Why Exeter needs host families
Exeter combines a lot of history with an easy, small-city feel. The cathedral, the Roman city walls and the quayside on the River Exe are all within walking distance of one another, and Dartmoor and the Devon coast are close enough for weekend trips.
The University of Exeter brings international students to the city all year, and language courses add many more. A good number of them prefer to live with a local family, where they can practise English every day and feel at home quickly.
A homestay can be as simple as a spare room, a seat at the dinner table and a bit of local advice. Many Exeter hosts find the conversations go both ways, and students often stay in touch long after they have gone home.
Who you could host in Exeter
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 Exeter 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 Exeter 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 Exeter: common questions
Ready to host in Exeter?
Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.