Is registration free for families in Hove?

Yes. HostFamily.uk charges host families nothing to register, and there are no subscription or placement fees.

Will schools in Brighton consider a host in Hove?

Hove is part of the same city, and frequent buses link it with central Brighton, so schools often look for hosts here when matching students.

Does Portslade count as Hove for hosting?

Portslade and Mile Oak are on the western side of Hove with bus links into the city, so they can work well. Schools decide what journey time suits each student.

What will a student enjoy about living in Hove?

The seafront promenade, the beach huts and the cafés along Church Road and George Street are popular, and Brighton's attractions are only a short bus ride or walk along the coast.

Become a Host Family in Hove

Why Hove needs host families

Hove has a quieter feel than its neighbour, with the green expanse of Hove Lawns, rows of colourful beach huts and grand squares such as Brunswick Square. Students get the seaside and city life of Brighton on their doorstep, with a more relaxed home base.

Brighton and Hove together form one of the UK's most popular places to study English, and buses run frequently along the coast and into the city centre. That makes Hove homes a practical choice for schools placing students right across the city.

Many Hove families find hosting fits naturally around busy lives. You choose the dates you are available and the students you accept, and a student who joins you for dinner each evening can become a real part of the household. Schools contact you directly, so you can ask questions before agreeing to anything.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Hove

Who you could host in Hove

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

Holiday courses for young learners

During school holidays, especially summer, younger students come for short courses. Hove's quieter streets and seafront appeal to families hosting this age group.

Adults on flexible courses

Adult students start courses most weeks of the year, so hosts can welcome a new guest in spring, autumn or winter as well as summer.

Term-time and longer stays

Students preparing for exams or further study sometimes stay for a full term, giving hosts a longer, steadier arrangement.

Where you could host

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

Central Hove

Brunswick

Aldrington

Poets' Corner

Hove Park

Goldstone

Wish Park

West Blatchington

Hangleton

Portslade

Mile Oak

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 Hove 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 Hove 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 Hove: common questions

Ready to host in Hove?

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 Hove