Which parts of Leeds are close to the universities?

Headingley, Hyde Park, Woodhouse and Meanwood are close to the University of Leeds and to Leeds Beckett's city and Headingley campuses, and frequent buses link them to town.

Do I pay to register as a host family in Leeds?

You don't. Registration on HostFamily.uk is free, with no subscription or placement fees for host families.

Can I host if I live in Horsforth or Otley?

Yes. Both have bus links into Leeds and Horsforth has its own station, so schools and universities searching by location can find homes there.

What do students do in their free time in Leeds?

Popular choices include Roundhay Park, the Royal Armouries, the shops and markets in the city centre, and day trips to York or the Yorkshire Dales.

Become a Host Family in Leeds

Why Leeds needs host families

The University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University attract students from around the world, and many spend time on English or foundation courses before their degree starts. The city centre, with its Victorian arcades, Kirkgate Market and the Corn Exchange, gives them plenty to explore between classes.

Leeds station has fast links to London, Manchester, York and Edinburgh. Buses run frequently from suburbs like Headingley, Chapel Allerton and Roundhay into town, and the Yorkshire Dales and towns such as Harrogate and Ilkley are easy day trips for students wanting to see more of the county.

A host family helps a student move from coping to thriving. Shared meals, a bit of local knowledge and plenty of everyday conversation make a huge difference, and you stay in control of your dates and the students you choose to welcome into your home.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Leeds

Who you could host in Leeds

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

Pre-sessional students

Future students at the city's universities often arrive in summer for intensive English and want a family home for the length of their course.

Foundation and first-year students

Some students on foundation programmes or starting their degree choose a homestay for a term or longer while they settle in to the city.

Adults studying English

Adults improving their English for work or study come throughout the year and appreciate homes on good bus routes into the centre.

Where you could host

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

Headingley

Hyde Park

Kirkstall

Meanwood

Chapel Allerton

Roundhay

Moortown

Horsforth

Pudsey

Garforth

Otley

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 Leeds 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 Leeds 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 Leeds: common questions

Ready to host in Leeds?

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 Leeds