If you're coming to the UK to study, opening a UK bank account will enable you to transfer money in and out, write cheques, pay bills by standing order and direct debit and use a debit or credit card to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. It often takes at least two or three weeks to open an account after you arrive but a new service enables you to open an account before you depart for the UK. Depending on the country you are living in, Barclays, one of the main UK banks providing services for international students, may be able to activate your account before you leave, upon receipt of a certified copy of your passport and copy of your university or UCAS offer letter.

Setting up your bank account before your arrival will avoid difficulties and delays, and Barclays are currently the only bank we are aware of that can activate your account before confirmation of your UK address.

See the full range of options available to international students and download application forms at www.barclays.com/studentandfamily. For more details please call the dedicated Barclays international student helpline on +44 (0)20 7751 6516 or email kibcfamilypackagenor@barclays.com.

You may of course choose to explore banking offers from other UK banks.

For further information about managing your money while studying in the UK, visit our section on money matters.

Due to cross border regulations this service is not available for students from Australia, Malaysia, North Korea and the USA.