Is living near the Anglia Ruskin campus useful?

For students at the university, homes within a short walk or bus ride of the city centre are convenient. Chelmsford's buses connect most suburbs, so many areas work.

What does it cost a Chelmsford family to register?

Nothing. Host families join HostFamily.uk for free, with no subscription or placement fees.

Can I host if I live in a village outside Chelmsford?

Yes, as long as students can reach their classes easily. Villages such as Writtle, Danbury and Boreham are close to the city.

What do students enjoy about Chelmsford?

Hylands Park, riverside walks, the city's shops and restaurants, and day trips to London, Colchester or the Essex coast.

Become a Host Family in Chelmsford

Why Chelmsford needs host families

The River Chelmer and River Can meet in the city centre, and Hylands Park and the Essex countryside lie just beyond the suburbs. Chelmsford is also known for its links with Marconi and the early days of radio, and today it is a busy shopping and commuting city with direct trains to London Liverpool Street.

Anglia Ruskin University brings international students to Chelmsford, and the city's rail links also make it practical for students studying in London or elsewhere in Essex. Families near Chelmsford station or on a main bus route are well placed for schools and colleges.

Hosting lets your family share daily life with someone from another country while making use of a spare room. Young adults heading for university often arrive a little unsure of themselves, and a settled home helps them grow in confidence week by week. You choose when you host and which students join you, and schools and colleges contact you directly.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Chelmsford

Who you could host in Chelmsford

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

University-bound students

Students preparing for, or studying at, Anglia Ruskin University may look for a family home where they can settle in and improve their English.

Adults travelling to London courses

Direct trains to Liverpool Street make Chelmsford a comfortable base for adults taking courses in the capital.

Summer programmes in Essex

Summer brings younger students on short stays across the county. Schools explain any requirements for hosting under-18s.

Where you could host

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

Chelmsford city centre

Moulsham

Springfield

Great Baddow

Broomfield

Writtle

Chelmer Village

Galleywood

Danbury

Boreham

Beaulieu Park

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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford: common questions

Ready to host in Chelmsford?

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 Chelmsford