Living in a shared space like a homestay requires a delicate balance: you want to be open and friendly with your hosts, but you also need to be smart about your personal property. Most homestays are very safe, but practising ‘proactive privacy’ ensures you have peace of mind.
Here is how to keep your belongings secure while maintaining a good relationship with your host family:
How to Keep Your Personal Belongings Secure When Living in a Homestay
1. Use Shared Keys
Ideally, both students and the host family should have shared home keys.
The guest having a key ensures privacy and security for personal belongings.
The host having a spare key ensures access in case of emergencies (such as maintenance issues or urgent situations).
Clear communication about when and how the host may access the room builds mutual trust and prevents misunderstandings.
2. Manage Your Finances Smartly
There are some clever strategies that can help you stretch your budget while enjoying comfortable, shared living.
The ‘Split Cash’ Method: Never keep all your cash in one place. Keep some in your wallet, some locked in your suitcase, and a small emergency fund hidden elsewhere.
Use Local Banking: If you are staying long-term, avoid carrying large amounts of cash altogether by opening a local bank account or using a debit card.
The main point is that when you live in a shared space, you have to be extra careful with your spending. It is better to have both cash and digital payments active in case of any emergencies.
3. Digital Security
Your smartphones, laptops, and other devices should have different passwords and pattern locks. Always remember, don't save passwords on shared devices. If your accommodation in London has shared computers in common areas, never save your login credentials.
Another important tip is to use privacy screens. If you work in common areas, a privacy screen filter for your laptop prevents people from reading your screen.
Regarding Wi-Fi, you don’t get your private Wi-Fi in most homestays. So, always avoid putting sensitive information (like your social handles and bank account details) over that Wi-Fi network. Use a VPN for more security.
4. Respect Shared Spaces
Hosts usually set guidelines for kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. You should stick to them. Wash dishes after use, wipe down counters, and leave shared areas as you found them (or better).
Ask before using appliances, food, or personal items that aren’t clearly marked for guest use.
5. Communicate Your Needs
Most of the time, the host families in the UK already know the etiquette of hosting a student. You will be delighted to know how much they take care of the students’ privacy and security.
But if you still find some of them a little off, you should respectfully communicate your needs. Similarly, if you don’t know their temperament, proactively asking them is better than feeling uncomfortable later.
For example,
During your first day, ask: "When I am out for the day, do you prefer my bedroom door to be open or closed for airflow?" This gives you a natural opening to express your preference for a closed (and potentially locked) door.
Hosts often enter rooms to vacuum or change linens. Ask which day this happens so you can ensure your valuables are extra secure.
Quick Summary Checklist for Homestay Safety in London
Keep valuables concealed. You can use zippered bags or under-bed storage.
Turn off chargers/laptops when leaving and avoid candles in your room.
Wipe bathroom surfaces after use, and turn off lights when not needed.
Keep noise low after 10 pm (or as requested by the host) to build trust with the family.