You’ll want to get in contact with your guest/s early to find out about their travel arrangement, tell them how to get from the airport to your house that sort of thing.
You also need to let them know if they need to bring anything – towels, sleeping bags, small offerings to the lindy gods, local delicacies such as chocolate are good.
As a host you aren’t expected to host your guests longer than the exchange weekend but you may choose to do so. It is always a good idea to discuss arrangements before the exchange to avoid awkward conversations.
Hosts can’t always give their guests lifts to events as many people in Oxford don’t have a car. If you are unable to travel to the venues with your guests, you should point your guests in the right direction for the nearest bus or give them a reputable taxi firm’s telephone number. Perhaps giving them a map of Oxford would be nice too.
Lastly you are not responsible for feeding your guests but giving them the Indian takeaway menu for down the road is an acceptable idea. Providing internet access is optional as are foot massages, back rubs etc.
If you are a great host your guests might return the favour and have you to stay at their place sometime during their camp or exchange.
You may also want to read the ‘Top tips for guests’ section
If I want to be a guest what do I need to think about?
- Are you travelling with someone who you would ideally like to share with?
- What does your host need you to bring (eg, towel, sleeping bag).
- How many days have you agreed to stay with your host?
- Bear in mind that not all people in Oxford have a car – it’s normal to walk 1/2 hour to get somewhere, to go by bicycle or travel by bus/taxi.
- Bring a small gift to thank your host for their hospitality
- Do not raid your host’s fridge without checking first!