Accommodation: host families

Living with a host family is a great opportunity to immerse yourself into a different culture, improve your English and have new experiences.

Arranging your host family

You’ll have the chance to specify preferences about your host family, although it’s not always possible to meet every requirement. On your first day at the University, your host family will bring and collect you by the way that you will normally travel.

It is a good idea to swap mobile phone numbers so you can contact your host if you have any problems. For help with communicating in the UK, see our information on visiting the UK.

Living with your host family

You will be treated as a member of the family. You may feel a little shy at first but the family will expect you to socialise with them in the evenings and this is an excellent opportunity to practise your English.

Being part of the family also means that you should offer to help around the house – perhaps with food preparation or washing up. You will probably have to share the bathroom with other family members. This can be a busy room so you should arrange the best time for you to use the bathroom in the morning.

An important aspect of living in homestay is communication. Your family may differ from others and it is important to speak with your host family about what you both are comfortable with. Respecting their wishes is important for the comfort of both you and the host family during your stay. For example, if you are going to miss or be late for a meal, you must tell your family in good time.

Please see our guidance on living with others while in the UK.

What to expect

We have produced the following guidelines to help you understand what your host family can and cannot provide for you:

Accommodation and meals

You will have your own bedroom and a place to store your clothes. There will be a lamp and you will either have a desk or somewhere quiet in the house where you can work. Your family will give you towels and bedding, but you should bring your own personal hygiene items, such as toothpaste, tissues, and shampoo.

Your family will provide breakfast and an evening meal every day. Most British families eat only a light breakfast of cereals and/or toast. If you would like to use the kitchen to prepare food, please ask the host family if it is convenient.

Smoking

Most families will not permit smoking inside the house. Check with your family first where you can smoke.

Telephone

It is very expensive to make international calls. If you do need to call from your host family’s telephone, you must ask permission first and you should always offer to pay for the call.

Washing and ironing

You should ask your host family about washing your clothes. Some families will show you how to use the washing machine yourself and others may offer to do your washing for you.

You should be prepared to do your own ironing, though some families will prefer to do it for you. Please ask your family when it is convenient for you to use the washing/ironing facilities.

Problems

Your host family will do their best to make you feel at home but, occasionally, there may be a misunderstanding or problem. If you have a problem or are unsure about what is expected of you, speak to your host family.

If you feel you can’t talk to your host family, speak to the Admin Team in the Global Opportunities office (details at the top of the page) who can help with your concerns.