Confirming your place at a UK university and preparing to travel abroad is an exciting moment for Indian students. As you prepare for this transformative experience, it's crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary documents, information, and resources to make your transition smooth and enjoyable.
This pre-departure guide provides a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your upcoming academic adventure. Learn more below, and if you need assistance with any aspect of studying in the UK, contact SI-UK India today.
What you need to know before travelling to study in the UK
Pre-departure Checklist
The pre-departure checklist is a valuable way of ensuring you don’t leave anything behind before travelling to the UK.
- Passport and Visa
- Ensure your passport is valid for your studies, i.e., at least for the next 12 months.
- Obtain the necessary UK student visa. You should apply for your visa as soon as you get your offer letter from the university. You should apply for the visa at least 6 months before the departure since approval can take time during peak seasons.
- Academic Certificates
- Carry originals and photocopies of academic certificates, including IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Offer and Acceptance Letters
- Have both your offer and acceptance letters from the university.
- Financial Proof
- Provide evidence of your finances and funding for your stay in the UK.
- University Correspondence
- Organise all documents and information sent by the university.
- Photographs
- Bring several passport-size photographs.
- Insurance and Medical Notes
- Obtain travel and health insurance.
- If you have medical conditions, bring translated medical notes and prescriptions.
- Driving License
- Carry your driving license if applicable.
- Accommodation Information
- Have directions to your accommodation or the university.
- Keep emergency contact numbers in your hand luggage.
Medical Considerations
If you have an ongoing medical issue, it is important to remember several key items to ensure your initial period in the UK is comfortable. Once at the university, you can register with the on-site doctor.
- Medication
- If bringing medication, have a translated letter from your doctor explaining its purpose.
- Long-Term Medical Treatment
- Bring a letter from your doctor, counsellor, or hospital specialist if undergoing long-term medical treatment.
Financial Planning
Ensuring you have enough money to enjoy yourself and live comfortably at university is vital to your well-being. This is how you can plan your finances while living in the UK as a student.
Cash and Travellers Cheques
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Bring £300 to £500 in cash for immediate expenses.
- Consider traveller's cheques for additional funds.
Tuition and Accommodation Fees
- Ensure you can pay your fees upon registration.
- Consider bringing separate bankers' drafts for accurate amounts.
Travel Logistics
Before you fly, these are the things you should check.
- Hand Luggage
- Check airline restrictions for weight and size allowances for hand luggage.
- Booking Flights
- Book your flights to the UK well in advance.
University Arrival Guide
- CAS Letter and Student Visa
- Upon receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), apply for your student visa.
- University Account and Joining Instructions
- Set up your university account and access Joining Instructions about a month before your course begins.
- MFA and Online Registration
- Complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Online Registration before arriving in the UK.
- Face-to-Face Registration
- Schedule a Face-to-Face Registration Appointment upon arrival in the UK.
- Setting up a Bank Account
Your bank account is crucial in ensuring you have enough funds for your UK education. Setting up a basic bank account with your student visa is relatively easy. Alternatively, consider opening an overseas bank account beforehand to save time and be hassle-free. Opting for an overseas bank account in the UK has extra perks – you can snag your debit and credit cards before you even jet off and smoothly handle fund transfers and management.
Study in the UK
SI-UK can help you prepare for life as a UK university student in a new country, and we hope you can make the most of this tremendous opportunity to learn, grow, and make the world a better place.
We understand the difficulties students face when they first land in the UK, and our pre-departure support helps you overcome all of those to make your stay in the UK pleasant.
Departure Sessions with SI-UK
At a pre-departure session, students about to join UK universities for foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses are briefed about all the dos and don’ts and provided with complete information to help them settle down in a new life.
Pre-departure sessions include information and guidance covering various topics, from accommodations and flights to healthcare and bank accounts in the UK.
Pre-arrival Guide
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Post-arrival Guide
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FAQ
What are the necessary steps to open a bank account in the UK as an Indian student?
To open a UK bank account as an Indian student, choose a recommended bank, gather the required documents (passport, student ID), visit the bank with your documents, provide information about your stay and studies, and once approved, receive your debit card and account details. This process ensures a smooth transition to managing your finances during your studies in the UK.
How can I manage my finances effectively while I study in the UK?
To manage finances while studying in the UK, create a monthly budget covering essentials, explore part-time job opportunities within visa restrictions, leverage student discounts for savings on food and transportation, and employ budgeting apps to track expenses and ensure effective money management throughout your academic journey.
What transportation options are available for students within the UK cities?
For students in UK cities, affordable transportation options include buses and trains. Obtain a student discount card for reduced fares on public transport, explore bike-sharing services in bike-friendly cities, and consider walking for a healthy, cost-free option depending on the distance.
How can I deal with homesickness or cultural adjustment while studying in the UK?
To cope with homesickness or cultural adjustment in the UK, stay connected with family through video calls, make friends by joining university clubs, immerse yourself in local culture by trying new foods and attending events, and don't hesitate to seek support from the university's services for international students. It's normal to feel homesick; be patient, take small steps, and make the most of your experience in the UK.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
