Kids all grown up? Offer Board to Students
The kids are all grown up and have started their own families, perhaps even abroad and you’re feeling the empty nest syndrome. Yet at the same time, moving to a smaller place to live out your retirement is out of the question — you love your house too much.
So why not offer board to overseas students?
You’ll enjoy having more life around the house and you’ll pocket a handsome amount of pocket money to keep you occupied over the weekends.
But don’t worry, you won’t have to work too hard at accommodating international students at your house. If you have two spare bedrooms, you can convert them into twin share rooms and house four international students. That way it makes it worthwhile to hire a cleaner to tidy the rooms and house (without biting into your earnings).
You can also factor in transportation into the board you charge. That way, the students get a ride to school and back everyday and you get your petrol expenses covered from week-to-week. Everybody wins!
Most overseas students like to eat their own food and eat out with their friends but include simple breakfasts of boiled eggs and toast, cereal, yoghurt and juices into the board so that there isn’t a mad rush in the kitchen in the mornings.
You’ll need to provide them with linen and towels as well as a laundry service every two weeks — but the cleaner can take care of that. For their personal laundry, allow each student to do two loads of washing per week and show them how to use the washing machine properly so that it doesn’t break.
You should also wire up the house with wireless broadband internet and subscribe to a high usage plan as well as provide them with a study area. A large desk in a well lit room is a great plus for them.
You’ll also need to provide each student with some space in the pantry and fridge.
The more accommodating and homely, as well as the more services you provide, the more you’ll be able to charge. Distance from the university is also a factor, so if you’re a wee way away, be willing to provide transport to and from their school.
Gumtree and Craiglist are great places to advertise.
Make sure to list your services, location and price and get ready to screen. Some international students won’t be able to communicate well in English, but don’t let that put you off. It’s usually the shy and timid ones that will stay out of your way and respect your home.
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One Response for Kids all grown up? Offer Board to Students
If I were a student, I would look for cheap student accommodation rather then trying to stay with a random family.
There are so many providers, offering bill inclusive rent and free broadband these days.
