Tips for a Successful Homestay Experience in the UK: A Guide for International Students

Whether you’re staying in Brighton, Eastbourne, Chester, or anywhere else in the UK, a homestay experience gives you a unique opportunity to form personal connections and experience British life firsthand.

In this quick guide, you’ll find practical tips to help you make the most of your homestay, ensuring it’s a positive, memorable part of your UK journey.

What is the difference between a “host family” and a “homestay”?

It’s important to state that any British Council approved English language school in England will use the recommended phrase “homestay” as opposed to “host family”, however, we use both terms in this article.

The reason the official name is “homestay” is that there is no guarantee that you are going to be placed with a typical “host family” with the stereotype of a mum, a dad and maybe a couple of children and a dog. Your accommodation could also be in a home with just one occupant, there may or may not be children (younger or older), and there may or may not be pets! So the term homestay is more appropriate to describe the fact that you are staying in a British home, but it doesn’t over-promise what the occupants will be like.

In this article, we might use both terms, host family and homestay as both terms are common.

Choosing the right host family

The choice of host family can make a huge difference to your homestay experience. A good school will pay close attention to your needs and match you to the most appropriate host.

• Give lots of details: Do you have specific dietary needs or preferences? Do you really like pets, or not like them at all and have allergies? Let your school know so they can match you with a suitable family. You might not get a perfect match to every one of your interests, but the more information you share, the better. At ELC , we visit and check our host families personally to ensure they are a good fit for students.
• Location matters: Think about whether you’d prefer to live closer to the city centre or in a quieter, residential area. Remember, you may not have a lot of control over the distance you travel from home to school. In Eastbourne, homestays are generally within a 30-minute travel radius. In Brighton, homestays are within 40 minutes, with most students taking one bus. Chester homestays are within a 4-mile radius, with an average bus journey of 25 minutes. Some students may be placed within walking distance, but this is not guaranteed.
• Do your research: Ask for reviews or feedback from past students who have stayed in homestay at the school of your choice. Some international language students will prefer self-catering, like AirBnB, or even opt to stay in a hotel. There are specific reasons for choosing homestay, so make sure it’s absolutely right for you before you book.

If you think a homestay option is right for you, you’ll be happy to know that at ELC, we pride ourselves on finding host families that offer a safe, welcoming environment, tailored to meet your needs. We have our own in-house team to organise accommodation, which means we’re always close by if you have any questions or concerns.

When you book your homestay with ELC, you will receive a profile of your host family before arrival. Your host will also receive some information about you to help them prepare for your stay.

Cultural etiquette and customs in British families

When living with a host family, understanding British customs is key to fitting in. Here are some top tips to make the transition to homestay living that much easier.

• Be polite: Politeness is central to British culture. Use “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” often! If you don’t understand what your host is saying to you, ask them to repeat until you do. They are used to communicating with international students like you, and they’ll be patient and ready to help you. Ask your teacher if you need some specific phrases to try out when you get home!
• Observe mealtime etiquette: If you’re unsure about something, like how to eat a certain dish, or what they’ve cooked for you, don’t hesitate to ask. If you are going to eat with your host, it’s important to know what time you need to get back home. It’s rude to keep them waiting. Mealtimes are your best opportunity to spend time with your host, so try to be home on time when meals are planned. If you have a busy schedule, remember that your host might not always be able to wait for you to eat together. If you’ll be late or miss dinner, it’s polite to let your host know in advance.
• Be adaptable: Every family is unique, so try to embrace their way of doing things, whether that’s their food, routines, or traditions. It is likely to be different from what you have known at home, but that’s part of the fun of living in a new country. Heating in UK homes is typically regulated and only on for set times during the day. If you’re feeling cold, speak to your host about extra blankets or a heater for your room.

Living with a host family in the UK is your chance to learn about British culture in a way that can’t be taught any other way. Of course, if you don’t like the idea of this, maybe a self-catering option would suit you better. Self-catering is where you prepare your own meals. It could still be that you live in a home environment (and have use of the kitchen), or it could be that you simply rent the space (like you would in an AirBnB) where you either share with others or have the place to yourself.

Communication and language practice in your homestay

A homestay isn’t just accommodation—it’s an opportunity to boost your English skills. Some hosts will be more chatty than others, but you should always get some chance to speak to your host during your stay, particularly around mealtimes.

