Every host family’s experience is different, but the question we hear most from people considering hosting is the same: what is it actually like? The paperwork and the rates are straightforward. It’s the day-to-day reality that people want to know about.
We asked London Homestays host families to share their stories — what surprised them, what they enjoy, and what they’d tell someone thinking about it. Their answers cover the first day, mealtimes, and friendships that last years.
The first few days
Most hosts say the first week is the busiest part. Your student arrives — often jet-lagged, sometimes nervous, frequently speaking limited English. You show them their room, walk them to the nearest shop and bus stop, explain how the heating works, and go through house rules.
Audrey, a host in Tooting, remembers being nervous herself before her first student arrived:
“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.”
— Audrey, Tooting — host since 2018
That nervousness is normal, and it usually passes within a couple of days. By the second week, most hosts say the student has settled into a routine: leaving for school in the morning, coming back in the evening, joining the family for dinner.
What daily life looks like
Hosting doesn’t require you to be a tour guide or an English teacher. The day-to-day is more ordinary than that, and that’s the point. Students come to London to live in a real home, not a tourist experience.
A typical day for a Half Board host looks something like this:
- Morning: Breakfast together (or left out if the student leaves early). This might be toast and cereal, nothing elaborate.
- Daytime: The student is at school or exploring London. You carry on with your day as normal.
- Evening: Dinner together, usually around 6:30–7:30pm. This is when most conversation happens. Students ask about words they heard during the day, talk about their classes, or ask what things mean on television.
Self Catering hosts have a lighter routine. The student uses the kitchen independently, so interaction happens more naturally (in the living room, while waiting for the kettle, on the way out).
The parts hosts don’t expect to enjoy
When we interview host families, the most common surprise is how much they enjoy the company. Several hosts who started for the income say they continued because of the people they met.
Carol, who has hosted through London Homestays since 2010, put it this way:
“My adult children and I have enjoyed the company. We’ve met people from all over the world who have appreciated coming to a home where they are warmly welcomed. A spin off benefit is that we’ve had invitations to visit those we have hosted — currently, we have a trip to a wedding in Brazil on the horizon.”
— Carol, Dollis Hill — host since 2010
Cathy, who began hosting after her children left home, describes a similar pattern:
“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.”
— Cathy, Colindale — host since 2012
Several themes come up again and again: students are respectful, they’re grateful for help settling in, and the cultural exchange goes both ways. Hosts learn about Japanese festivals, Brazilian cooking, Korean pop culture, and how Christmas works (or doesn’t) in other countries.
How hosting fits around your life
Hosting works best when it fits into your existing routine rather than replacing it. You don’t need to be at home all day, and you don’t need to change your lifestyle.
Most students spend their days at school or university and their evenings studying or socialising. They need a clean room, a meal at roughly the agreed time, and someone to ask if they have questions. That’s the core of it.
You can still:
- Work full-time — many hosts do
- Go out in the evenings — leave dinner ready if needed
- Take holidays — let London Homestays know your availability in advance
- Choose when to host — you can take breaks between students or host year-round
Christine, who has hosted since 2010, talks about the support that makes this manageable:
“London Homestays is a good company to work with. They’re very good, they’re with you every step of the way, if you have any problem, they are there.”
— Christine, Streatham — host since 2010
When things don’t go smoothly
Not every placement is perfect. Students occasionally stay out later than agreed, misunderstand house rules, or struggle with homesickness. Hosts sometimes need to adjust expectations around noise, cooking smells, or bathroom schedules.
You don’t have to deal with problems alone. London Homestays has a team that handles issues between hosts and students. If something isn’t working, you call them, and they mediate.
“London Homestays are very helpful. Any problems, you can just ring and tell them and they will help you.”
— Elizabeth, Balham — host since 2011
In practice, most issues are small and resolve quickly. Cultural misunderstandings are the most common — things like shower length, kitchen tidiness, or what time “quiet hours” start. A brief conversation usually sorts it out.
Who are the students?
Students placed by London Homestays come from all over the world. The most common nationalities are Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Italian, French, and Brazilian, though placements come from 30+ countries.
Most students are:
- Aged 18–30 — studying English at a London language school or attending university
- Staying 2 weeks to 12 months — the average stay is about 8–12 weeks
- Motivated and polite — they’ve invested time and money to come to London and are typically keen to make it work
Some hosts also accept students under 18, who attend summer schools or secondary school programmes. Junior hosting requires a DBS check and pays a supplement. London Homestays is registered with the British Council, which means all placements meet national safeguarding standards.
What you earn
Hosts can earn up to £250 per week, depending on zone and meal plan. Multiple occupancy and additional supplements may increase this further. Additional payments may apply for private bathrooms, summer bookings, and junior students.
Under the Rent-a-Room scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from hosting. Many part-year hosts earn below this threshold, meaning their entire homestay income is tax-free.
For full details on rates, see our guide: How much can you earn as a homestay host in London?
How to get started
If you’ve read this far and you’re still interested, the next step is to read our introduction to hosting page, which covers the full onboarding process. If you’re ready to apply, the application form takes about 10 minutes.
London Homestays has been placing international students with London host families since 2009. All host homes are inspected and must meet British Council quality standards. There’s no cost to apply, and the team will walk you through every step.
“London Homestays is a really good company to work with. Very friendly, supportive, and if I was an international student coming to London I would definitely choose London Homestays.”
— Claire, Southfields — host since 2010
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be at home all day?
No. Most students are out during the day at school or university. You can work full-time, go out in the evenings, and live your normal life. The main commitment is providing meals at agreed times (if on a BB or HB plan) and being available to help your student settle in during the first few days.
What if my student and I don’t get along?
London Homestays mediates any issues between hosts and students. If a placement genuinely isn’t working, the team can arrange for the student to move to a different host. This is rare, but the option is there.
Can I choose which students I accept?
London Homestays matches students to hosts based on location, room type, and preferences. You can specify whether you accept male/female students, smokers, under-18s, and whether you prefer short or long stays. You’ll receive the student’s details before they arrive.
What happens during school holidays?
Some students stay with their host family during holidays. Others travel home or go on trips. You can choose to keep your availability open year-round or take breaks between placements — just let London Homestays know your schedule.
