Is it free to register as a host family in Cardiff?

Yes. HostFamily.uk is free for host families, with no subscription or placement fees.

Which areas are handy for the city centre and universities?

Cathays, Roath, Heath and Pontcanna are close to the centre and the main university buildings, but most suburbs have good bus or train links.

Can families in Penarth host students studying in Cardiff?

Yes. Penarth has frequent trains and buses into Cardiff, so it can work well for students on courses in the city.

Will students hear Welsh while they are here?

They will see it on signs everywhere and may hear it spoken, but English is used day to day across the city, so it is a good place to learn.

Become a Host Family in Cardiff

Why Cardiff needs host families

Cardiff has plenty to offer a visiting student: a medieval castle in the middle of the city, Victorian shopping arcades, Bute Park and the redeveloped Cardiff Bay. On match days, the Principality Stadium fills the centre with noise and colour.

As home to Cardiff University and other universities, the city has a large international student community, and English courses bring many more learners. Living with a family helps them settle quickly, practise every day and get to know Welsh culture too.

Plenty of Cardiff hosts are simply people with a spare room and a bit of curiosity about the world. A student needs somewhere comfortable to sleep, a good breakfast and an evening meal, and someone friendly to chat to at the end of the day.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Cardiff

Who you could host in Cardiff

You choose the ages, lengths of stay and dates that suit your household.

Summer in the capital

Summer brings young learners on short courses, exploring the castle, the Bay and the Welsh coast and countryside between lessons.

Adults studying year-round

Adults come throughout the year to improve their general English or prepare for exams, with stays from a couple of weeks upwards.

University-bound students

Students preparing for degree study in Cardiff may stay with a family for a term or more while they work on academic English.

Where you could host

Schools look for homes within easy reach of their classes. These are some of the areas in and around Cardiff.

Cathays

Roath

Canton

Pontcanna

Llandaff

Heath

Cyncoed

Whitchurch

Rhiwbina

Llanishen

Grangetown

Penarth

How it works

1. Register for free

Create your host profile in a few minutes. There are no fees or subscriptions.

2. Get found by schools

Language schools that place students in and around Cardiff search for hosts by location, rooms and availability.

3. Welcome your student

A school contacts you directly to arrange a placement. You decide which students you accept.

Earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free

Under the government's Rent a Room scheme, income from hosting students in your Cardiff home is tax-free up to £7,500 a year.

Applies whether you own or rent (with your landlord's permission)
Claim it with a single tick box on your tax return

General guidance only. Read more on GOV.UK

Hosting in Cardiff: common questions

Ready to host in Cardiff?

Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.

Host families are also needed near Cardiff