Getting Ready To Host Your International Student

When it comes to student accommodation, London is home to a wide range of options, and while many students choose to stay in halls of residence or flat shares, homestays are equally popular.

If you’re thinking about becoming a homestay host, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before you invite the student into your house. Remember, this needs to be a great experience for both the student and yourself, so it’s important to work together to create a positive shared environment.

Household Chores

It’s vital that you establish some ground rules when your guest moves in, particularly when it comes to housework. When staying in regular student accommodation, London students tend to avoid chores at all costs, so make sure you are clear about how you maintain the cleanliness of your space and discuss how your visitor can help out!

Depending on the student’s cultural background, they may not be used to doing certain chores such as washing dishes and laundry. If this is the case, take the time to teach them how to do these jobs properly so that they can utilise those skills for later in life. This will also help you to bond with your guest.

Food Preferences

It can be difficult to know how to handle the food situation if you’re new to hosting. Some hosts like to encourage their guests to make their own breakfasts and take packed lunches onto campus, whereas others prefer to provide three meals per day. There is no right or wrong way to go about this, but it’s important to ensure it is something that both yourself and the student agree upon.

Take the student to the supermarket with you so that you can get a better idea of the kinds of food they like to eat. Having their favourite staple dishes available at your house will make them feel a lot more comfortable at mealtimes and will allow you to learn more about their culture and personality.

Politeness and Privacy

Make sure you are aware of some of the traditional customs of your guest’s home country before you jump to conclusions about any politeness or privacy issues. Something as little as forgetting to knock on someone’s bedroom door or taking too long in the bathroom can cause tensions in the household, so be sure to get clued up and communicate with the student if you have any concerns.

You must also make sure to respect any religious aspects of the student’s life. For example, if they like to pray before a meal, allow them to bring this part of their culture into your home so they feel welcome and at ease.

While there are plenty of options in the city for student accommodation, London’s selection of generous homestay hosts is ever-growing. If you’re thinking about becoming a host, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to provide your guest with a fantastic cultural experience they’ll never forget!

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Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for London-based student accommodation. London has a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s helpful suggestions make deciding where to stay even easier. Her expert tips and tricks stem from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.