Hosting Overseas students – Maida Vale
London tops a lot of categories. As well as being the world’s most popular destination for international students, it has also ranked first on numerous occasions as the most expensive city in the world to live in. 100,000 students from over 200 different nations look to study in London each year. With affordable accommodation becoming limited, Londoner’s are starting to open their door to students from all over the world.
Homestay is more than simply a roof over their heads, it is also an experience and a memory that these students will keep with them for time to come. Our hosts at HFS London are asked to treat their guest as “one of the family”. London – in all of its splendor and activity – can be an intimidating place to find yourself in. However, homestay is there to play a crucial role in providing a safe, comfortable and affordable option for students and travelers alike.
Why Maida Vale?
Maida Vale is largely a residential area situated within walking distance of Paddington. It boasts central London commuting times of under 20 minutes. Not only this, students can take a short stroll to the nearby neighbourhoods of St John’s Wood and Kilburn. Any Beatles fan would jump at the opportunity to have Abbey Road studios on their doorstep. Kilburn also provides close access to all the shops you need as well as a quaint little street market. However, Maida Vale’s appeal goes far beyond its prime location and convenient neighbours.
Named after a pub and home to the late Alan Turing, Maida Vale has a great community and rich history. Though upmarket in places, it isn’t short of things to do. Just down the road is Little Venice – London’s own canal village. It makes for a great day out and is home to Clifton Nurseries – the perfect place to pick up a house plant or five. For those who prefer a movie, Everyman Cinema is kitted out with a sofa-bed style set-up with an in house food and drink service delivered straight to your seat. The cinema shows the latest flicks and does 2 for 1 on Mondays.
Let’s not forget that Maida Vale is home to BBC studios, the UK’s largest TV broadcasting station. If you prefer live sports over watching it on TV though, Lord’s Cricket Ground is within throwing distance.
Students are able to keep their heads down too when schools start to pile on the pressure. Maida Vale is one of the quieter districts of London with leafy green roads and silent nights and makes for a great retreat from Central London. Few other districts can compare to Maida Vale’s elegant balance of convenience and comfort.
Become a Host Family with HFS
If you’re a homeowner in Maida Vale with a spare bedroom, then earning some additional income by renting out that room to an international student is a very real possibility – and easily done! HFS London can first advise you of whether your home is in catchment based on proximity to a station. From there, we’ll have a quick chat and arrange for an inspector to visit your home.
If you have more questions about being a homestay host in Maida Vale then the HFS team are always on hand to help. Give them a call or drop them a message, either by email or in the comments box below.
Not in Maida Vale? Other neighbouring areas that are in demand for homestays are Kensal Rise, St John’s Wood, Hampstead and Shepherd’s Bush.
