Moving to the UK for University in September 2026

The first time living in the UK means being prepared for a series of practical steps, from checking your immigration permission and arranging accommodation to getting from the airport to your new home. Once you arrive, you will need to deal with tasks such as checking into your accommodation, getting a working UK phone number, accessing your money, completing university registration and learning how to travel around your new city.

If you are moving to the UK as an international student, the easiest way to manage the process is to divide it into two stages: before you leave and your arrival day. This international student UK checklist covers what to arrange at each stage, what documents to keep with you and what to check before starting university.

Before You Leave

1. Check Your UK Student Visa and eVisa

If you need immigration permission to study in the UK, make sure your UK student visa has been approved before travelling. Before your flight, check your immigration status rather than relying only on an email confirming your visa application. Most new student visa holders receive an e-visa, which records their immigration status digitally.

Before travelling, you should:

• Sign in to your UKVI account.
• Check that your e-visa is available.
• Make sure your current passport is linked to your UKVI account.
• Check that your name and date of birth are correct.
• Check the start date of your immigration permission.
• Make sure your immigration status and study conditions are displayed correctly.

2. Check Your CAS Against Your Passport

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, or CAS, contains information used for your student visa application. Before leaving home, keep your CAS reference and university offer information accessible. Check that the details you provided to the university match your passport and immigration records, particularly the following:

• Full name.
• Date of birth.
• Passport details.
• Course title.
• Course start date.
• Course end date.
• Tuition-fee information.

3. Check When You Can Enter the UK

Do not assume that you can enter the UK whenever you want simply because you have received a student visa. Check the start date of your immigration permission before booking your flight. You may normally be able to arrive before your course begins if your immigration permission is already valid, but you must not enter before the date from which your permission takes effect. Your university may also recommend a particular arrival period for international students. Compare that date with your accommodation check-in date before finalising your travel plans.

4. Arrange your Student Accommodation Before Flying

Before booking your flight, confirm when you can move into your accommodation. Confirm the tenancy start date, the earliest check-in date, check-in hours, and any late-arrival procedures. Also, confirm the exact address, payment schedule, and any instalment details, and understand what is included in the rent.

The accommodation start date and your visa start date are separate. For example, if your immigration permission allows you to arrive on 1 September but your room is not available until 5 September, you will need somewhere to stay for those four nights. If your flight arrives outside reception hours, contact the accommodation before travelling and obtain written instructions for collecting your keys or accessing the building.

5. Prepare Your Documents for Moving to the UK

Keep your essential documents in your hand luggage instead of your checked suitcase. Save copies securely on your phone or laptop, and also ensure that important information is available offline. Avoid relying on airport Wi-Fi to access your accommodation address or travel instructions.

Your document pack should include the following:

• Passport
• Visa or eVisa information
• UKVI account information
• CAS reference
• University offer letter
• Accommodation confirmation
• Accommodation check-in instructions
• Tuition-fee payment confirmation
• Financial documents
• Flight details
• Airport transfer information
• University contact details
• Relevant medical documents

6. Check What to Pack for University in the UK

You do not need to transport your entire bedroom to the UK.

Before packing, check:

• Your airline's baggage allowance.
• Whether your accommodation provides bedding.
• Whether kitchen equipment is provided.
• Whether your room has storage.
• Whether you need a UK Type G plug adapter.
• Whether your electrical devices are compatible with UK voltage.
• Whether any medication you carry has additional UK requirements.

Prioritise items that are difficult to replace immediately, such as passports, essential medication and important documents. For food, medicines, and other restricted items, check the latest UK rules before packing them.

7. Choose the Right Airport

When booking your flight, consider more than the ticket price. Check how far the airport is from your university city, whether you can travel directly by train or coach, whether your university offers an airport transfer and how much a taxi or private transfer would cost. A cheaper flight may not be the cheapest option overall if it leaves you with a long or expensive journey to your accommodation. For example, flying to an airport in another city may save money on the flight but add several hours and another expensive journey to your accommodation.

8. What to Expect at the UK Border

At the UK border, after leaving the aircraft, follow signs for immigration or passport control.

Keep your passport and immigration information accessible. You may be asked about your university, course, accommodation or reason for entering the UK.

