The process of selecting your very first student housing while you are studying abroad may be a tough undertaking. It is fair to assume that some alternatives are not suitable for everyone, especially when it comes to a homestay. It is common for students to begin their time in London by living in halls of residence or shared student residences; but, if you choose to stay in a homestay, you will have the opportunity to experience something quite different. In order to assist you in determining whether or not this is an option that you need to take into consideration, the following are some of the basic advantages and disadvantages. pros It is possible that you do not like to spend every single minute of your life with other students; thus, having the opportunity to engage in conversation with the family that you are staying with might be a nice alternative. Living in student housing may be exhausting for those who do not want to party till the wee hours of the morning. On the other hand, if you live with a family, you will most likely enjoy an experience that is pretty like to living at home with your own parents. The city of London may really become considerably more accessible with the use of a homestay. You will have a significant edge when it comes to touring the city if you are in the company of folks who are familiar with the place like the back of their hand. During your spare time, you may take advantage of the free guided tours that your hosts provide, and then you can show your classmates some of the hidden jewels that are located across London. • You will get the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a member of a family unit and to be surrounded by a network that is very supportive. As a general rule, hosts will encourage their visitors to join them for evening meals, evenings in, or days out, which will allow you to quickly get acquainted with the family. This may be a tremendous source of comfort, particularly for students who are studying abroad. • When compared to the convenience of on-campus housing, many homestay houses are situated quite a distance away from the institutions where they are located. It is possible that you may have a sense of disconnection from the other students since a significant number of them will be living in the same location. In the process of determining whether or not to go with a homestay, the cost might be a significant consideration. Due to the fact that the expenses of homestays are determined by the families themselves, it is possible that the rates will be greater than you anticipate. London prices are expensive regardless of where you end up. There are occasions when they end up being more affordable than halls of residence; nonetheless, you can find yourself in a position where the host wants you to make a contribution toward the cost of things like food, toiletries, and other necessities. It is imperative that you consider everything before committing to anything. • Another challenge that some students face is adjusting to the way of life of a family that they are not acquainted with. It is possible that you may be required to adhere to new regulations that were never implemented in your own family, in addition to the possibility of cultural differences. In the event that you have never been required to do anything before, it may be challenging to adjust to new situations, such as assisting with the dishes and cleaning. With any hope, you should now have a better understanding of a number of the benefits and drawbacks associated with staying at someone’s house. There is a wide variety of student housing options available in London; nevertheless, it is of the highest significance that you choose the one that is most suitable for your needs. Sophie Smith, the author of the plate, is an independent consultant who specialises in providing guidance on student housing options in London. These options include the hall of residence, apartments, and homestays. Sophie provides a multitude of recommendations to ensure that the time that foreign students spend in London is good, secure, and fun. London provides an experience that cannot be matched by any other metropolitan area.