UK · CHAPTER 11
Before you flyto the UK.
Before you fly, confirm your eVisa, book accommodation, arrange money for your first month, carry original documents and plan your first-week tasks: university enrolment, GP registration, bank account and phone.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
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Documents (originals + digital copies)
- Passport and eVisa share code
- CAS and offer letter
- Academic certificates
- Proof of funds
- TB certificate
- Accommodation contract
- Insurance for belongings
Money
- Forex card or international debit card
- £200–300 in cash for arrival
- First month's rent and deposit if not paid
- Budget for winter clothing if buying in the UK
Packing
- Waterproof jacket and layers (rain is frequent)
- UK plug adapters (type G)
- Prescription medicines with prescriptions
- Laptop and unlocked phone
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Four-week countdown
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | Confirm accommodation and arrival date; book flights |
| 3 weeks | Forex card or multi-currency account; carry about £300–500 in cash |
| 2 weeks | Medicines with prescriptions; scan all documents; check your eVisa works |
| 1 week | Book airport pick-up (many universities offer one); download Citymapper, Trainline, NHS App |
Packing for the UK
- Waterproof jacket and layers — UK weather changes daily
- UK type G plug adapters
- Basic kitchen items if you cook Indian food (many are cheaper in India)
- Formal clothes for interviews and presentations
- Copies of your CAS, offer letter and accommodation contract
- Meat and dairy from India are not allowed in your luggage
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
You must declare £10,000 or more (or the equivalent) when entering the UK. Most students carry a few hundred pounds and use a forex or international card.
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
First weeks in the UK
After arriving in the UK: enrol, check your eVisa, register with a GP, open a bank account, get a SIM and a railcard.
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.
FROM INDIA
Packing & customs
What to pack from India for study abroad: medicines with prescriptions, food rules for the EU, UK, USA, Canada and Australia, cash limits and baggage tips.
FROM INDIA
Month-by-month timeline
Month-by-month study abroad plan from India for a September 2027 start: tests, applications, scholarships, loans, visa, flights and a document checklist.
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Compare countries
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FRANCE
Study in France
The full France guide: degrees, fees, Campus France, visa, housing and work, chapter by chapter.
COMING SOON
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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.
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