International student bank accounts

If you’re going to be studying in the UK for a while, you’ll need to open a bank account. You should do this as soon as possible, ideally with a bank on campus or nearby. Many banks offer special student facilities and have financial advisers to help you organise your account.

When you open your international student bank account you will need:

• your passport
• a letter of acceptance from your place of study
• proof of your address at home and in the UK
• reference and statements from your home bank

Most banks in the UK are open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with some open later on weekdays and on Saturday mornings. If you have a cash card for your account, you can use a cash machine 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many banks in the UK also offer online banking which you may prefer to use.

Before you travel to the UK

Ask your college or university what your options are for paying fees, so you’ll know what facilities you’ll need. You should then contact your bank at home and ask:

• how you should transfer your money to the UK
• about running a bank account in the UK
• whether your bank has a special relationship with any UK banks
• whether you can use cash cards from your home bank in cash machines in the UK

Managing your international student bank account

It is important not to overspend on your account, as your bank will charge you if you go overdrawn. If you think you need more money than you have in your account, speak to your bank’s student adviser about arranging an overdraft.

For more information on managing your money visit the FSA (Financial Services Authority) website.