How to prepare the Room for your Guest
A calm, tidy space with thoughtful details helps students feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Creating a Comfortable Space that Feels Like Home
When you host an international student, one of the most important ways to make them feel welcome is by preparing a room that is clean, private, and thoughtfully set up. The room does not have to be large or luxurious—but it should be a space where your student can rest and feel at home during their stay.
Students are often arriving in a new country, far from their families, and their room becomes their personal retreat—a place to recharge, reflect, and settle into their new environment.
Here is a simple checklist to help you get everything ready, along with a few thoughtful touches that make all the difference.
Start with a clean and tidy room
First impressions matter. Make sure the room is cleaned before your student arrives—dusted, vacuumed, and aired out. Clean bedding and towels should be provided, and ideally a small space in the wardrobe or drawers should be left empty for their belongings. A simple gesture like placing fresh towels on the bed can make them feel instantly welcomed.
Provide the essentials
Every student room should have the following basics:
• A bed with clean sheets, duvet, and pillow
• A lamp or adequate lighting for reading
• Wardrobe space or a chest of drawers (this may be in a separate room, but should be freely accessible to the student)
• A waste bin
If possible, also offer hangers and a bedside table or small shelf. A plug adaptor (IE to EU) is a luxury your students will love you for, too.
Ensure privacy and comfort
While students are part of your household, they will also need moments of privacy to rest or recharge. A door that can close fully, and ideally lock (where appropriate and safe), helps students feel secure. Let them know they are welcome to spend time in their room, and that it is their space during the stay.
Add a few personal touches
You do not need to decorate the room extensively, but a few warm details can make it feel more inviting. A small plant, a framed photo of Dublin, or a simple welcome card on the desk shows you have made the effort to prepare the space just for them. These small touches can go a long way in helping them settle in.
Make Wi-Fi and charging easy
Make sure your student has access to your home Wi-Fi and provide the password early on. It is also helpful to check that there are accessible plug sockets near the desk or bed. If possible, a small extension lead or travel adaptor may be appreciated, especially in the first few days.
Clarify bathroom arrangements
If your student will share a bathroom with others in the household, let them know when it is usually available or busiest. Providing a few essentials—such as toilet paper, a towel, and space to keep their toiletries—makes everything easier.
Be ready for their arrival
If your student arrives late at night or after a long journey, having the room ready with the lights on and a bottle of water or small snack nearby is a lovely gesture. A short tour of the house and a quick check that they have everything they need can help them feel at ease before resting.
Preparing the room is more than just a checklist—it is about creating a welcoming environment that shows care and respect. You do not need to provide anything extravagant. What matters most is that your student has a clean, quiet, and comfortable space where they can feel safe and supported.
If you are curious about hosting, check out our other blog posts or sign up to become a host family. We would love to hear from you!
