Winter hosting for international students

We are helping to match international students who are away from home this Christmas to spend a few hours with a local person or family in York. Called winter hosting, the meet-up can be for just a few hours at any time over the festive season.

For everyone involved, it’s a chance to meet someone new, find out more about another culture or tradition and share in some Christmas celebrations.

If you choose to apply, we'll be in touch after the closing date to confirm whether you have been successful. If so, we will explain what the next steps are and put you in touch with your matched student or member of staff/local resident.

If you have any questions about the scheme please contact the International Student Support Team by emailing international-support@york.ac.uk, or by completing our support form.

Taking part as a student

Any international student remaining in York over the winter break can apply to take part in the Winter Hosting scheme. It's a chance to take part in some seasonal experiences, and meet people in the local community. You can even take part with a friend - especially if you're worried about feeling shy! Just make a note of this on your application form.

"I had a great time, and I've stayed in touch with my host. It's made me feel very welcome in York!" Student participant

Taking part as a host

Anyone who lives in and around York can host an international student.

"It’s been absolutely fantastic. Hosting students from all around the world has really given my children a flavour of different countries. It’s been brilliant to broaden their horizons at the same time as meeting new people." Host

Hosting involves meeting up for just a few hours at any time over the Christmas period. Ideally it will be some time between mid December and early January. You can host as many students as you like at once. Over the years, hosts and students have enjoyed a wide variety of activities - you might want to think about:

Sharing a home cooked meal or enjoying a board games evening
Making Christmas decorations or decorating the Christmas tree
Going to a carol concert, a Christmas market or a pantomime
Going for a country walk or meeting for a coffee

Once you've applied and if you're successfully matched, we'll be in touch to arrange a brief meet and greet at the start of December so you can have a chat first.

Hear more from participants

Two of our previous hosts and a student share their experiences of Winter Hosting.

Watch Meet two volunteer hosts on Youtube

Watch Lily's winter hosting experience on Youtube

Winter Hosting Guidelines

We will match interested students and interested hosts based on information given in the application forms. Hosts and students may like to attend one of our Meet and Greet sessions to meet one another and make arrangements. If you're unable to meet up beforehand, you can make your arrangements by phone or email.

If things change and you are unable to meet up as arranged, make sure you let your host/student know and email International Student Support.

If you would like to be hosted with a friend, you should both include this in your applications; we will do our best to accommodate your preferences.

Be respectful and courteous to your host(s), and remember to let them know about any specific requirements - for example, dietary needs if you're sharing a meal.

If you would like to host more than one student at a time, please indicate this on your application; we will do our best to accommodate your preferences.

Make it clear to the student(s) you're hosting what to expect in terms of what you'll be doing, what to wear, and how long the visit will last. If they're coming to your home, then let them know about any pets, other people in attendance, and any other helpful information to make them feel comfortable.