Is it free for Portsmouth families to register?

Yes. HostFamily.uk charges host families nothing, with no subscription or placement fees.

Which parts of Portsmouth are best for students at the university?

Southsea and the areas around the city centre are close to the university, but buses run across Portsea Island and to Cosham and Drayton too.

Can I host from Fareham or Havant?

Schools search by location, so homes in Fareham and Havant can be found. They have train and bus links into Portsmouth, and the school will decide if the journey suits.

What do students do in Portsmouth?

The Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower and Southsea seafront are favourites, and many take the ferry to the Isle of Wight for a day.

Become a Host Family in Portsmouth

Why Portsmouth needs host families

HMS Victory and the Mary Rose sit in the Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower rises over Gunwharf Quays, and Southsea Common runs along the seafront. Ferries to the Isle of Wight and France leave from the harbour, giving students plenty of adventures nearby.

The University of Portsmouth draws students from many countries, and plenty of them benefit from time living with an English family. A home here can make a real difference to how quickly they settle and how confident their English becomes.

Sharing your home is also a chance to share your city. From fish and chips on the seafront to a walk around Old Portsmouth, small moments help a student feel at home, and you decide which placements suit you. Schools contact you directly, so you always have the details before you agree.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Portsmouth

Who you could host in Portsmouth

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

International students starting university

Students arriving for courses at the University of Portsmouth may want a family home while they adapt to life in the UK.

English-for-study courses

Preparatory English and foundation students sometimes stay for a term, building their skills before degree study.

Seaside summer stays

Short summer visits along the south coast can include Portsmouth, and homes near Southsea or good bus routes suit schools placing students.

Where you could host

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

Southsea

Old Portsmouth

Fratton

Milton

Eastney

North End

Copnor

Hilsea

Cosham

Drayton

Havant

Fareham

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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth: common questions

Ready to host in Portsmouth?

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 Portsmouth