Checklist For International Students Moving To The UK

So you have been accepted to a UK university, congratulations! No doubt it’ll be a fresh and exciting adventure.

Now, while you are looking up your new uni or college city, and sorting out your wardrobe, there are a few things you need to make sure are in order well before move-in day.

Often the ‘boring’ housekeeping stuff can be pushed into the back of your mind, which is understandable, but that boring stuff is essential for your move. Don’t make your UK move harder than it has to be, get everything sorted ahead of time so that when you move, your priority is settling in (and freshers week).

So, here are all of the key checks that you should be ticking off well ahead of time to make that transition to your new adventure in the UK as smooth as possible.

Visa

Firstly, you need a visa, and you’ll more than likely need a student visa in particular in order to study in the UK.

It offers enough to stay for most degrees as well as extensions for resits or postgrads so it makes the most sense. There are, of course, other options such as ancestry visas that offer longer stay should you be applicable.

Regardless of your route, it’s important to tackle the visa as soon as you can. It can often be a long and drawn-out process.

Not as long as the appeals process, however, so make sure you get that application right on the first go.

In order to ensure it’s good-to-go, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a legal professional, like those at QC Immigration who have helped submit hundreds of student visas.

Accommodation

Next on the list is appropriate accommodation, again, this isn’t one that you are going to want to leave till the last minute.

Thankfully, finding appropriate accommodation is made easier by halls of residence which most UK unis and colleges offer to 1st-year students.

If you want to save money and go private, make sure that your lease is signed ahead of your moving day so that you are guaranteed somewhere to stay.

Income

This one depends on your situation. If you are eligible for a student loan and wish to take advantage of it you’ll have to set it up with plenty of notice.

If not you will need some form of income, whether that’s from your parents or from getting a part-time job in the UK.

If you are getting a job with no other income, don’t leave it until you get here, get applying as soon as you possibly can.

Support

Lastly, moving to another country can be a lot. It’s a lot of change to take in, especially with the added pressures of studies.

Make sure that you have a support system. Whether it’s a friend going to the same or a nearby uni or college, or reaching out to those in your halls of residence ahead of time.

Alternatively, clubs and societies are great places to find like-minded people. So see if there are any that pique your interest.

To Sum Up

Studying in the UK is an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to get all of that boring stuff out of the way so that you can probably enjoy the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

Good luck and have fun!