Can students in Harlow get to London and Cambridge?

Yes. Harlow Town and Harlow Mill stations are on the line between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, so both are easy to reach.

Are there any charges for Harlow host families?

No. Registration is free, with no subscription or placement fees.

Which parts of Harlow are best for hosting?

Homes near the stations or on bus routes into the town centre are most practical, which covers much of Harlow as well as Old Harlow and Church Langley.

What do students do in Harlow?

They can walk and cycle through the Town Park and green spaces, spot the town's sculptures, and take the train to London, Cambridge or Hertford.

Become a Host Family in Harlow

Why Harlow needs host families

Planned around green wedges, cycle paths and the large Town Park, Harlow is a town where nature is never far from the front door. It is also known for its public sculpture, and the River Stort runs along its northern edge. London Liverpool Street and Cambridge are both a direct train ride away.

Students hosted in Harlow may study at the local college, in nearby towns, or in London or Cambridge. The town's links by rail and the M11 also make it convenient for students arriving through Stansted Airport, and homes near Harlow Town or Harlow Mill station suit schools well.

Hosting is a straightforward way to make good use of a spare bedroom. Students usually need a private room, breakfast and an evening meal, along with a friendly household that is happy to chat and help them find their feet. You decide when you are available and which students to accept, and you get to share a slice of Essex life with someone new.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Harlow

Who you could host in Harlow

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

College and further education students

International students on further education courses sometimes look for a family to live with while they study in the area.

Learners commuting by train

Adults studying in London or Cambridge can stay with a Harlow family and travel in by direct train.

Summer short stays

Summer courses in Essex and Hertfordshire bring younger students for short visits. 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 Harlow.

Harlow town centre

Old Harlow

Church Langley

Newhall

Great Parndon

Potter Street

Harlow Common

Sawbridgeworth

Roydon

Epping

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 Harlow 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 Harlow 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 Harlow: common questions

Ready to host in Harlow?

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 Harlow