Is it useful to live near the University of Surrey?

For students studying at the university, a home in Onslow Village, Park Barn or other areas on the west side of town can mean a short walk or bus ride. Elsewhere, Guildford's buses connect most neighbourhoods to the centre.

Are there fees for joining as a Guildford host family?

None. Registration is free for host families, with no subscription or placement fees.

What do students in Guildford do in their free time?

Many explore the castle grounds, walk along the River Wey or up into the Surrey Hills, and take the train into London at weekends.

Can I host if I live in Godalming or a nearby village?

Yes. Homes in surrounding towns and villages can work well, particularly if they are near a station or a bus route into Guildford.

Become a Host Family in Guildford

Why Guildford needs host families

Guildford's steep cobbled High Street, Norman castle and modern cathedral give students plenty to discover, while the Surrey Hills start on the edge of town. It is big enough to have shops, theatres and a busy evening life, yet small enough that students soon feel at home.

The University of Surrey brings international students to Guildford throughout the academic year, and the town's fast trains to London make it a convenient base for anyone studying in the wider area. Families in and around Guildford can offer a homestay that combines both worlds.

Opening your home to a student is a way to meet people from around the world without leaving Guildford. Some hosts welcome one student a year, others prefer back-to-back stays through the busy months; either approach is fine. You choose when you host and which students suit your household, and schools contact you directly when they have a match.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Guildford

Who you could host in Guildford

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

Pre-sessional and foundation students

Before and alongside degree courses, international students often want a family setting where they can improve their English and adjust to life in the UK.

Summer short stays

Short summer programmes in the South East bring younger students who need a welcoming family for a few weeks. Schools explain their own requirements for this age group.

Adults on general English

Adult learners studying in Guildford or nearby towns may stay anywhere from two weeks to a few months, often enjoying weekend trips into London.

Where you could host

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

Guildford town centre

Merrow

Burpham

Stoughton

Onslow Village

Park Barn

Shalford

Bramley

Send

Godalming

Worplesdon

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 Guildford 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 Guildford 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 Guildford: common questions

Ready to host in Guildford?

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 Guildford