Once you have completed border checks:

• Collect your luggage.
• Follow signs for customs.
• Check whether you need to declare anything you are carrying.
• Follow signs for trains, coaches, buses, taxis or your pre-arranged transfer.

9. What to Do If Something Goes Wrong at the Airport

Have a backup plan for common arrival problems.

• If your luggage does not arrive, report it to the airline or baggage service before leaving the airport.
• If your phone has no signal, use airport Wi-Fi or an airport information desk to contact your accommodation.
• If your transfer is cancelled, check the airport's official transport options rather than accepting an unofficial offer from someone approaching you.
• If your accommodation is closed when you arrive, use the late check-in instructions you obtained before travelling.

Your First Day in the UK

Check into your accommodation

Your first task after reaching your accommodation is not unpacking. It is checking that everything is in order. Once you have your keys or access card:

• Confirm that your room number is correct.
• Check that your key or access card works.
• Photograph the room before moving your belongings around.
• Photograph existing marks, stains, damaged furniture or broken items.
• Check windows and doors.
• Test the lights.
• Check heating or cooling.
• Check taps and hot water.
• Check the provided appliances.
• Report existing problems through the official reporting system.

Get a UK SIM or eSIM

If your phone is unlocked and compatible with UK networks, you can use a UK SIM or eSIM.

For a first phone plan, check:

• Monthly cost.
• Data allowance.
• Contract length.
• Pay-as-you-go availability.
• International calling.
• Roaming rules.
• Cancellation terms.
• Network coverage where you live and study.

Keep your existing home-country SIM available if you need it for banking verification codes or other accounts.

Buy Food and Essential Supplies

You do not need to buy everything on your first day. Check what your accommodation already provides before buying additional items. Find the nearest supermarket and pharmacy and save their locations on your phone. Start with what you need for the next 24 to 48 hours:

• Drinking water.
• Basic food.
• Toiletries.
• Any essential household items.
• Laundry supplies if required.

Set up Access to Your Money.

Once you have settled in, check that your existing card works and that you can access your account. If you plan to open a UK bank account, prepare the documents that the bank or provider may request. Requirements differ, but you may be asked for:

• Passport.
• UK address.
• Proof of student status.
• Immigration information.
• University documentation.

Complete University Registration

Your university may ask you to complete some registration tasks before arriving.

Check your university portal for outstanding tasks such as:

• Online enrolment.
• Tuition-fee arrangements.
• Personal details.
• Emergency contacts.
• Module selection.
• Immigration information.
• Pre-arrival forms.

Collect Your Student ID

Once registration is complete, check how and when you can collect your student ID card.

You may need it for:

• Entering university buildings.
• Library access.
• Exams.
• Student services.
• University facilities.
• Student discounts in some situations.

Check Your Timetable and Campus Location

Do not wait until your first lecture to discover that your class is in another part of the city.

Once your timetable is available:

• Check every building.
• Save campus maps.
• Check walking routes between buildings.
• Check whether different campuses are involved.
• Allow extra travel time for your first few journeys.

Healthcare in the UK

Register with a GP or University Health Service

Once you know your UK address, check the healthcare options available in your area. Your university may have its own health service, or you may need to register with a local GP surgery.

Check the registration requirements and whether the service accepts patients living at your accommodation address. Healthcare arrangements can differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so use the guidance for the part of the UK where you will live.

If you take regular medication, do not wait until your supply is almost finished. Check how prescriptions work where you will live and how you can obtain further medication. Some medicines may have restrictions on bringing them into the UK, so check the rules before travelling.

You’re Ready for Your Move

Moving to the UK for university is about much more than getting every document, booking every journey and ticking every box on a checklist. Preparation will make your arrival easier, but you do not need to have every detail planned before you board the plane. You might forget to pack something, take the wrong bus, discover you need something you didn't bring, or change your plans once you arrive. That is completely normal, and it's part of the experience.

Give yourself time to settle in and enjoy the journey. Explore your new city, try food you have never had before, meet people from different backgrounds and learn about cultures that may be completely new to you. Some of your best memories may come from plans you never made, whether that is an unexpected day out with your new flatmates, discovering a favourite place by chance or deciding at the last minute to explore somewhere new.