Can students living in St Albans study in London?

Yes. Thameslink trains from St Albans City run directly through central London, so commuting to classes is straightforward.

How much will it cost me to sign up as a host in St Albans?

Nothing. Host families register for free, with no subscription or placement fees.

Is Harpenden close enough to host?

Yes. Harpenden is on the same railway line and a short trip from St Albans, so it suits students travelling in either direction.

What will a student enjoy about St Albans?

The cathedral, Verulamium Park and its Roman remains, the Saturday and Wednesday market, and the easy rail link to London.

Become a Host Family in St Albans

Why St Albans needs host families

Walking from the cathedral down to the lake at Verulamium Park, students pass through almost two thousand years of history. St Albans also has a busy street market, independent shops and pubs, and direct Thameslink trains to central London.

St Albans is better known as a commuter city than a study hub, so hosts here often welcome students attending courses in London or elsewhere in Hertfordshire, as well as those who want a quieter, characterful place to live. A home near the City or Abbey station is a strong advantage.

Hosting gives you the chance to show someone what a historic English city is really like to live in, from market days to Sunday walks around the lake. Students value these everyday details as much as the famous sights. You choose when you are free and which students fit your family, and the arrangement is made between you and the school.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in St Albans

Who you could host in St Albans

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

Students commuting to London

Adults on London courses sometimes prefer a smaller city with a direct train into the capital and a family home to come back to.

History-minded study tours

Short educational visits around the region bring groups interested in Roman and medieval Britain, often for a week or two.

Longer stays with a local family

Students staying for a term or more value a settled home in a safe, walkable city where they can practise their English every day.

Where you could host

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

St Albans city centre

Marshalswick

Fleetville

Bernards Heath

London Colney

Park Street

How Wood

Bricket Wood

Harpenden

Sandridge

Redbourn

Wheathampstead

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 St Albans 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 St Albans 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 St Albans: common questions

Ready to host in St Albans?

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 St Albans