Everything you need to know before you arrive

We understand if you want to celebrate for weeks on end after finding out your place for university is secured, but before you come here you will have to make sure you have all the things you need for university life in the UK. You'll also need to sort some stuff out once you get here too.

Whether that's ensuring you have all your important documentation in an organised folder, or registering with a doctor's surgery, we'll help you get sorted! 

Before you leave for the UK

Get all your important documentation together

The last thing you want to do is get to the airport and forget your student visa at home and miss your flight.

That's why it's essential to collect all the documents you need to get into the country and the ones which will enable you to study here too. Put them all in a safe place and make sure they're in your hand luggage when you're flying as you might have to show some of them at the airport. Here's a list of all the things you might need: 

• Passport
• Student visa
• Personal statement
• Course acceptance letter
• Student finance documents
• Reference letters
• Driver's licence and other ID
• Travel insurance and any other personal insurance documents
• Certificate of English proficiency
• Accommodation contract

Pack everything you might need 

As well as having all your important documentation with you, you're going to need to pack your suitcases full for life in the UK. Try to pack clothes for every activity you might have to do such as chilling in the flat, going out for a meal, or a job interview. Don't forget your raincoat either! If you do end up forgetting anything, you can always grab it from a shop here too. 

Other things you might need to bring for your stay here in the UK include electrical items (a couple of UK plug adapters will be useful), items that remind you of home and any medication you might need to take before you've sorted out healthcare in the UK. For kitchen and bathroom items, why not save the hassle of lugging them around with a UniKitOut box designed for international students? It's even delivered to your accommodation.

If you do end up forgetting anything, you can always grab it from a shop here too. Some of the most common shops for students to shop in are Wilko, Primark and Argos.

Pre-arrange an airport pick-up

Most airports have shuttle services which take you to the city centre, or even have a train station nearby. However, if your university accommodation isn't in the city centre, it might be easier to pre-arrange a taxi to take you from the airport to your new home. Take a look at the taxi providers in your city and give them a call to book in your taxi from the airport.

Some universities also arrange a special airport pick-up service on certain days. If you arrive on one of these days this could be easier for you. Check out your university's website to see if this is a service that they provide. 

After you arrive in the UK

Set up a UK bank account

This can take a few weeks to process, so it's best to get it sorted as soon as you can to make managing your finances simpler. You'll need to go into branch to open a bank account and you'll need to bring some of that important documentation. To open an account you'll need your passport or ID, your visa, proof of UK address and proof that you're a student (university acceptance letter). Make sure you've got some cash with you to tide you over until the bank account is opened. 

Register with a doctor's surgery

Health is the most important thing, and you don't want to be left in the lurch when you need help. If you're an EEA citizen, you'll have a European Health Card which entitles you to free healthcare on the NHS. If you're not an EEA citizen and are staying here for more than six months, you'll likely have paid a £150 Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa, which is payable each year. If you're here for less than six months, you're advised to take out medical insurance. 

Most universities have a doctor's surgery on campus, so this will be the most convenient place to register, but bear in mind it could be quite busy. You can find out which is your closest surgery here. 

Driving in the UK

If you have a driving licence from your native country, it's valid for a year here in the UK. If you intend to stay for longer than that you'll have to take the UK driving test. Don't forget we drive on the left over here!

Apply for a National Insurance Number if you intend to work

If you want to earn a bit of extra cash on the side of your degree, there should be plenty of jobs available. Before you start applying, it's a good idea to apply for a National Insurance Number so that you're ready to start work straight away after you get a job offer. 

Attend Orientation Week (if you're university does it)

Orientation Week usually takes place a week before everyone else moves to university. This week gives international students a chance to settle in to their new surroundings and get involved with activities organised by the university. It's a great opportunity to make friends with other people who are in the same boat as you, and it's a fantastic way to calm your nerves. Take a look on your university's website to see if it's going to happen where you are. 

Make sure you're ready for the time of your life here in the UK!