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International student bank accounts

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'Managing your money when you study in the UK is easier with a UK bank account. You’ll find plenty of accounts to suit your needs as an international student and advice to keep control of your finances. '

A student using a bank card at a cash machine or ATM. © Mat Wright 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 on Saturday mornings. If you have a cash card for your account you can use a cash machine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many banks in the UK also offer on-line 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.

Useful links:

FSA


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The London Underground

Travelling on the Underground is the quickest way to get around London. Also know as the Tube, the Underground is a metro system with stations across London and links to all mainline London train stations.

If London is your place of study you should buy an Oyster Card. This gives you discounted travel on Underground and bus services. Find out more at the TFL website.

Registering with a doctor while studying in the UK

Make sure you register with a doctor as soon as you have found somewhere to live in the UK. You can’t receive any NHS treatment until you do. If your place of study has a health centre, you may be able to register there; if not they will recommend a local doctor or GP (General Practitioner) to you.

To register you’ll need:

  • proof of your student status
  • your passport
  • evidence of your new UK home address
You will then be sent an NHS medical card with an individual identity code, which you can also use to register with a dentist.

NHS Direct for international students

When you’re studying in the UK and need quick access to health advice, you can contact NHS Direct. This is a 24-hour confidential phone line staffed by professionally-qualified nurses who will give you advice and support on self treatment. If there is an emergency or your condition is serious, the nurse will call an ambulance if needed.

You can phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (calls are charged at a local rate from the UK only). Information and advice on the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them is also available on the NHS Direct website.

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