Going overseas to study can be overwhelming, especially if you are going to a university for the first time. The situation has changed dramatically due to the coronavirus pandemic and there are a lot of things students want to know before moving abroad to study this year.
Hundreds of Indian students will be moving to the UK in September 2020 to start their undergraduate and postgraduate courses. We are providing you here with a list of the most important things to do when in the UK. Follow these tips for minimising risks and ensuring maximum safety.
If you have any question regarding your planned study in the UK, book a free consultation to get complete assistance and the latest information on UK visa, accommodation and more.
Five Tips for Students Going to the UK
1. UK Currency
Bank Account
Setting up a Bank Account in the UK is the most important thing to do when staying in the UK for a longer duration. Getting a UK Bank Account will not only help you avoid foreign currency charges but also make it easier to pay for utility bills, food, groceries and buy essential items online while minimising human contact and keeping yourself safe during the pandemic.
It will help you a great deal to open your bank account beforehand from India. This will help you a great deal in buying grocery and food items online during the 14-day mandatory quarantine period upon reaching the UK.
Cash Currency
You can carry some cash currency to the UK which you need to declare if carrying an amount in excess of 10,000 euros. It is worth noting that the paper £20 note has been replaced by the new polymer £20 note and the old currency note will soon be withdrawn. Therefore it is advisable for students to avoid carrying a £20 paper note.
Forex Card
Carrying a prepaid forex card is another great option when travelling to the UK. If you carry a forex card from India, make sure to register for the OTP via email along with SMS as your Indian number may not work in the UK.
2. Calling Card
Students should get a UK Calling Card in India instead of arranging for one after reaching the UK. Calling cards of companies such as Matrix and Lebara can be purchased from India as it will be easier and cheaper for students to communicate with the University upon arrival as well as use the data for online booking cabs and ordering food soon after arrival.
3. BRP Card
All students need to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit card after arriving in the UK. While earlier students had to apply for it within 10 days of arrival, due to quarantine regulations the time limit has been extended to 1 month. You can also apply for the BRP card outside the UK and collect it once you reach. It is not mandatory to collect the BRP card in person. It can be couriered to your address which is also the safer option in these times. Also you need not carry the BRP card on you all the time.
4. Quarantine
In the wake of Covid-19, it is mandatory for every traveller from India to self-quarantine for 14-days upon arrival in the UK. There is a hefty penalty for those who break this rule. However, once you complete the quarantine period, you need not report to any agency or government and will be free to move around.
5. Accommodation
Since you have to immediately quarantine yourself for 14 days after reaching the UK, it will be safer and cheaper to book your accommodation in advance from India and avoid going to a hotel and look for a suitable accommodation later on.
Study in the UK
UK universities are soon to begin with their September intake and a host of precautionary measures are being taken by the UK Government to ensure international student safety. Learn more about studying in the UK in 2020/2021 and apply with experts today.
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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. 
