Student Guidelines

Welcome. A homestay is a room in a London family home. You will share spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom (unless you have booked private facilities). This guide explains what to expect and the basic house rules that help your stay run smoothly.

Before you arrive

Before you travel, introduce yourself to your host and confirm your arrival date and approximate arrival time. Many hosts prefer WhatsApp for practical messages. If you email, please also check your spam or junk mail folder.

When your booking is confirmed, you will receive your full homestay address and postcode (UK zip code). Save these in your phone — you may need them for taxis, deliveries and emergencies.

Check-in and check-out times

Unless a different arrangement has been agreed in advance:

• Weekend arrivals: check-in after 14:00 and before 20:30.
• Weekday arrivals: preferred 18:00–20:30.
• Check-out (all departures): before 10:00.

If you expect to arrive outside these times, please let us know in advance. We will try to arrange this with the host, but it depends on whether the host is available.

What to bring

Your host provides:

• Bed linen and bedding.
• Towels (in most homes).

Please bring:

• Toiletries (for example shampoo, soap, toothpaste).
• A UK plug adapter (UK plugs are type G — three rectangular pins).
• Any prescribed medication and anything you need for your health.
• Any personal items you can’t do without (for example a preferred pillow).

Settling in (your first few days)

It’s normal to feel a bit unsure at first. Small issues are often just cultural differences and can usually be fixed by talking about them.

• Ask questions — your host expects this.
• If you don’t understand something, ask again.
• UK homes can feel cooler than you are used to. If you feel cold, tell your host.
• Your host may be happy to chat and help you practise English, but please remember they are not teachers and may be busy.

House rules summary

• Respect your host’s house rules and privacy.
• No indoor smoking or vaping.
• Illegal drugs are not permitted.
• Kitchen access depends on your meal plan — do not take host food without asking.
• If you will be late home, tell your host and return quietly.

Weekday daytime routine (Monday–Friday)

Homestay is designed for students and interns who are usually out during weekday daytime hours. Unless agreed in advance, guests are expected to be out of the home between 10:00 and 16:00 (Monday–Friday).

If you need to stay at home occasionally during these hours (for example due to illness or disability-related needs), please let your host know in advance and follow house rules for quiet use of shared spaces.

If you plan to be at home regularly during these hours (for example remote work or full-time online study), you must tell us before booking. Homestay may not be suitable and we may need to place you differently or decline the booking.

Your room

Your room is your private space for sleeping, relaxing and studying. Please keep it reasonably clean and tidy.

Bedrooms in UK family homes do not usually have their own key. If your room has a lock, ask your host how they prefer it to be used.

Bed linen is provided and is usually changed weekly.

Shared areas

You can use shared areas such as the sitting room and dining area, as agreed with your host. Please keep shared spaces tidy and do not store belongings in other rooms unless your host has agreed.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are usually shared unless you have booked a private bathroom. Please be considerate at busy times and leave the bathroom tidy.

Laundry

Laundry arrangements vary by home. Some hosts will do laundry for you; others will show you how to use the washing machine.

• Included: up to two washes per week (typically one dark and one white).
• Drying clothes: many homes use drying racks or radiators rather than tumble dryers. Your host will show you where you can hang clothes to dry. Please do not dry clothes in bedrooms or bathrooms.

Meals, kitchen and food

Meal times vary by household. Please check the usual meal times when you arrive.

Meal plan basics:

• Self-catering: you buy and prepare your own food.
• Bed & Breakfast: breakfast items are provided for you.
• Half-board: breakfast and an evening meal are provided for you.

Other food in the kitchen belongs to your host or their family. Please ask before using anything not included in your meal plan.

Food allergies and intolerances

Please tell us in writing before booking about any food allergies or intolerances. By doing so you consent to us sharing this information with your host to arrange your stay.

Home kitchens are not the same as professional kitchens. Allergens may be present in the kitchen and can get into other food during cooking.

If you have a severe allergy (for example an allergy with anaphylaxis risk), self-catering is usually the safest option because you control all food preparation.

Electrical safety

The UK uses 230V electricity. If you bring electrical items from another country, check whether you need a voltage converter (not just a plug adapter).

Smoking, vaping, alcohol and illegal substances

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the home. Outdoor smoking/vaping is only allowed if your host permits it and you agree where it may take place.

You must follow UK law and your host’s household rules regarding alcohol.

Illegal drugs are not permitted. If this rule is broken, your placement may be ended.

Visitors

Day visitors are only allowed with permission. Ask your host first, agree visiting times, and make sure visitors respect the home.

Overnight guests are not usually allowed. If you need a friend or family member to stay overnight, you must contact London Homestays first (not your host). We will check with the host and confirm what is possible in writing.

Keys, late arrivals and security

Your host will explain key arrangements on arrival. If you lose a key, tell your host immediately. Replacement keys and/or lock changes may be chargeable.

If you are locked out, contact your host first.

If you plan to return late, tell your host in advance. Please keep noise to a minimum after 22:00. Do not let strangers into the property.

Using your host’s address, post and deliveries

Your homestay is temporary accommodation in a family home — it is not your permanent address.

You can use the address for:

• Visa and immigration letters.
• School or university registration.
• NHS and doctor registration.
• Emergency contacts (for example your school).

Please ask your host first (in writing, for example email or WhatsApp) for:

• Parcels and deliveries (including food delivery).
• Mobile phone contracts or similar registrations.

Payments

Please do not pay your host directly. All payments are made to London Homestays.

Your booking confirmation explains what is included in your stay. This usually includes your room, your chosen meal plan (if booked), up to two laundry washes per week, and Wi-Fi (where provided).

If you need extra laundry, ask your host first — there may be an additional charge.

You are responsible for any damage or breakages you cause. Please tell your host as soon as possible if something is damaged.

Internet and phone

Wi-Fi is often provided in the home. Like any domestic service, it can occasionally be affected by outages or provider issues.

Please be considerate with call times and noise levels, especially early mornings and late evenings.

Valuables and insurance

Please look after your belongings. We recommend travel or student insurance for personal items.

If you bring valuables (for example a laptop, passport, camera, jewellery or cash), ask your host about safe storage and avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your room.

If something is lost or stolen, tell your host and London Homestays as soon as possible.

If you have concerns

If something isn’t right, it’s often best to raise it early. Where you feel comfortable, speak with your host first — many issues are misunderstandings and can be resolved quickly.

If you are uncomfortable raising the issue with your host, or it isn’t resolved, contact London Homestays.

Students aged 16–17

Individual under-18 placements are for ages 16–17 only. Students aged 16–17 are subject to additional welfare expectations. Please follow the guidance and reporting routes in our Safety section.

Contact London Homestays

• Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
• Phone hours: 11am–3pm.
• WhatsApp: 020 8395 0333 (message-only, office hours; not for emergencies).
• For general questions, please email us or use the contact form.