Pre-Arrival & Arrival Checklist

A step-by-step checklist for international students moving to the UK. Tick items off as you go — your progress is saved on this device.

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Before you fly

Activate your eVisa / UKVI account and generate a share code to prove your status (the BRP card has been replaced by the digital eVisa). gov.uk/evisa
Confirm your accommodation (term-time address) and your move-in / arrival date.
Arrange travel insurance covering your journey and first days before you are set up with the NHS.
Money: tell your home bank you are travelling, bring some GBP cash, and plan how you will transfer funds.
Make digital and paper copies of your passport, visa/eVisa share code, CAS, offer letter and financial evidence.
If you are from a listed country, get your TB test certificate before applying. Check the country list on gov.uk

First week

Complete your university enrolment / registration (bring your documents).
Get a UK SIM — pay-as-you-go options include Lebara, Lyca Mobile, giffgaff and Three (examples, not endorsements).
Move into your accommodation, collect your keys and check the inventory.

First month

Register with a local GP surgery (NHS) — it is free, takes about 15 minutes online, and you do not need an NHS number or proof of address. Register with a GP (NHS)
Open a UK bank account — app-based (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) or a high-street student account (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander). You will typically need your passport, visa/eVisa, proof of a UK address and a university letter confirming your student status — exact requirements vary, so check the bank.
Apply for a National Insurance number if you plan to work — apply online once you are in the UK and prove your identity (it can take a few weeks). Apply for a National Insurance number
Sort council tax — a household where everyone is a full-time student is exempt; apply to your local council. Council tax for students (Citizens Advice)

Useful / ongoing

Consider a 16-25 Railcard — 1/3 off most rail fares for £35/year (also open to full-time students aged 26+; check eligibility). 16-25 Railcard
In London, apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard — 30% off season tickets if you are 18+, in full-time study and living at a London term-time address (a small one-off application fee applies — see TfL). 18+ Student Oyster (TfL)
Get a student discount card such as TOTUM, UNiDAYS or Student Beans (examples).
Check your work-hour limits before taking a job — Student visa holders studying at degree level can usually work up to 20 hours/week in term time. See our visa guide for details. UK Student Visa & Travel Guide

General UK-wide guidance for international students — always confirm details on the official sites linked above (gov.uk, NHS, TfL) and with your university. Your checklist progress is stored only in this browser.