UK · CHAPTER 12
Your first weeksin the UK.
In your first two weeks: enrol at university, confirm your eVisa status is linked to your passport, register with a GP, open a bank account, get a UK SIM and apply for a 16–25 or student railcard.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
Source review: · How to use our guides
The right order
- 01
Day 1
Get a UK SIM and move into accommodation.
- 02
Week 1: enrol
Complete university registration and show your passport and eVisa.
- 03
Week 1: GP
Register with a local GP practice; your health surcharge gives you NHS access.
- 04
Week 1–2: bank account
App-based and high-street banks open accounts with passport, eVisa and university letter.
- 05
Before working
Apply for a National Insurance number.
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Your first two weeks
- 01
Day 1–2
Move in, check the inventory and photograph your room; buy a SIM card.
- 02
Day 2–5
University enrolment and ID card; attend induction.
- 03
Week 1
Register with a GP near your address (online through the NHS).
- 04
Week 1–2
Open a bank account; apply for a National Insurance number if you plan to work.
- 05
Week 2
Railcard, student discounts, and a Council Tax exemption certificate from the university.
Where to get help
- University international student advice team
- Students' union and Indian student society
- UKCISA for independent visa and money advice
- NHS 111 for urgent medical advice; 999 for emergencies
- High Commission of India in London and consulates in Edinburgh and Birmingham
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Yes, you can start work if you can prove your right to work through your eVisa share code, as long as you have applied for the number.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
UK GUIDE
Housing & student life
University halls, private student accommodation and shared houses in the UK: costs, deposits, Right to Rent checks and avoiding scams.
UK GUIDE
Health, bank & phone
Using the NHS as an international student, registering with a GP, prescriptions, opening a UK bank account and choosing a phone plan.
UK GUIDE
Safety, wellbeing & emergencies
Emergency numbers, NHS 111, mental-health support, the High Commission of India, scams aimed at students and how to report hate crime in the UK.
FRANCE
First 30 days in France
Your first month in France, day by day: permit validation, bank, SIM, CAF and transport.
FROM INDIA
Scams & emergencies abroad
Study abroad fraud warnings for Indian students: fake agents, offer letters and visas, forex and job scams, plus lost passports and emergencies abroad.
TOOL
Compare countries
Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
COMING SOON
Support for the UK
opens soon.
Althéa’s personal support for the UK is coming soon. Today we help students coming to study in France, and everyone already living in France.
Coming soonExplore France while you wait