International Student Hub: UK Arrival Checklists, Fees, Documents & City Primers

Arriving in the United Kingdom as an international student is a big moment. It’s exciting, a little overwhelming, and comes with a surprising amount of paperwork. 

Between visas, fees, new bank accounts, finding your room and figuring out which bus actually goes to campus, it can feel like you’re supposed to magically know how everything works. You’re not. 

This guide is here to walk you through the essentials so you can focus more on making memories and less on panicking over documents.

Sorting Your Documents Before You Fly

Before you even think about packing your suitcase, make sure your documents are in order. 

You’ll need a valid passport, your visa or entry clearance, and confirmation from your university, such as your CAS or official offer letter. It is also important to have proof of your finances, any scholarship letters, and the details of your accommodation, whether that’s a halls contract or a private rental agreement. 

Keeping digital copies saved in the cloud and emailing them to yourself is a smart move, because if something gets lost in transit, you still have everything you need at your fingertips.

Understanding Tuition Fees and Payment Deadlines

Tuition fees are usually the biggest cost you’ll face, so it’s worth understanding them clearly from the start. 

Most universities require you to pay a deposit before issuing your CAS, and then expect the remaining fees in one or more instalments throughout the academic year. Those instalment dates matter more than you might realise, because missed payments can affect your enrolment and, in extreme situations, your visa status. 

As soon as you know your payment schedule, add it to your calendar with reminders so the dates never creep up on you unexpectedly.

Getting to Grips with the Immigration Health Surcharge

If you are coming to the UK on a Student visa, you will almost certainly have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application. This charge gives you access to the NHS in a similar way to UK residents, meaning you can see a doctor without huge bills landing in your inbox. However, you may still have to pay for things like prescriptions, dental treatment and eye care. 

Understanding this before you arrive helps you avoid confusion when you first need to see a doctor or pick up medication, and it can also help you decide whether you want extra private insurance for specific needs.

Budgeting for Rent and Everyday Living Costs

Once you are here, most of your money will disappear into rent and day-to-day living costs. Rent is usually the largest outgoing, especially in bigger cities, and it can swallow up a large portion of your monthly budget. 

On top of that, you will need to cover groceries, takeaways, transport, phone bills, internet, course materials and the social life that makes your time in the UK enjoyable. 

Setting a realistic monthly budget before you arrive and then tracking your spending in the first few weeks is one of the best ways to stay in control, because you will quickly see where your money is really going and where you might want to cut back.

Opening a UK Bank Account and Managing Your Money

A UK bank account makes life much easier when it comes to paying rent, setting up direct debits and getting paid for part-time work. You can choose between traditional high street banks with student or basic accounts, and modern app-based banks that are great for budgeting and instant notifications. 

To open an account, you will usually need your passport, visa or BRP, proof of address, and proof that you are a student. 

If you do not yet have a tenancy agreement, your university may be able to give you a letter specifically designed to help you open a bank account, so it is worth checking their guidance as soon as you arrive.

Reading Your Accommodation Contract Properly

Whether you are moving into university halls or a private rental, it is vital to understand your contract. 

In halls, you should check your contract dates, what is included in the price, and how to collect your keys on arrival. In private rentals, you need to pay close attention to the length of the tenancy, any break clauses, how your deposit is protected, and whether bills are included or separate. 

On the day you move in, take clear photos and videos of each room, especially any damage or wear, and email them to your landlord or agent. This simple step can save a lot of stress when it is time to get your deposit back.

Getting to Know Your New City and Its Transport

Every UK city has its own feel, but some things are fairly universal. Public transport often revolves around buses, with trams or local trains in some areas and the Underground in London. 

It is worth looking into student travel cards or discount passes that can reduce your costs, especially if you commute regularly to campus. 

Supermarkets and discount shops are where you will pick up most of your essentials, and you will quickly learn which are budget-friendly and which are more premium. 

What’s more, walking, especially in compact city centres, is not only good exercise but also one of the best ways to learn your way around your new home.

Handling Enrolment, BRP Collection and Campus Admin

Your first week on campus will be full of practical tasks, and it can feel like a queue-filled marathon. You will likely need to complete in-person enrolment by showing your documents, collect your BRP if you arranged to pick it up in the UK, and register with a local GP. 

You will also receive your student ID card, which doubles as your library pass and often a discount card, and you will get your university email and access to online learning platforms. 

It is wise to attend any international orientation sessions, as they give you practical advice and an easy way to meet other students who are in exactly the same position as you.

Balancing Part-Time Work, Visa Rules and Study

Many international students take on part-time work, but it is vital to stay within your visa conditions. Student visas often allow a limited number of working hours during term time, particularly for degree-level study, and your employer must respect that. 

You will usually need a National Insurance number, which you can apply for once you are in the UK, and you should keep copies of your contracts and payslips. 

Above all, remember that your studies must come first: both the Home Office and your university expect you to attend classes, submit assignments and make academic progress throughout your course.

Looking After Yourself and Building a Community

Adjusting to a new country can be emotionally challenging as well as exciting. It is completely normal to feel homesick, lonely or overwhelmed at times, especially after the first rush of new experiences settles down. 

Joining societies and clubs, including those that mix home and international students, is a great way to build a support network. Universities also offer student support services for mental health, study skills and financial advice, so do not hesitate to use them. 

By taking care of your wellbeing and building a small community around you, you give yourself the best chance of turning your time in the UK into a genuinely positive, life-shaping experience.