Information for new international students

At the Tavistock and Portman we welcome students from around the globe. If you are joining us for study this year, you may have some queries relating to studying and living in the UK.

Information about studying abroad

UK Council for International Student Affair (UKCISA)

British Council

Study in the UK Guide for International Students

Banking in the UK

Banks in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and must operate in accordance with their requirements and those of the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group. They also have their own policies and procedures to follow and will carry out relevant checks to decide what account you may be eligible to open. If you are not able to open an account with your first choice of bank, we recommend you try elsewhere. Unfortunately, the Trust does not have any influence over a bank’s decision.

The FCA have some useful information for consumers about opening a bank account in the UK. UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) also produce helpful information for students about opening a bank account.

To open an international student bank account in the UK, in most cases you will need to provide:

• An in-date passport
• E-visa
• Bank statement from your home bank, from the past three months
• Proof of address in the UK or abroad (check with your bank)
• Student ID, CAS letter or enrolment letter

Registering with a GP

To register with a GP, you will need to visit the doctor’s surgery during opening hours, taking your enrolment letter as proof that you are a student, along with your passport and your e-visa. You should ask to be added to the list of National Health Service (NHS) patients. This means that you will not have to pay a fee to visit the doctor.

Make sure that if you are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you obtain one before coming to the UK and show it to the GP.

Once registered with a GP you will be sent a medical card through the post with your NHS number.

When you attend an appointment with a doctor, if you would like to be seen by a female staff member, most surgeries will have this option if you ask for it.

Remember that in order to register with a GP and engage with other NHS services, you will need to provide a UK mobile number, so sorting this out as soon as possible is important.

Getting a UK phone number

If you already have a mobile phone

You will need a UK SIM card. Make sure your phone is compatible and has been unlocked. Find out how to unlock your phone.

Unlocked phone

If your phone is unlocked, then can bring it to the UK, insert a UK SIM card and start using it straight away. It really is that simple.

Getting a UK SIM card delivered to your home country address

Some UK networks will send you a free SIM card to your home country address so that when you arrive in the UK, you can start using your phone straight away. You can usually either pay for these before you arrive or pay once you arrive.

UK mobile network providers

The 4 main mobile network providers in the UK are: O2, Vodafone, EE and Three.

There are several smaller mobile network providers listed below. These companies are perfectly legitimate and many people in the UK have a contract with one of these networks: BT Mobile, giffgaff, PlusNet, Tesco Mobile, Talk Mobile, Sky Mobile and VOXI.

Once you have a UK address, you can see which mobile network provider is the best for your area, visit the OFCOM website and type in your UK postcode.

Understanding internet access in the UK

There are two types of internet access: Wi-Fi and mobile data. You will probably need to use both on your course.

Wi-Fi

Where possible try to use Wi-Fi, as it is usually faster and sometimes free: 

• You can access free Wi-Fi at the Tavistock Centre. Look for ‘Free NHS Wifi’ in your device’s settings and follow the instructions to login. You’ll need to login each time you visit the Tavistock Centre.
• Many cafes, restaurants, shops, public libraries, and train stations offer free public Wi-Fi. Caution: Public Wi-Fi networks are generally less secure. Avoid accessing sensitive information (like online banking) on public Wi-Fi. 
• If you’re relocating to the UK in private accommodation you may want to purchase home broadband which will include Wi-Fi access. This usually involves signing up for a contract (e.g., 12 – 18 months) with a provider like BT, EE, Virgin Media, Sky, or TalkTalk. 

Mobile data

Mobile data is essential for connectivity when you’re outside of Wi-Fi range. If you’re moving to the UK from abroad, you’ll need to buy a UK SIM or e-SIM for your mobile device and a mobile data package from one of the many providers (such as giffgaff, Smarty, EE, Vodafone, O2 or Three). 

Using your home country’s mobile data in the UK (data roaming) is usually very expensive. Get a UK SIM or e-SIM as soon as you can! 

Shopping in the UK

Food

There are many local independent shops where you can buy food in London. The big food chain stores in the UK are: Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, ASDA, Lidl, Aldi

Homeware

There are various places to purchase essential items for your new room or accommodation. Below is a list of places you can find bed linen, towels, furniture, kitchen utensils etc. Argos, IKEA, FlyingTiger, John Lewis

Restaurants and eating out

Restaurants & Cafes in London – Time Out London

The 10 Best London Restaurants – TripAdvisor

Top 10 budget restaurants and cafes in central London | Travel | The Guardian

London + UK Restaurant + Venue Guide | SquareMeal

Support and wellbeing

NHS – Getting medical care as a student

London Nightline – anonymous support service for students in London universities

The Samaritans – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year emotional support

Save the Student – money saving advice for students

Bright Knowledge – guide to careers, education and student life