much does a homestay cost for university students?
From £205 per week (Standard, Zone 3+) to £280 per week (Executive, Zones 1-2). All prices include your room and chosen meal plan. A one-off booking fee applies.
What if my 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 apply
- Submit an application at apply for a homestay with your dates, university, and preferences.
- We come back to you within one to two working days with host family options.
- Once you confirm, you get full details about your host family before you arrive.
If you have questions before applying, email info@londonhomestays.com or call 020 8395 0333 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
Related pages
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
