Which parts of Glasgow are convenient for students?

The West End, including Hillhead, Partick and Hyndland, is close to the University of Glasgow and on the Subway, while Southside areas like Shawlands have good bus and train links to the centre.

Do host families in Glasgow pay any fees?

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

Can I host if I live in Bearsden or Giffnock?

Yes. Both have railway stations with direct trains into central Glasgow, so schools can consider homes there when they search by location.

What do students do at weekends in Glasgow?

Many visit Kelvingrove, walk in the city's parks, catch live music, or take the train to Edinburgh or out to Loch Lomond.

Become a Host Family in Glasgow

Why Glasgow needs host families

Students in Glasgow can explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the buildings of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the regenerated banks of the River Clyde. The University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University all welcome international students, many of whom need to strengthen their English first.

Getting around is easy on the Subway, local trains and buses, and Edinburgh is under an hour away by train. Loch Lomond and the edge of the Highlands are close enough for weekend trips, giving students a real sense of Scotland and its landscapes beyond the city.

Glaswegians have a reputation for friendliness, and a host family is often where a student first feels it. Hosting helps someone find their feet and their voice in English, and you stay free to decide when you host and which students you accept into your home.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Glasgow

Who you could host in Glasgow

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

Pre-sessional English

Each summer, students preparing for degrees at Glasgow's universities arrive for intensive English, and many look for a family home for the course.

Adults studying through the year

Adults on general English or exam courses come in every season, typically staying from a few weeks to several months with a host family.

Scottish culture summers

Younger students visit in the summer for short courses that mix English classes with Scottish history, music and trips to lochs and castles.

Where you could host

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

West End

Hillhead

Partick

Hyndland

Dennistoun

Shawlands

Pollokshields

Govanhill

Bearsden

Milngavie

Giffnock

Newton Mearns

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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow: common questions

Ready to host in Glasgow?

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 Glasgow