Homestays will feel alien if you let them. If you don’t consciously put in effort to familiarise yourself with the people and culture, you won’t feel at home.
The 3 most important things you should do to make your homestay in the UK your new home are:
Be respectful and communicate openly.
Spend time with the host family.
Help them with small chores to create comfort and belonging.
Practical Tips for Feeling Comfortable in a New Homestay
These are the most effective tips that every exchange student can follow to stop feeling in a new homestay.
1. Put in Efforts to Get Connected with the Host Family
If you're going to stay with a host family in London, the relationship you build with them will shape your entire experience.
Most host families are warm, open-minded people who aren't expecting you to be perfect. They understand you're adjusting. A simple "good morning," asking how their day went, can open up a natural conversation without any pressure.
If you're feeling a little anxious about fitting in, remind yourself that politeness and genuine curiosity go a long way. Ask them about the local area, their favourite spots in the neighbourhood, or little cultural norms you should know. When you show genuine curiosity about learning their culture, they will be more open to welcoming you in.
2. Explore the Local Area in Your Neighbourhood
The quickest way to stop feeling like a foreigner when you start living in a new homestay in London is to start acting like a local. Spend some time exploring the streets around your homestay. Find your nearest grocery store, a cafe you like, and a park where you can unwind. It's like giving your own personalised vibe in the city.
London's diverse neighbourhoods have their own character. As a new student, when you select some specific spots to hang out every other week, the surroundings will feel genuinely yours.
3. Have a Routine
You might struggle with creating a routine when settling into a new environment, but having a predictable daily structure gives your mind something steady to hold onto.
Try these tips:
Wake up at the same time
Eat meals at regular hours
Set aside time for studying or work
Have some leisure time
A consistent routine like this one helps you sync naturally with your host family's household rhythm.
4. Handle the "Homesick" Slump
Feeling homesick after moving out is completely normal. It usually lasts around 2-3 weeks, but you have to put in some effort yourself.
Even if socialising with the host family feels heavy, try to engage with them as much as possible. Call friends and family back home, do some meditation, journalling or have a coffee at a nearby cafe to take control of your emotions.
No one can take you out of homesickness except yourself.
5. Help Out with Household Chores
Pitching in around the house is one of the fastest ways to feel genuinely at home. Just make sure you don’t invade the privacy of the host family.
Here are some ideas:
Wash your own dishes
Take out the bins when you notice they're full
Tidy the shared spaces (like bathrooms) after use
These small acts show that you see the home as your own. Most host families appreciate it, and it naturally softens the dynamics.
How to Personalise Your Homestay Room?
There are some non-permanent touches that can make a homestay room feel like your own, especially in a UK setting as an international student.
The standard practices are:
1. Get Approval From the Hosts
Openly discuss wall attachments, scents, or furniture shifts with the family. It builds your reputation as a responsible student and also minimises any possibility of conflict.
2. Decorate Your Study Area
You must have brought your favourite coffee mug, table mat, rug, or family portraits from home. Put them on your study table to give it a personalised feel.
3. Add Plants
Low-light plants like pothos or peace lilies purify air and reduce anxiety. They do not serve only aesthetics, but also help in spreading positive vibes.
Small as these things sound, they send a powerful message to your brain: “This is my space, and I belong here.”