Why London needs host families
Students come to London for the museums, the theatres, the history and the chance to hear English spoken in every accent imaginable. Living with a London family gives them something a hotel or residence cannot: everyday conversation over dinner, help with the Tube map, and a real sense of how people in the city live.
Because London is so large, schools look for hosts in every direction, from leafy suburbs at the end of the Underground lines to inner boroughs a short bus ride from the centre. What matters most is a sensible journey to class, so a good transport link near your home counts for a lot.
Hosting suits Londoners who enjoy meeting people from other countries and have a spare room going unused. Many families find that a student brings real energy to the house, asking questions about everyday things they had stopped noticing. You set the dates that work for your household, choose which students to accept, and the income can fall within the Rent a Room allowance.
Who you could host in London
You choose the ages, lengths of stay and dates that suit your household.
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 London 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 London 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 London: common questions
Ready to host in London?
Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.