Homestay Vs. Student Residences:  

When studying abroad, one of the biggest decisions international students face is selecting the right accommodation. There are several available options such as the University dormitory (if available), student halls (sometimes called student residences), renting a studio, and living in a homestay. They offer vastly different experiences. In this blog, we will look at the 2 common options – student residences and homestays. 

A homestay allows international students to live with a local family, giving them the opportunity to experience daily life in the UK while receiving personal care and attention. 

Living with a host family offers a range of benefits that go beyond just a place to live. It’s an ideal option for students who seek cultural immersion, emotional support, and a personalized environment to help them adjust to life in a new country. 

In a homestay, you'll have a comfortable room, a chance to practice your language skills in a real-world setting, and you can even include home-cooked meals in your stay. It's an ideal choice if you're looking for a more welcoming and warm living environment. 

On the other hand, student halls or student residences provide a different kind of living experience, offering more independence and a vibrant student community. These halls are often managed by universities or private providers, and they house a large number of students, offering shared kitchens, bathrooms, and social spaces. 

While student halls are perfect for those seeking more social interaction and independence, they may lack the same level of personalized care and cultural immersion that a homestay can offer. 

Here’s a more detailed comparison between homestay accommodation and student halls to help you make an informed decision: 

 In a homestay, you’re welcomed into a family home, often with a quieter, more relaxed environment. This setting is ideal for students who want emotional support as they settle into a new country. In contrast, student halls can be noisy and impersonal, with students coming and going at all hours. 

 One of the key advantages of homestay accommodation is that meals can be included in your stay – you can choose to add a breakfast, or even breakfast and dinner to your stay. This allows students to enjoy home-cooked meals, saving both time and money. With student halls, meals are usually self-catered, meaning you’ll need to cook your own food or rely on hall catering, which may not always feel like home, or be affordable. 

 Homestays are leaders between the two on affordability, as they include utilities and sometimes even meals in the price, which can make budgeting easier and more predictable. 

 The cultural immersion you get in a homestay is unmatched. Living with a local family allows you to experience British culture firsthand—whether it's through sharing meals, participating in family activities, or simply chatting with your hosts. Student halls may provide some social interaction, often with other international students, but often don’t offer the same level of cultural connection. 

 When you stay with a host family, you benefit from the personalized care and guidance that comes with living in a home environment. In student halls, the responsibility for safety and emotional support is more dispersed, and you may not have the same direct access to assistance. 

If you're leaning toward a homestay, learn more about our homestay options and how they can provide a supportive, safe living experience. 

Ultimately, your choice between homestay and student halls depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and what you're hoping to get from your accommodation. 

If you value cultural immersion, home-cooked meals, and a warm, supportive environment, a homestay might be the best choice. For students seeking a more independent and social living arrangement, student halls may be the way to go. 

We recommend a homestay for students who prefer a personalized experience and need the support of a host family as they adjust to life in a new country. If this resonates with you, you can find a homestay here. 

Our students often share how living with a host family has positively shaped their time in the UK. 

Take Maria, a 22-year-old student from Spain studying in London. She told us: 

 “Choosing a homestay helped me feel settled much faster. 

Maria said she was delighted with her choice. After six months, she felt confident speaking English in a way she had never imagined, thanks to her host family’s patience and encouragement in correcting her mistakes. 

Another story comes from Darshana, a 27-year-old student from India who applied for a homestay through Host Family Stay. She explained that her experience in a university residence was far from ideal. The most troubling aspect for her was witnessing bullying and drug use among students, which prompted her to seek a safer, more welcoming place to live. 

If you’re considering homestays, our team can provide you with various options across London within 24 hours. Find out more and sign up at your earliest convenience to secure your home soon! 

If you have any questions, check out our FAQs for guests or get in touch.