How much does it cost to sign up as a Southampton host?

It costs nothing. HostFamily.uk is free for host families, with no subscription or placement fees.

Which areas are handy for the University of Southampton?

Highfield, Portswood, Bassett and Swaythling are close to the main campus, though buses connect most of the city, so other areas can work as well.

Can I host if I live outside the city, in Totton or Chandler's Ford?

Yes, where the travel is reasonable. Both have bus and rail links into Southampton, and schools will consider journey times.

What do students enjoy doing in Southampton?

Walking the old city walls, exploring the waterfront and days out in the New Forest are popular, and Portsmouth and Bournemouth are close for trips.

Become a Host Family in Southampton

Why Southampton needs host families

Cruise ships and container vessels pass along Southampton Water, and the city's medieval walls and Bargate are reminders of its long maritime history. The New Forest lies just to the west, offering open heathland and ponies within easy reach. The Titanic sailed from Southampton, and the city's museums tell the story of its life as a port.

The University of Southampton and Solent University attract students from around the world, and many arrive needing to improve their English or adjust to life in the UK. Living with a family can make those first months much easier. The city is also a good base for exploring Winchester, Portsmouth and the New Forest.

If you have a spare room, hosting is a way to welcome someone new to the city and help them find their feet. You keep control of when you host and which students stay, and the arrangement brings extra income too.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Southampton

Who you could host in Southampton

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

Pre-sessional English students

Before the university year starts, students on preparatory English courses often look for a family home for several weeks.

Adult learners

Adults studying English for work or further study come at different times of year, staying for a few weeks or a few months.

Summer visitors

In the summer holidays, younger students on short courses visit the south coast, and hosts near good bus routes are useful.

Where you could host

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

Highfield

Portswood

Bassett

Swaythling

Shirley

Freemantle

Bitterne

Woolston

Sholing

Ocean Village

Chandler's Ford

Totton

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 Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton: common questions

Ready to host in Southampton?

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 Southampton