Why Southend needs host families
Southend gives students sea air, miles of seafront and a classic British pier stretching far out into the estuary. Leigh-on-Sea's cockle sheds and old town, the gardens on the cliffs and the beaches at Thorpe Bay add plenty of variety, and two railway lines run straight to London.
Students hosted in Southend may attend courses locally, including at the University of Essex's Southend campus and the local college, or travel into London. Families close to one of the many stations across the town are especially convenient.
Welcoming a student is a chance to share seaside life with someone who may never have seen an English pier before. Fish and chips on the seafront or a stroll through Leigh's old town can leave a lasting impression. You decide which weeks suit you and which students you take, and schools contact you directly when they have someone who would be a good fit.
Who you could host in Southend
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 Southend 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 Southend 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 Southend: common questions
Ready to host in Southend?
Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. Language schools can find you as soon as your profile is live.