HOSTING OVERSEAS STUDENTS – Plaistow
Plaistow, the neighbour to Stratford, forms most of the E13 postcode and is a residential district that has enjoyed regeneration and investment into its local services, amenities and facilities. Once an area of East London best known for West Ham Football Club, it is now a fantastic place to live in the capital that boasts plentiful transport links, good schools and genuinely affordable house prices.
HFS London has recently been receiving a higher-than-usual level of requests for international student homestays in the area, so are currently recruiting for new local families to come on-board as homestay hosts.
Why Plaistow?
East London became the world’s focus during the 2012 London Olympics in Stratford, and investment in the area continues even almost a decade later. This regeneration gives the area a modern and safe feel alongside its diverse community and lots of amenities. The affordable housing and shared ownership schemes on offer for homes have attracted families in their droves to Plaistow and alongside half-a-dozen OFSTED-rated ‘Outstanding’ schools in the neighbourhood and community links with other well-reputed study centres, it’s no surprise.
What is there to do in Plaistow?
Plaistow is a fantastically quiet residential area just a stone’s throw from the bigger and more bustling areas of Stratford and East Ham. It’s a great base for students to get some peace alongside their hectic study-and-sightseeing schedule, but if they do have any time free, why not recommend your homestay guests try out the following locally?
Take a walk around Plaistow Park
Sitting on the grounds of what was Essex House, which was demolished back in the 1800s, Plaistow Park is the neighbourhood’s community green space and contains ornamental gardens, play equipment and (seasonally) a paddling pool. It’s not the biggest park in the world but makes for a good dog-walking spot and a good place to get some fresh air.
Walk or cycle the Greenway to Stratford
It somehow seems to be a well-kept secret that eludes Google Maps, but the Greenway into Stratford is a completely traffic-free path that runs from Victoria Park to Beckton and is a concrete path running through fields and green spaces. On a nice day it’s well worth the walk rather than sitting on sweaty underground trains or in slow buses, and there’s some good views along the way from elevated parts of the path!
Try a new sport at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The home of the 2012 London Olympics is just a short walk from Plaistow, and its sports facilities remain open. As part of an ongoing community push toward encouraging a healthy city, the velodrome and aquatics centre both offer free taster sessions every weekend into various sports. Book ahead for limited space sessions and check online for events visiting the parks – there’s always something on and often options to cater for different age groups and abilities. Where better to try a new sport than somewhere Olympians train and compete?
Become a Host Family in Plaistow
If you live in Plaistow and have a spare bedroom you’d like to rent out to overseas students, get in touch with the HFS London team! We offer students a range of homestay packages and board options, dependent on what you’re able or would like to offer, and are able to fully train you in how best to manage your guest/s. Call or e-mail us now to discuss.
Not in Plaistow? HFS are also looking for hosts in neighbouring Stratford, Canning Town and Forest Gate.
