Which bank should I choose?

High-street student accounts and app-based banks both work. App-based accounts open faster; high-street accounts are sometimes preferred by employers and landlords.

How quickly should I look for part-time work?

After enrolment and once you have a bank account and right-to-work share code. Most students start applying in weeks three to five.

Your first 30 days in the UK: arrival checklist

The answer in 60 seconds

Week one: SIM, accommodation move-in, university enrolment, eVisa access set up.
Week two: bank account, GP registration, transport card, NI number application.
Week three onward: part-time job hunt, societies, and your first budget review.

Turn this into your checklist

My UK Dream builds a dated, personalised roadmap from these rules — free to start.

Start your roadmap Log in

Before you fly

Carry your CAS, offer letter, accommodation confirmation, TB certificate and financial evidence in hand luggage. Set up access to your UKVI account so you can generate a share code on arrival.

Week one

Enrolment at your university unlocks the student status letter that most banks require. Get a UK SIM at the airport or in the first days — many services need a UK number.

UK SIM and phone number.
Accommodation move-in and inventory photos.
University enrolment and student ID.
eVisa / share code check.

Week two and beyond

Register with a GP even if you are healthy — it takes days and you do not want to do it while ill. Apply for your National Insurance number and open a bank account with your enrolment letter and proof of address.

Common mistakes

Trying to open a bank account before enrolment.
Delaying GP registration until you are unwell.
Not photographing the accommodation condition on day one.

FAQs

Get your personalised UK roadmap

The guides tell you the rules. The app turns them into your dated checklist — applications, visa steps, deadlines and job tracking in one place.