A host family is a kind and welcoming person or household who welcomes you into their home, gets to know you, helps you out, and in most cases provides you with breakfast and dinner. Think of it like a nice auntie or uncle who cares about you and who you like to hang out with.

Most of our host families aren’t the mum, dad, two kids type. We do have a few host families with kids (who could be a good fit for students studying Children's Literature Media and Culture), but most have grown up kids (and thus available rooms) or they just have a spare room. All are very friendly and welcoming.

And don't worry! Your host family won't think of you as a kid. They think of you as a young person having an a learning adventure, and they’re happy to contribute to making that a great experience.

You'll have your own key and can come and go as you like. Just let them know if you won't be home for dinner.

Because we usually include breakfast and dinner, you'll have a chance to relax with your hosts over dinner, tell them how your day has gone and learn about life in Glasgow. If you have any questions about how things work here, they'll be delighted to help.

If you would like to book a host family, you can start by filling in our registration form. This will give us information we can use to match you with a host family - for example, where you're studying, any pet or food allergies, and your interests. We'll send the prospective host family some information about you and send you some information about them and some photos of the your room and shared spaces, and if everyone is happy, we'll set up the contract for you.

When you sign and pay your deposit of one week's rent, then we'll send you your welcome pack with information about where you're staying and other orientation information.

Usually we aim to match students with the closest host families to the universities first and then offer other hosts as we get later requests, but if there's a host a bit further away who we think you'll love, we'll give you that option too.

Once

We do have a couple of host families with more than one guest room. Just ask when you book and we can let you know what’s available. Early booking gives you the best chance.

Don't worry! We do want you and your host to go out and have a life too - especially over three months!

Sharing dinner is a great way to feel part of the household and for you and your host(s) to get to know each other, but you don't have to do it every day.

We absolutely encourage you to go out and experience our city's thriving food and drink scene. When you do, we just ask that you give your host family enough notice so they don't spend time cooking and waiting for you. Who knows, maybe they'll want to take the opportunity to go out too?

Similarly, your host will be out for dinner sometimes. In this case, if you're going to be home, they'll make food in advance for you to heat up, so you're covered.

Breakfast can just be whatever you want to make for yourself on the morning. As long as it’s reasonably easy to get, just let your host family know what you like to eat and they can include it either their groceries.

Rather than a flat where you pay all your bills in addition to rent, or a purpose built student accommodation that is designed to maximise profits for developers, we are all about making you feel at home and making it viable for everyone.

Your accommodation fee with us includes accommodation (your own room with a desk, place to store your clothes and bed - we'll send photos), the bills, breakfast and dinner, orientation information and any tips you need from me while you're getting ready or here.

You pay a deposit of one week's accommodation fee when you book and then a week before you arrive, you pay the second week's rent, after the first two weeks, you'll pay two weeks at a time. We'll send you an invoice with all the dates.

You can pay the first two payments by card, and then once you have settled in and have a UK bank account, we ask for payments by bank transfer. (You can set up regular payments so you don't need to think about it.)

Sound good? Contact us to get a price.

Yes, once you’ve signed your contract and paid your deposit of one week’s rent, I’ll send you a document confirming all the details and you can use that for your visa. 

Host families are ideal if you're really keen to have a cultural immersion and you want to see how locals live and be part of the community. Many of our students keep in touch with their host families after they leave because they made such a great connection!

Host families are very helpful if you like the idea of a support system around you - people that are there for you if you need anything, who care about you and ask you how you're doing.

Host families are handy for when you have projects to work on in the evenings and don't have time to cook, but would love to take a break to eat something nicer than pot noodle or expensive takeaways that you might otherwise have to resort to.

Host families probably aren't a good idea if you want to spend all your time with your peers, don't have much interest in adults or want to party a lot, including in your own room.

Usually host families are best for just a term because that lets them get their spare room back for visiting friends or family. Occasionally though, we have hosts who you can stay with for longer, so feel free to ask!

No problem! Just message us and we'll be happy to answer them. 😊 Just message us.