Why Durham needs host families
Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle stand side by side above a loop of the River Wear, and together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durham University's colleges are spread around the city, and students come from across the world, some of them first taking English courses before their studies begin.
The city is compact enough to walk across, with riverside paths and steep cobbled streets leading up to Palace Green. Trains on the East Coast Main Line reach Newcastle quickly and run direct to York, Edinburgh and London, so students can explore well beyond the city.
A host family gives a student daily support and conversation that no textbook can match. In a city where so much revolves around the university, hosts help students feel part of the wider community, while choosing for themselves when to host and which students to welcome.
Who you could host in Durham
You choose the ages, lengths of stay and dates that suit your household.
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 Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham: common questions
Ready to host in Durham?
Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.