Which parts of Worcester are convenient for students?

St John's is close to the university's main campus, while Barbourne, Battenhall and Diglis are near the city centre. Most areas have buses into town.

Is there a registration fee for Worcester host families?

No. Host families register on HostFamily.uk for free, with no subscription or placement fees.

Can I host if I live in Droitwich Spa?

Yes. Droitwich has train and bus links to Worcester, so schools may consider families there when the journey works.

What do students do in and around Worcester?

Visiting the cathedral, walking along the Severn, watching cricket in summer, and taking trips to the Malvern Hills, Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Become a Host Family in Worcester

Why Worcester needs host families

Worcester Cathedral rises above the River Severn, looking across to the county cricket ground on the other bank. The city's history runs deep, from the last battle of the English Civil War to Royal Worcester porcelain and the famous Worcestershire sauce.

The University of Worcester brings students to the city from the UK and abroad, and Birmingham is a short train ride away. For international students, a family home in a manageable, friendly city can be the ideal place to grow in confidence.

Students remember the families who showed them where to buy a bus ticket or took them for a walk along the river. If you have room to spare, you could be that family for someone arriving in Worcester for the first time.

Host family sharing a meal with an international student in Worcester

Who you could host in Worcester

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

University students and newcomers

International students starting out in Worcester may want a family home for their first term or longer while they find their feet.

Summer visitors to the Midlands

Summer brings students on short courses and study trips across the region, with Worcester a handy base for Malvern, Stratford and the Cotswolds.

Adults on short courses

Adult learners sometimes prefer a smaller city to a big one, staying for a few weeks of lessons and daily English at home.

Where you could host

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

St John's

Barbourne

Claines

Battenhall

Diglis

St Peter's

Ronkswood

Warndon Villages

Lower Wick

Fernhill Heath

Droitwich Spa

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 Worcester 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 Worcester 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 Worcester: common questions

Ready to host in Worcester?

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 Worcester