Essential Setup Guide for International Students in the UK

Set Up Your eVisa Before You Travel

Your immigration status is held digitally in an online record called an eVisa. There is no physical card to collect. Before you travel, create a UKVI account at gov.uk and link your eVisa to it. This gives you digital proof of your right to study, live and work in the UK.

Once you arrive, generate a share code from your UKVI account. This is what you present to landlords, banks and your university to verify your status. Think of it as a time-limited code that lets third parties check your immigration status securely. You can generate a new one any time you need.

Without your eVisa share code, you will find it difficult to open a bank account, register with a GP or prove your right to rent.

How to Open a UK Bank Account

Most traditional high-street banks require a UK address and proof of enrolment before they will open an account. Your university's confirmation of study letter is a key document alongside your passport, but you will also need your eVisa share code, as banks now use this to verify immigration status digitally.

For a faster route, digital banks like Monzo or Starling can often be set up entirely from your phone with fewer ID requirements. They are also useful for budgeting and managing money sent from home. Get an account open in your first week to cover rent, income from part-time work, and to avoid international transaction fees.

Sort Your Phone and Data Plan Early

SIM-only plans are the most flexible and affordable option for students. Providers like Lebara, giffgaff and Lyca Mobile offer no-contract monthly plans with no credit check. Lebara runs on the Vodafone network and offers a 5GB data SIM-only plan for £5 per month with 1,000 UK minutes, 1,000 UK texts, EU roaming across 36 countries, and free 5G where available. Plus with their Roam Like Home scheme, you can use your data when roaming in the EU and India. It should be more than enough to get you set up and situated at first.

Register With a GP as Soon as You Arrive

As part of your visa application, you will have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which costs £776 per year for students. This gives you access to NHS services, but you will not have an NHS number until you register with a GP.

Find a surgery near where you're living, not just near campus. University health centres fill up quickly at the start of term. You do not legally need proof of address or immigration status to register, but bringing your passport and university enrolment letter will help the practice create your records quicker. The form takes around 15 minutes, and your NHS number typically arrives within a few working days.

A few things students often don’t realise:

• NHS dental treatment and eye tests are not automatically free, even after paying the IHS.
• Prescriptions in England cost £9.90 per item. There is no automatic exemption for students aged 19 or over. If you're on a low income, apply for help via the NHS Low Income Scheme using form HC1.
• In Scotland, NHS prescriptions and dental check-ups are free for everyone, regardless of age or student status.

Council Tax: What Students Actually Owe

Full-time students are generally exempt from council tax, but it’s not automatic. Apply to your local council with a council tax exemption certificate from your university. If you live in halls, this is usually handled for you.

If you're in private rented accommodation, it’s your responsibility. The exemption only applies if every adult in the property is a full-time student. If one person is not, a bill may still be issued.

Get a TOTUM Card

The TOTUM card (formerly the NUS Extra card) gives you discounts across shops, restaurants, transport and entertainment. There is a free digital-only tier, TOTUM Student, with access to hundreds of online deals at no cost.

The paid tier, TOTUM+, costs £14.99 for one year or £29.99 for three years, and adds a physical card, further in-store discounts and a free government-approved proof of age ID.