We’re delighted to share that Hosts International's Director, Harsha Brown, recently joined The University Guys Podcast to discuss a topic close to our hearts: how student accommodation shapes far more than just where someone sleeps.

Beyond the bedroom

Talking to host David Hawkins, Harsha explored what she calls the ‘hidden curriculum’ of student accommodation, drawing on her own experience as an international student in the UK. The right choice isn’t just about where a student sleeps – it shapes how comfortable, confident and connected they feel, encouraging cultural understanding beyond the ‘international bubble’ of residence halls.

A changing landscape post-pandemic

Harsha discussed how student and parent expectations have shifted since 2020, with safety-consciousness growing and families wanting more choice and flexibility alongside essentials like a clean, private room and reliable wifi. Affordability remains central, but so are things like emotional wellbeing and cultural considerations – what suits a 17-year-old Italian student rarely suits someone in their mid-twenties from the US, for instance.

The realities of studying in a big city

For students drawn to London, Harsha was candid: university life there is often a commuter experience rather than a campus one. Her advice? Embrace the travelling as part of the experience, get out of the international bubble and use public transport like a local as that’s where real immersion happens.

Safeguarding with a personal touch

Harsha detailed the vetting of hosts behind every student placement – reference checks, police checks, DBS checks, home visits and interviews – stressing that safeguarding matters at every age, not just under-18s. Just as important is what happens afterwards: regular contact, feedback and a 24/7 emergency line, so students are never ‘just allocated and forgotten’.

Harsha’s advice to students

Harsha’s top tip: consider what’s genuinely right for you, not just what your parents assume. Stay open-minded, don’t expect instant perfection and remember that homesickness and culture shock are normal. It’s communication that gets you through it.

Want to learn more about how Hosts International prioritises safety, support and genuine cultural immersion? Contact the team today to find out more.