Host Family FAQs

Absolutely! We welcome all kinds of households, whether you're a single individual, a couple, or a family with children. Hosting is about offering a welcoming and safe environment, and it’s more about the care and commitment you provide than the structure of your household. We’ll work with you to match you with a student who will fit well into your home, based on preferences like age, interests, and lifestyle.

Not at all! You don’t need children in the household to be a successful host. Many hosts are single people, couples, or families whose children have grown up and left home, and they provide excellent homestay experiences. What’s most important is that you offer a warm, caring, and supportive environment where the student feels at home.

Yes! You don’t need a house with a garden or a large number of rooms to be a host. A flat or apartment with a spare bedroom is perfect for hosting. We’ll help you through the process of ensuring the space is suitable for students, and we match students with hosts based on the facilities you have available.

Yes, many hosts with pets successfully host students. However, it’s important to let us know about your pets so that we can match you with a student who is comfortable with animals. You can also specify whether your pets are indoors or outdoors, and any other relevant details, so that the students and their families are informed beforehand.

Yes, hosting can be a good fit for those who work full-time, as long as you have the time to provide the student with a safe and welcoming environment. Students have a full programme of lesson and excursions during the day, which gives you time to work. Evening meals together are often an important time for cultural exchange, and your student will benefit from your guidance when they are home.

While hosting does require some time and effort, the experience is very rewarding and manageable. You will spend time getting to know the student, especially during meals and weekends. Many hosts find that the cultural exchange and personal connections make the time commitment worthwhile. We recommend reviewing your daily and weekly routine to ensure it works for you before committing.

Ensure compliance with fire, gas, and electrical safety regulations. Provide a safe and secure environment and conduct a safety briefing with the student on their first day.

Yes, but you must notify PLUS and ensure this does not disrupt the student’s stay. You must never leave a guest unattended at your home with a student.

Contact PLUS as soon as possible. We will discuss alternative arrangements if there isn’t another responsible adult in your household to supervise. Never leave a student at your home unaccompanied overnight.

Address the issue directly and calmly. Explain why the rules are in place. If you would like someone from PLUS to speak to them or their parents, do not hesitate to contact us.

PLUS will always contact you before the student arrives to understand any dietary needs, such as allergies, vegetarianism, or religious restrictions, and see if you are willing to cater to these. If you’re unsure about a requirement, we are happy to offer advice and support.

Encourage them to talk about their experiences and reactions to daily life in the UK. Reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes, and it is part of learning. Praise their efforts to help build confidence.

Hosts typically offer Half Board (continental breakfast and cooked dinner). However, you may also provide Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast, or Full Board depending on your preferences and the student’s needs. You will be matched with students based on your preferred meal options.

Snacks are not required in the meal plan but can be offered at your discretion. You can provide storage space for snacks if desired, but it's important to communicate clearly with your student about what they are allowed to consume.

If the student does not have a Self-Catering Meal Plan, it is completely up to you. Many students enjoy preparing meals from their home country to share with host families, but only agree if you feel comfortable with them using your kitchen equipment.

You should provide a clean, well-maintained room with a comfortable bed, proper lighting, and a space for studying (desk/table and chair). The room should have adequate storage (wardrobe/drawers) and access to Wi-Fi. If the room does not have a desk or study space, provide an alternative somewhere else in your home.

Yes, you can host multiple students, but no more than two can share a room, and the total maximum number of students you can host at one time is four. Additionally, students under 18 cannot stay in the same household as over 18s for safeguarding reasons.

Maintain an open dialogue with your student and monitor any changes in their behaviour. If you notice signs of distress or the student confides in you with serious concerns, contact PLUS have a 24/7 Safeguarding Emergency phone that you can call for assistance.

If your student is unwell, inform PLUS immediately. Help them access medical care by locating a GP or pharmacy. Students from the EU and Switzerland can still use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary healthcare. Each school has a Welfare Officer who can assist if needed.

Encourage your student to stay connected with home through regular calls or messages. Help them engage in activities that will distract them and keep them busy. Patience and understanding go a long way in helping them settle in.

The amount you are paid depends on the student’s stay duration, the type of room, and the meal plan you offer. PLUS will provide you with the exact rates when you apply.

Once a booking is confirmed, you will receive booking details and payment arrangements via the PLUS portal. Payments are processed within one week of the student’s arrival and transferred directly into your bank account.

Under the Rent a Room Scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free by renting out a furnished room in your home. If your earnings exceed this amount, you must declare it to HMRC. For more information, visit the UK government website: Rent a Room Scheme.