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UK University Pre-departure Guide

Confirming your place at a UK university and preparing to travel abroad is an exciting moment for Indian students. As you prepare for this transformative experience, it's crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary documents, information, and resources to make your transition smooth and enjoyable. This pre-departure guide provides a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your upcoming academic adventure.

All you need to know before travelling to study in the UK

Pre-departure Checklist

The pre-departure checklist is useful for ensuring you don’t leave anything behind before travelling to the UK.

Passport and Visa

Academic Certificates:

Offer and Acceptance Letters

Financial Proof

University Correspondence

Photographs

Insurance and Medical Notes

Driving License

Accommodation Information

Medical Considerations

If you have an ongoing medical issue, it is important to remember several key items to ensure your initial period in the UK is comfortable. Once at the university, you can register with the on-site doctor.

Medication

Long-Term Medical Treatment

Financial Planning

Ensuring you have enough money to enjoy yourself and live comfortably at university is vital to your well-being. This is how you can plan your finances while living in the UK as a student.

Cash and Travellers Cheques

Tuition and Accommodation Fees

Travel Logistics

Before you fly, these are the things you should check.

Hand Luggage

Booking Flights

University Arrival Guide

CAS Letter and Student Visa

Accommodation

Secure accommodation within a 2-hour commute or a 30-mile radius from campus. 

Flights to the UK

University Account and Joining Instructions

MFA and Online Registration

Face-to-Face Registration

Setting up Your Bank Account

Your bank account is crucial in ensuring you have enough funds for your UK education. Setting up a basic bank account with your student visa is quite easy. Alternatively, consider opening an overseas bank account beforehand to save time and be hassle-free. Opting for an overseas bank account in the UK has extra perks – you can snag your debit and credit cards before you even jet off and smoothly handle fund transfers and management.

UK University Pre-departure Guide

Download our UK University Pre-departure Guide for Indian Students.

Departure Sessions with SI-UK

At a pre-departure session, students about to join UK universities for foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses are briefed about all the do’s and don’ts and provided with complete information to help them settle down in a new life. Pre-departure sessions include information and guidance covering various topics, from accommodations and flights to healthcare and bank accounts in the UK.

Pre-arrival Guide

  • When should I travel to the UK?
  • Local UK knowledge
  • Currency
  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Visa applications
  • Insurance
  • What to expect from the UK weather
  • Important documents checklist
  • Essential items to pack and things to bring
  • Pre-departure checklist

Post-arrival Guide

  • After arriving in the UK: The airport
  • Student discount card
  • Passing through immigration
  • Mobile and phone calling cards
  • Travelling to the university via taxi/coach/train
  • Part-time employment
  • Biometric Residence Permit
  • Cost of living
  • Opening a bank account
  • Do’s and Don'ts in the UK
  • Transferring money from India to the UK
  • Entrepreneur (Graduate) Visa
  • Healthcare in the UK
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Registering with a doctor
  • Adapting to local culture
  • Important contact information
  • University support services

FAQ

What are the necessary steps for an Indian student to open a bank account in the UK?

To open a UK bank account as an Indian student, choose a recommended bank, gather the required documents (passport, student ID), visit the bank with your documents, provide information about your stay and studies, and once approved, receive your debit card and account details. This process ensures a smooth transition to managing your finances during your studies in the UK.

How can I manage my finances effectively while I study in the UK?

To manage finances while studying in the UK, create a monthly budget covering essentials, explore part-time job opportunities within visa restrictions, leverage student discounts for savings on food and transportation, and employ budgeting apps to track expenses and ensure effective money management throughout your academic journey.

What transportation options are available for students in UK cities?

For students in UK cities, affordable transportation options include buses and trains. Obtain a student discount card for reduced fares on public transport, explore bike-sharing services in bike-friendly cities, and consider walking for a healthy, cost-free option depending on the distance. 

How can I deal with homesickness or cultural adjustment while studying in the UK?

To cope with homesickness or cultural adjustment in the UK, stay connected with family through video calls, make friends by joining university clubs, immerse yourself in local culture by trying new foods and attending events, and don't hesitate to seek support from the university's services for international students. It's normal to feel homesick; be patient, take small steps, and make the most of your experience in the UK.

UK Study Info

Studying in the UK

Double Quote up  I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.  Double Quote Down

Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London

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