Is it free to list my home as a host in Hastings?

Yes. Host families register with HostFamily.uk without paying anything, and there are no subscription or placement fees.

Does St Leonards count for schools in Hastings?

St Leonards-on-Sea runs straight into Hastings along the seafront, with frequent buses, so homes there are usually convenient.

Could I host from Bexhill or Battle?

Possibly. Both have train and bus links to Hastings, and schools decide case by case whether the journey suits a student.

What makes Hastings appealing to students?

Its 1066 history, the Old Town and fishing beach, and the clifftop walks of the Country Park give students a very different experience from a big city.

Become a Host Family in Hastings

Why Hastings needs host families

The story of 1066 starts here, and students can climb to the ruins of Hastings Castle, ride the cliff railways or wander past the tall black net huts on the fishing beach. The Old Town's lanes and the Country Park clifftops make for memorable weekends.

Hastings is a recognised destination for learning English, with students coming for short summer courses and longer adult programmes. The town's mix of history, coast and a lively arts scene gives them plenty to experience. Bexhill and Battle are a short journey away, so the wider area can offer homes too.

Becoming a host family is a way to share all of that with someone new to Britain. Students practise their English at your table, and you can choose stays that work around your family's plans.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Hastings

Who you could host in Hastings

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

Summer holiday groups

Younger students arrive in groups during the summer, usually for two to four weeks, with excursions to Battle and along the coast.

Adults through the year

Adults studying general English come in every season and often like the friendly, unhurried pace of a smaller seaside town.

Longer immersion courses

Students who want to make rapid progress may stay for several months, living as part of the family and practising English every day.

Where you could host

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

Old Town

St Leonards-on-Sea

West St Leonards

Silverhill

Ore

Hollington

Blacklands

Fairlight

Bexhill-on-Sea

Battle

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 Hastings 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 Hastings 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 Hastings: common questions

Ready to host in Hastings?

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 Hastings