Settling In: An In-Depth Arrival Guide for International Students

Welcome to the UK, this journey is going to be one of the best experiences of your life. You can expect ups and downs during this course, but we assure you that it is going to be a learning curve. Our team has formulated a few points that you can follow to sail through this journey seamlessly.

Research Research Research

How do you learn about things in a different country and know how to go about with your basics? You spend time on your research. The more you research the easier it gets. There is so much to learn out there, you have access to almost all the information on the web. You can also reach out to fellow students and get more information. You can reach out to alumni groups and ask questions about student accommodation UK, cost of living, and a few tips and tricks. the more you ask the more you learn, it is as simple as that. time invested in research today will help you reap benefits once you land.

Get Connected

One of the most important things you need to figure out is getting a new SIM card once you land. This is very important as this will help you get in touch with your parents back home and also your student accommodation in the UK. you can opt for options like Vodafone, O2, or EE, these are some of the most well-known SIM card companies in the UK.

Once you have figured out the best option for you, there are just a few steps to get you set up and running. You will need the following:

Identity Proof - You can provide your passport or legal documents from your university

Address Proof - Address for your student accommodation in the UK, your deposit payment receipt/ contract

Figure Out Transportation

As soon as you have landed in a different country, it can be daunting and stressful to get around. Look out for transportation options that fit your schedule and budget as a student. You can make use of apps like CittyMapper to make life a bit more easy. The UK has many modes of public transport available like taxis, buses, trams, underground links, and river transport services. If you have found suitable student accommodation in the UK that is close to your university, you can opt to either walk or use a bicycle.

Set up A Bank Account

As an international student in the UK, you will need to have a UK bank account. The UK operates more on cards rather than cash, so it is essential for you to have a card loaded with some balance. There are multiple banks that offer reasonable deals to students for their new bank accounts. To get this done, you will need a few basics like identity proof, proof of admission, and your visa documents. Once you have this set up life will surely get more easier for you. It is easy to open a bank account, however, there are several options available out there, look for an option that works best for you.

Make The Most of Your Part-Time Hours

As an international student in the UK, you are allowed to work for 20 hours a week. Try your best and make the most out of this, it will eventually help you budget, plan, and have an independent approach with your money. There are plenty of jobs available for students, you can look out for jobs at your university or options around your university. This will help you in a massive way, you can add experiences to your CV and also get a genuine chance to connect with people from different parts of the world.

Starting your journey in the UK as an international may be difficult at first but it only gets easier and better with time. We hope our list will help you prepare yourself and give you an idea of what you need to prioritize as soon as you land.