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Application Process

Before You Start...

Before you make your application, please read the information about How HOST works


If you wish to travel beyond your local area please give a realistic amount for travel – we would suggest a minimum of £40.


If you are required to make payment to HOST or to your institution, please make sure you make your payment as soon as possible or we cannot start processing your application.


Please make sure that you understand the guidance before applying, as cancellations upset our hosts and may mean that other students from your institution will not be able to have a HOST visit. For more information, please contact us.

Students love HOST! We are currently processing a very large number of applications for visits in March and April. You are welcome to apply today for an invitation, but we regret that the first dates available for new applicants will be in May. Please enter the application process and tell us when you will be free for a visit in May, June or July. Britain is beautiful in the summer!

How to register with HOST

Before you can apply for your first HOST visit, you need to register with HOST.


Step 1: Go to 'your first access'. You will need to fill in your name and e-mail address. A password will then be e-mailed to you. Also in the e-mail will be a link that takes you straight to the log-in area.


Step 2: Once you have logged in, you will be asked to fill in your profile, including your personal and contact details, basic information about such things as dietary requirements, and a section about your interests and hobbies to help us match you appropriately. The more you tell us about yourself, the better it will be.


Step 3: Once this brief process is done, you can apply for a visit.


Register now at  your first access. THEN RETURN TO THIS PAGE to read how to apply for a visit. You can go back at any time to update your profile, or view the progress of your application.

How to apply for a visit

Things to think about before you apply for a visit:


Costs: IMPORTANT!

  • Most of our subscribing institutions pay for your application, but some ask you to make a small contribution and some ask you to pay the full application fee for second and subsequent visits. Please check on the institutions page to see what is required in your case or click here to find out.
  • Decide on your travel budget.
  • Unless you want to stay with a host near your place of study, we recommend that you allow a minimum of £40 for your return travel. If you want the flexibility of possibly receiving an invitation in a distant part of the UK, please allow at least £100. If you are prepared to spend £200 or more, we will be able to allocate you to a more remote location, such as Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the far north of Scotland, including the Scottish islands.
  • Travel is expensive in this country, but there are ways of reducing the cost: budget air fares may be available; purchasing train tickets in advance may help; travelling by coach is cheaper than the train; student rail and coach cards cost a few pounds, but will save you money on every journey you make.

Decide where to go


We offer you only two choices: 'near my place of study' or 'anywhere'. 'Anywhere' means a more distant location, which we will choose for you according to your travel budget and our host availability. You will find that the people are friendly, and there are interesting places to see, wherever you go.

Decide when to go


You must tick at least 3 available weekend dates: application forms with fewer than 3 dates may not be considered at all. Please keep a note of the weekends you have indicated, and keep them free (or let us know immediately of any changes) until you receive your invitation.


Are you applying to go with a friend?


If 'Yes', you and your friend MUST both complete individual applications at the same time and mention each other's name on the form. Make sure you agree on the dates you have chosen..

Top tips

Contact Details:


Please give correct details, as communication is vital. Including your correct e-mail address will make it easier for quick and efficient communication. Please make sure that you update your profile if your details change.

Smoking:

If you are a smoker, please offer to smoke 'outdoors only', as most of our hosts do not allow smoking in the house.

Pets:

In this country, pets are very much part of the family. Dogs, for example, usually live indoors, and are friendly and much loved. You may not feel too confident around pets, but unless you are allergic to them, or very nervous, it will be much easier to find you an invitation if you can accept them. On the other hand, if you do dislike pets, please do not agree to accept them, because no-one will have a very happy weekend.

Additional information:

Make sure you give us information about your interests so that we can make the best match. The more you tell us about yourself, and your expectations, the more interested a host will be in wanting to meet you.