• Engage in daily conversations: Talk with your host family during meals or in the evenings. If you’re less confident in English, think of a few questions to ask each day, or things to talk about. Just like in your own language, there will be some typical phrases for short interactions, like when you first see them in the morning, when you arrive home after school, when they’re leaving for work, etc. These little phrases will help your interaction with your host feel more natural.
• Be curious: Ask questions about British life, culture, or even the weather—it’s a favourite topic! We select homestay providers who are friendly and approachable, and they will warm to you even more if you show an interest in them, and their lives.
• Don’t stop learning: Your host family will appreciate your efforts in speaking English, but there will be times - especially when you first get up, or last thing at night when you’re tired - when you might struggle a little more with your English. That’s totally normal. If you’re happy for your host to correct your English, or help you with pronunciation, let them know, and they can help you improve your English at home too.

Home rules and expectations

Just like the home you grew up in, every household operates differently. Understanding your host family’s expectations of you will help you have a smooth experience.

• Discuss house rules early: Topics might include what time you need to be home at night, what time you’ll eat, or whether you can bring guests home, what time your host goes to bed and when you need to be a little quieter around the house.
• Contribute to the home: Simple acts, like keeping your room tidy or cleaning up after yourself, show respect and consideration and build collaborative relationships.
• Observe curfews: ‘Curfews’ are set times when you are expected to be back at your homestay in the evening. If you are under 16, you must be home by 8pm. If you are over 18, your curfew is 11pm unless your group leader has arranged something different. Hosts expect you to follow these rules for your safety, so be sure to check what your curfew is and plan your evenings accordingly.
• Respect personal space: Always knock before entering rooms and avoid going into private areas uninvited.
• Laundry: Most hosts will wash your clothes once a week as part of your stay. If you need extra washes, some hosts may be happy to help, though they might ask for a small fee (usually £5-£8). It’s always best to check with your host about how laundry works in their home.

As you get to know your host family - or individual host - better, you’ll find it easier to co-habit the home together. It’s quite a big thing to offer up your home to others, and equally, it’s a big thing to stay with someone you don’t know. Even if it feels like a big shock at first, the chances are it will get much easier after a few days.

Building relationships

Living with a host family is about creating meaningful connections.

• Share your story: Talk about your background, culture, and interests and be open to exploring how your nationality is perceived abroad.
• Get involved: If available, join family activities, whether it’s a weekend outing or watching TV together. Every homestay will be different, but seize opportunities where you can.
• Show appreciation: A simple thank-you note or sharing a traditional treat from your home country can make a big impression. Remember, the families and individuals who offer up their homes to you don’t do it to make a big profit. They do it because they are open to meeting people from other countries, maybe like you, and in creating new connections. Showing your gratitude for this will be very welcome, however small the gesture.

Making the most of your UK experience

In addition to enjoying life with your host family, take advantage of everything the UK has to offer.

• Explore local attractions: Ask your host family for tips on nearby places to visit, whether it’s Brighton’s iconic pier, Eastbourne’s scenic coastal walks, or Chester’s historic landmarks.
• Join local events: Look out for community activities or cultural events.
• Travel beyond your city: The UK has excellent transport links, making it easy to explore cities like London, Edinburgh, or Bath on weekends.

ELC has a rich social programme in each of our cities in Brighton, Eastbourne and Chester, and there will be something planned for every day of the week. It could be your homestay provider offers you the chance to do things with them, but your school definitely will have options, including day trips at the weekend. Your time in the UK is limited, so make the most of every opportunity to experience its rich history, culture, and landscapes.

Frequently asked questions about homestays

To address some common concerns, here are answers to questions that many international students have expressed before choosing the homestay option:

What if I feel homesick?

Homesickness is normal at first and often happens because you quickly lose the security of the people and home you know best, and find yourself in a place where everything is unfamiliar. Share your feelings with the welfare officer in your school - you’ll see posters around the school of who they are and how to contact them.

Can I ask for a different family if it’s not a good fit?

Yes, schools like ELC work hard to make sure you have a positive experience, and they can assist with changes if necessary. If you have any concerns, raise these with the accommodation officer in your school who will talk you through the options.

Will I have my own room?

When you book your accommodation, most of the options will be for a private bedroom, but you can share with a friend too. It’s more unusual to have a private bathroom in homestay accommodation in the UK.

Can I cook my own meals?

If you’ve booked half-board, your host will provide breakfast and dinner, but you won’t have access to the kitchen for cooking your own meals. If you’d prefer to prepare your own food, we can help you switch to a self-catering homestay instead. Just let us know!

Are you ready for life in a UK homestay?

A homestay is more than just a place to stay—it’s a chance to grow, learn, and experience British life in a personal and meaningful way. By choosing the right host family, embracing cultural differences, practising your English, and building strong relationships, you can create lasting memories and gain skills that will benefit you for life.

Find out more about accommodation at ELC schools

If you have any questions about homestay accommodation in our schools, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help you.

• Accommodation in Brighton
• Accommodation in Chester
• Accommodation in Eastbourne