Which accommodation?

Compare accommodation options and decide what suits your stay in London.

If you’re coming to London to study, undertake an internship or start a work placement, you’ll need accommodation that fits your budget, your routine and your level of independence.

London Homestays mainly arranges homestays, which are often the best value option for students. We can also advise on other accommodation types, but availability and cost can vary widely across London. If you’re starting a degree, our homestay for university students page has more on what to expect. If you’re here on a language course, see our homestay for language students page instead.

In most cases, we can offer many homestay options across London. Student residences can be available through partner suppliers, but they are often significantly more expensive than homestays and availability can be limited, especially for shorter stays.

Quick guide to London accommodation

A simple way to choose:

If you want clear weekly costs and good value: a homestay is often the best place to start.
If you want a more independent set-up in a larger building (and your budget allows): consider a student residence.
If you want full independence and you’re staying long-term: consider a flat/house share.
If you are staying for a short visit (around a week or less): consider a hostel or hotel.
If you want serviced living and a higher-budget option: consider a serviced apartment.

“Being unfamiliar with London, the insights from our Accommodation Director James were priceless. He gave a clear, matter-of-fact picture of getting around, finding the right stay, budget and expectations, and the pros and cons of different options and neighbourhoods. I needed two locations within walkable distance, and his detailed email made my planning clear. He took the time to explain every point for my individual situation. So grateful!”
Rachana, homestay guest from India — Trustpilot Review ★★★★★

Option 1: Homestay accommodation

A homestay is a private room in a London host’s home. It’s designed for students and interns who want a practical base and clear weekly costs — often at a lower weekly cost than purpose-built student residences, depending on zone and season. Our what is a homestay guide covers this in full.

What’s usually included:

Bills (utilities)
Wi‑Fi
Laundry (up to two washes per week)
Bed linen and towels
Meal plan options (self-catering, B&B or half board)

Good fit if you:

Want a straightforward booking process (especially for shorter stays)
Prefer a home environment rather than a large building
Like the idea of living with a local household while you study or work

Things to consider:

You are living in someone’s home, so you will have house rules.
Most homestays are in Zones 2–5. Your commute depends on your exact address and transport links.
Kitchen access depends on the meal plan you book (see Meal plans explained).

Learn more: Homestay accommodation · Homestay categories · Homestay accommodation prices · How it works

Under‑18 placements (16–17 only)

We arrange individual under‑18 placements for students aged 16–17 only. We do not place under‑16s individually. For safeguarding information and how to raise a concern, please visit our Safety hub.

Apply for a homestay

If you already know your dates, the fastest way to start is to apply online. We usually reply within 1–2 working days.

Option 2: Student residence

Student residences are purpose-built buildings, often with shared social spaces and on-site facilities. They can suit students who want more independence and an on-site community, but they are often significantly more expensive than homestays and availability can be limited. For a full cost breakdown across all options, see our student accommodation costs compared guide.

Good fit if you:

Want a more independent set-up with on-site facilities
Prefer a building with lots of other students around

Things to consider:

Short stays may be limited depending on the residence.
The room size and facilities vary widely by building.

You can browse student residence options at UK Student Residences. Prices and availability can change quickly.

Option 3: Flat/house share

A flat or house share can offer independence, especially for longer stays. It may suit you if you’re comfortable organising utilities, contracts and living with multiple housemates.

Good fit if you:

Are staying long-term (often 6 months+)
Want to choose your own household and daily routine

Things to consider:

Costs may not include bills, and set-up fees/deposits can apply.
Viewing and reference checks can take time, especially from overseas.

Be cautious with online listings and only pay deposits through reputable channels after you have verified the booking details.

Option 4: Hostel or hotel

Hostels and hotels can be useful for very short stays, especially if you’re arriving before longer-term accommodation starts.

Things to consider:

Hostels are often shared-room and can be noisy.
Hotels offer privacy, but longer stays can become expensive.

Option 5: Serviced apartment

Serviced apartments offer independent living with hotel-style services (such as cleaning). They are typically the highest-cost option and are more common for business travel than student stays.

Not sure which London accommodation is best for you?

If you tell us your school/work address (or nearest station), your dates and your budget, we can recommend practical homestay options — and, if needed, talk you through alternatives. See our homestay options for students page for a full overview.

Start here: apply for a homestay (fastest) or contact us.

“Finding accommodation in London can be so difficult and daunting, but London Homestays made the process so much easier. I definitely felt more at ease and would recommend them to anyone who are looking to move to London and are looking for attentive assistance along the way.”
Sam, homestay guest — Google Review ★★★★★

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
“We have placed students with London Homestays for over ten years. The host families suit what our students actually need, and when something comes up during the stay, it gets sorted quickly rather than passed between people. They make everything very easy, with detailed host profiles showing transport links to our school, and a thorough matching process. Our office always knows where a student is and who to call. Happy to recommend.”
Ewa Pietreniuk, Head of Partnerships, Speak Up London
“We partnered with London Homestays to help us verify and assess homestay hosts we were recruiting for our international students in Glasgow. Their expertise in vetting hosts to British Council standards gave us real confidence in the quality and safety of the accommodation we were able to offer. The team were professional, responsive and a pleasure to work with throughout. We would highly recommend London Homestays to other colleges and universities looking for a knowledgeable and reliable accommodation partner.”
Lucia Murray-Rapuano, Global Skills Development Manager, City of Glasgow College
“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
“I have been a host for London Homestays for over 8 years. The team is professional, friendly and always quick to respond. They do a great job matching students with hosts and making the whole process smooth and straightforward. The students I’ve hosted have been respectful and lovely to have in my home. I would happily recommend London Homestays to anyone considering becoming a host.”
Sarah-Jayne, Walthamstow — host since 2018
“London Homestays are very pleasant and put you at ease.”
Pat & Clyde, hosts in Tooting, London
“The team — especially James and Ellie — were incredibly responsive, patient and kind. They answered all my questions and checked with hosts about everything from commute times to where I’d store my bicycle. They even sent a Chinese translation of their first email. I felt truly welcomed.”
Ruoxi, student from China

Which accommodation?

Watch: London Transport Zones Explained

Quick guide to London accommodation