Moving to the UK to study is an exciting step — and there’s a lot to organise along the way. This guide is designed to help you find the right information at the right time, whether you’re preparing to travel or have already arrived in the UK.
How this guide works
The guide is organised around your student journey and is split into two main sections:
Before you arrive in the UK
What you need to do before you travel, including visas, accommodation, finances, packing, and setting up your university accounts.
After you arrive in the UK
What to expect once you arrive, including settling in, attending orientation, opening a bank account, registering with healthcare services, and understanding student life in the UK.
Before you arrive in the UK
If you are still in your home country and preparing to travel, start here. This section brings together the key things you’ll need to think about before leaving for the UK, including visas and immigration, accommodation, travel planning, finances, packing, and setting up your university accounts. It’s designed to help you prepare step by step, so you can arrive feeling organised and ready to begin your studies.
After you arrive in the UK
If you’ve already arrived in the UK, or your arrival date is very soon, this section focuses on helping you settle in during your first days and weeks. You’ll find guidance on what to expect when you arrive, attending orientation, opening a UK bank account, registering with healthcare services, understanding your working rights, and adjusting to life as a student in the UK.
If you’ve already arrived, you can go straight to the Arrival in the UK section and come back to pre-arrival tasks later if needed.
Support will also be available through your induction and orientation activities, and further information will be shared with you by email.