Find your London homestay
Live with a host family while you study in London. It's one of the best ways to improve your English and feel at home in a new city.
- 17years placing students in London homes
- 4.982 Google reviews
- 1–2working days to get host options
- 16+we host students aged 16 and over
What a London homestay is really like
Samira, a student from Switzerland, spent a month with her hosts Pat and Clyde. Here is her stay, in her own words.
Read more reviewsTop student resources
Not ready to apply yet? Start with these essentials.
Planning your stay
Who we host
What a homestay costs
Homestay rates vary based on several factors. We'll provide a personalised quote when you apply.
- Standard Homestay Zone 3+Zones 3–5 — Safe, suburban areas with larger homes and green spaces. Our best value option. from £205per week
- Superior Homestay Zone 2 and 3Zones 2–3 — Well-connected suburban areas with excellent transport to Central London. from £245per week
- Executive Homestay Zone 1 and 2Zones 1–2 — Closest to Central London with the most convenient transport links. from £280per week
How it works
- 1
Tell us what you need
Share your dates, your school/work area, your meal plan and any essential needs. The clearer the request, the faster we can match you.
- 2
We send options
We usually email suitable host profiles within 1–2 working days once your request is clear (sometimes longer for very specific requests).
- 3
Choose your preferred host
Tell us your preferences in order. We'll confirm with the host and update you as soon as one accepts.
- 4
Pay and receive your confirmation pack
Once payment is received by the due date on your invoice, we'll send your confirmation details and arrival information.
Your safety matters
We take student welfare seriously. London Homestays is a member of English UK and works within British Council guidelines for homestay accommodation.
- Host assessmentWe assess hosts and accommodation before confirming stays.
- DBS checkRequired for hosts accommodating students aged 16–17.
- SupportDuring office hours we can help with practical issues. Out-of-hours emergency support details are provided at booking confirmation and via our office voicemail.
- Matched to your schoolTell us where you study or work, and we look for hosts with an easy journey there.
Students aged 16–17
We arrange individual under-18 placements for students aged 16–17 only. We do not place under-16s individually.
Read more on our Safety hubOfficially registered with the British Council
London Homestays meets the standard for registration with the British Council as a provider of homestay accommodation for adults and under 18s for accredited providers in London.
The host gave me a really warm welcome and I felt completely at ease during my stay. We talked a lot and I had a lovely time.
The home I stayed in was top-notch. I enjoyed exquisite meals, friendly people who wouldn't hesitate to help me, and a beautiful area with public transportation within walking distance. I would definitely recommend it.
Best provider in London. Professional, fast, reliable, excellent value for money, and probably the nicest staff in the world. Thank you all for the wonderful experience you made possible.
Your questions answered
We're here to help
From your first enquiry to the end of your stay, our London-based team is here to help. If something comes up during your stay, get in touch — that's what we're here for.
Office hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm (phones 11am–3pm)
WhatsApp: 020 8395 0333 (message-only, office hours; not for emergencies)
Contact usIs there a minimum length of stay?
We generally do not accept bookings of less than 2 weeks.
Bookings under 4 weeks are subject to a short-stay supplement (your quote will show this).
If your trip is shorter than two weeks, take a look at our short-stay and budget accommodation options.
How quickly will you reply after I apply?
We aim to reply within 1–2 working days.
If your request is very specific or during busy periods, it may take longer to find suitable options.
Are bills and Wi‑Fi included?
In most cases, yes. Homestay prices usually include household bills (gas, electricity and water) and Wi‑Fi as part of the weekly rate.
Please use utilities reasonably, like you would in a family home.
If anything is different for your booking, it will be shown on your quote/invoice.
What meal plans do you offer?
For individual bookings, we offer three options: Self-catering, Bed & Breakfast, and Half board (breakfast and evening meal).
See Meal plans explained for details. Not all hosts offer every meal plan.
What if I do not like the home I am matched with?
A short adjustment period is normal when you first arrive. Many small issues are cultural differences or misunderstandings and can be resolved by talking things through.
If you have a concern, please raise it early. Where appropriate, speak to your host first, then contact London Homestays.
If a move is needed, we will help where possible, subject to availability and our Terms & Conditions.
Ready to book your London homestay?
Start your application and we'll email options within 1–2 working days.