Moving to London as an International Student: Getting Started

Moving to London as an International Student: Getting Started

Moving to London for university comes with a lot of firsts. A new campus, a new city, new systems and quite a lot of paperwork. You don’t need to figure everything out on your first day. But there are a few things worth sorting early so you can spend less time worrying about admin and more time settling into student life.

This guide covers some of the practical things you may need to know when moving to the UK as an international student, from your visa and documents to healthcare, banking, housing and working while you study.

Already sorted some of this? Skip ahead to the sections that apply to you.

First things first: your documents

Before you get caught up in everything else, make sure you can access the documents and accounts you’ll need during your time in the UK.

Your eVisa and UKVI account

If you have a UK visa, you’ll need access to your UKVI account and eVisa. Your eVisa contains information about your immigration status and the conditions attached to your visa. Set up your UKVI account as soon as possible and make sure you know how to access it. You’ll also need your immigration status when proving your right to work in the UK.

Keep somewhere safe:

• Your passport
• Your eVisa details
• Your university enrolment information
• Your UKVI account details
• Important visa correspondence
•  

You can access your eVisa through GOV.UK.

Getting a National Insurance number

Planning to work while you’re studying? You’ll usually need a National Insurance (NI) number.

You can apply for one through GOV.UK after arriving in the UK. You may be able to start work before your NI number arrives if you can prove your right to work. Your employer will use your NI number for things like tax and National Insurance contributions. You’ll also need to be able to prove your right to work using a share code, which you can generate through GOV.UK.

Tip: Sort this sooner rather than later if you’re planning to look for a part-time job.

Opening a UK bank account

Having a UK bank account can make everyday life much easier, especially if you’re paying rent, receiving your salary or setting up regular payments.

You may be asked for:

• Passport
• Visa/eVisa information
• Proof of student status
• UK address

Your university may be able to provide a bank letter confirming your student status, so check with your university’s registry or international office if a bank asks for one. Some digital banks are easier to open online, while traditional high-street banks may ask you to make an appointment. If you’re comparing student accounts, look at what each one actually offers rather than choosing the first account you see. Some include interest-free overdrafts, but remember that an overdraft is borrowed money, not extra income.

Getting healthcare in the UK

The NHS (the UK’s National Health Service) is how most people access healthcare. If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application, you’ll generally have access to NHS services during your visa period.

Register with a GP

One of the first things worth doing when you arrive is registering with a GP (General Practitioner). Don’t wait until you’re ill. Find a GP surgery near where you live and register as soon as you can. You may be asked for proof of your address or student status, but a GP surgery shouldn’t refuse to register you simply because you don’t have ID or proof of address.

You can find local services through the NHS website.

Need medical advice but it’s not an emergency?

NHS 111 provides free, 24/7 medical advice. You can also speak to a pharmacist about many minor illnesses and health concerns without making a GP appointment.

What about dentists?

Dental care is separate from your GP, so you’ll need to find and register with a dentist independently. NHS dental appointments can be difficult to find in some areas, so it’s worth looking early rather than waiting until you need treatment.

Finding somewhere to live

Whether you’re staying in halls or renting privately, make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to before paying anything.

If you’re renting privately

Always:

• View the property before paying
• Check the tenancy agreement carefully
• Find out exactly what’s included in the rent
• Check how much the deposit is
• Make sure you’re using a reputable landlord or letting agent
• Meet potential flatmates if you’re moving into a shared house

If you’re using a site such as SpareRoom, don’t send money for a property you’ve never seen.

Scams targeting students can happen, particularly around the start of the academic year.

Know your deposit rights

In England, tenancy deposits are generally capped at five weeks’ rent (or six weeks where annual rent is over £50,000). A holding deposit is generally capped at one week’s rent. Your tenancy deposit should also be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. Ask for the details in writing. Before signing a tenancy, it’s worth reading the government’s How to Rent guide.

Council tax: don’t ignore that letter

If you’re a full-time student living in England, you may be exempt from council tax. But don’t assume it’s automatically sorted. If you’re renting privately, you may need to provide your local council with proof of your student status to receive the exemption. If everyone in your household is a full-time student, you should generally pay no council tax. If you live with someone who isn’t a full-time student, different rules can apply.

Important: If a council tax bill arrives in your name, don’t ignore it. Check whether you need to provide your exemption certificate.

What about bills?

Before signing a tenancy, find out exactly what’s included in your rent.

Ask about:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Broadband
• Council tax
• Any building or service charges

If broadband isn’t included, check the contract length before signing up. You don’t want to end up paying for months of internet after your tenancy has ended. The same goes for your mobile phone. A SIM-only or pay-as-you-go plan can be easier and cheaper than committing to a long phone contract when you’ve just arrived.

Do you need a TV Licence?

This one catches a lot of students out. In the UK, you need a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer, including on a laptop, phone or tablet. You don’t need one if you only watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ and don’t use BBC iPlayer or watch live broadcasts.

If you’re unsure, check the official TV Licensing website before assuming you need one.

Travelling around London

Once you’re settled, you’ll quickly become familiar with London’s transport system. You can generally use contactless, your phone or an Oyster card on TfL services.

If you’re eligible for one, a 16–25 Railcard or 26–30 Railcard can also save you money on many rail journeys. Students aged 26+ may still be eligible for a 16–25 Railcard if they meet the mature student criteria. You can also link a Railcard to an Oyster card to get discounted off-peak pay-as-you-go fares on the Tube and DLR.

For the full breakdown of London transport tips, check out our Tips & Tricks guide.

Working while you study

Thinking about getting a part-time job? Check your visa conditions before you start working.

For many degree-level students, the student visa allows up to 20 hours of work per week during term time, although your exact conditions depend on your visa and course. The limit applies across all your jobs and is calculated Monday to Sunday. You can’t work extra hours one week and make up for it by working fewer hours the next. Some types of work are also not permitted on a Student visa, including self-employment and freelance work.

Always check the conditions on your own eVisa rather than relying on someone else’s experience.

Getting paid: know your rights

If you’re working in the UK, your employer must pay you at least the legal minimum wage for your age. From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21+ is £12.71 per hour. You should also receive a written contract or written statement of your employment terms. If you’re working part-time, you can also be entitled to paid holiday, depending on your employment arrangement. If something doesn’t look right on your payslip or contract, ask your university’s advice or welfare service for help.

Know where to get help

You don’t have to solve everything yourself.

Your university should have support available for things like:

• Immigration and visa questions
• Accommodation problems
• Financial difficulties
• Wellbeing
• Academic issues
• Employment questions

Your students’ union may also have an independent advice service. If you’re dealing with something that could affect both your immigration status and your legal rights, get advice from your university’s international student team or a properly regulated immigration adviser before taking action.

A few numbers worth saving

Save these somewhere in your phone:

999 — Emergency services
101 — Non-emergency police
111 — Urgent NHS medical advice

If you can’t safely speak during an emergency call to 999, you can use the Silent Solution by pressing 55 when prompted.

One last thing: give yourself time

There is a lot of admin involved in moving countries, and it can feel like everyone else already knows what they’re doing. They probably don’t. You might spend your first few weeks figuring out your bank account, getting lost on the DLR, working out your tenancy, registering with a GP and trying to remember which documents you actually need. That’s part of settling in.

Get the important things sorted, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself time to feel at home.

Welcome to London and welcome to Republic. 💚