Emergency Contacts
Home 9 Student Corner 9 Settling In: A Student’s First Days in the UK

Settling In: A Student’s First Days in the UK

If you have recently arrived in the UK for your study, there are a number of things that you should do within the first two weeks of your arrival.

Complete your university registration

    • You will need to complete registration in your university as soon as possible.

Complete International Welcome Programme

    • Complete online International Welcome Programme in your university.

Accommodation

    • Check into your university accommodation or other arranged housing.
    • You can refer to Student Accommodation options in UK section to understand different accommodation options available in UK.

Find a local GP (doctor’s surgery) and register yourself

    • You should register with a doctor or a GP as soon as possible when you arrive, so that you can receive medical care if you need it. Not registering can cause you delays in accessing help if you are sick later on. It can also sometimes result in significant medical bills, so don’t delay this action.
    • You can refer to Healthcare services in UK section to understand step by step process to register with GP.

Get UK SIM card

    • Choose the best UK Network provider for your area. You may need to UK number for opening bank account.
    • The main UK network providers in UK are Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three. To see which mobile network providers are available in your area, visit the OFCOM website.

Open a UK bank account

    • To open a bank account, you will usually need UK number for opening a bank account.
    • You can refer to Opening a UK Bank Account as an International Student section to understand step by step process to open a bank account in UK.

UK public transport

    • Take a look at the university’s information about public transport in your area.
    • If you intend to use public transport in the London area, an ‘Oyster card’ or ‘Contactless’ card can be used for public transport. For more information, visit the Transport for London website.

Check your eVisa

    • Access your eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status.

Get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card

    • This is a card issued by the UK Home Office that contains biometric information like fingerprints and a photograph. It’s a physical card that non-British citizens with visas need to collect after their visa is approved.

Copy your documents

    • Take copies of your passport, educational certificates, other important documents, either digitally or on paper and keep them separate from the originals.
    • If you lose your passport, having a copy will make it easier to get a replacement.

Purchase insurance to protect your valuables (laptop, phone, camera etc.)

    • The best way to get good deal on insurance, and protect your valuables is to use compare websites.

Get a national insurance number if you want to work in the UK

    • If you intend to work while studying in the UK and you hold a Student Visa, check the visa to make sure this is permitted. Please also make sure to see our guidance on working in the UK before starting work.
    • All students wanting to work in the UK need to apply for something called a national insurance number. This is a reference number given by the UK government which allows you to be taxed and paid for your work.

Useful links: