Hosting Students in Redbridge
We are looking for new host families with spare rooms in Redbridge (IG1) to host our international students.
HFS London works with many of London’s top language schools to provide a homestay matching and placement service on their behalf. The students are usually aged 16-25 and come from all over the world. They are visiting London to do a short-term language course (average 4 to 6 weeks). This will usually be at one of London’s British Council accredited language schools in Holborn.
For people with spare rooms in areas like Redbridge, becoming a host family is an option that many people choose over taking in a lodger. As a host family, your role is to provide a warm welcome, accommodation and (usually) meals for your guest.
Host families ensure their guests have a lovely stay in the city, and help them improve their language skills and experience London life and culture.
Why Redbridge
Within zone 4 Redbridge is a popular area with international students for many reasons:
- Students will have access to Redbridge underground/central line station (zone 4) with short journey times into central London, in particular to Holborn (Bloomsbury). This is where many of London’s language schools are based. Redbridge to Holborn is approximately 30 minutes; it is a direct journey with no changes required and trains are regular (usually every 2-4 minutes).
- Redbridge has many larger family homes offering international students the potential of a real “home from home” homestay experience.
- Safety – Redbridge is known as one of London’s “safer” areas. It has a more suburban feel than other nearby areas, and so many of our overseas students report feeling safe here.
Group Homestays in Redbridge
Our group homestays tend to break down into two categories by age: (i) 10 – 17 years olds and (ii) Over 18s. The younger students tend to come in very large groups of up to 100 at a time. Often the younger students are here on shorter term stays (average 1 to 2 weeks), while the older students tend to come in smaller groups (10 to 20 at a time) and stay longer. Many of the older students are here to internships at host companies across the capital.
We place many student groups in and around Redbridge and hence always have a need for new hosts here.
Student groups are usually accompanied by group leaders who request that their students are clustered in the same area. Other neighbouring areas that are in demand for group homestays are Woodford, South Woodford, Wanstead, Snaresbrook and Gants Hill.
How to Become a Host Family in Redbridge
If you live in Redbridge, the first step is to fill out our online application form. We’ll require details from you such as your name, address, email, details of the accommodation etc. We have specific catchment areas when taking on hew homestay hosts. One of the most important factors in deciding if you are in or out of our catchment is your proximity to the nearest station(s).
If you want to know in advance whether you fall into our current catchment, then please call or email us. We just need to know your postcode to be able to advise accordingly.
Once we receive your completed form, we will then call you to discuss the next stages in person.
Questions – We can help!
If you have any questions about becoming a host family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Our offices are open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm and our friendly team will be happy to hear from you!
