Safety, smoke alarms and sanity: A host family’s guide to doing it right
There may be many steps, but you do not have to climb them alone—we are here to guide you every step of the way.
What you need to know—without the panic
Welcoming an international student into your home does not require a law degree or a first aid certificate (although both are impressive). But it does mean being aware of a few key legal and safety considerations that help keep everyone safe, happy, and confidently covered.
This post breaks down the essentials in plain English—with just enough seriousness to be sensible, and just enough humour to keep the yawns away.
1. You are not adopting them
Let us start with a gentle reminder: hosting a student is not the same as parenting them. You are not legally responsible for every decision they make—but you are expected to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Think of yourself as a friendly guide with snacks—not a full-time guardian.
2. House insurance: boring but important
Yes, we are going there.
Having the appropriate home insurance in place is essential. You do not need a special “student hosting policy,” but your current provider should know that you occasionally host guests as part of a structured programme.
If you are worried about what is covered, give your insurer a ring and explain the setup. They have heard it all before—probably even about that one time the kettle exploded.
3. Fire safety is not optional (sadly, neither is the smoke alarm beep)
Check if you have working smoke alarms in your home. Your student will appreciate knowing the difference between “toast is done” and “house is on fire.”
Also:
Show students how to exit the house in case of emergency
Keep escape routes clear (we are looking at you, under-stairs storage zone)
If you have a fire extinguisher or blanket, bonus points—just do not let it gather dust
4. Privacy and personal space (for you and them)
Your student will need a private bedroom—no inflatable mattress in the corner of the living room, no matter how fancy it is. They also need access to a bathroom and the ability to come and go safely.
Equally, it is OK to set boundaries around shared spaces. If you would rather they ask before borrowing your electric whisk or binging Netflix on your account, say so (politely).
5. Curfews, communication, and common sense
Students are independent, but that does not mean you should feel like a hotel concierge. It is perfectly reasonable to agree on curfews or check-in messages—especially if they are going out late. Not because you are controlling, but because you are human and like to sleep.
A little communication goes a long way. “Let me know if you will be late, just so I do not accidentally call the embassy” usually does the trick.
6. Safety and supervision (without the helicopter)
You are not expected to monitor your student’s every move. If they want to go out exploring, that is great. If they want to take a nap for three hours, also great. Just make sure they know how to:
Lock the door
Get home safely
Use the kettle without causing an international incident
Let them know they can talk to you if they are unsure about something. You are the adult in the house, after all—even if you sometimes eat cereal for dinner.
7. Safeguarding and support
If something does not feel right—whether it is about your student or someone in the household—please say something. You are never expected to handle tricky or sensitive situations alone.
Hosting a student is mostly about being kind, respectful, and prepared. Yes, there are rules. But they are there to keep everyone safe—not to add stress. If your house is clean, your doors lock, and your smoke alarm works (even annoyingly well), you are already doing brilliantly.
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!
