Planning to study in the UK this year? Honestly, solid choice. The UK’s packed with iconic unis, vibey student cities, and some pretty unbeatable vibes. If you're dreaming of late-night study sessions in Leeds or grabbing lunch between lectures in London, the UK’s still one of the top spots for international students.

But before you start packing your bags or building your Pinterest board for dorm inspo, there’s one thing you’ve got to sort out first: your student visa.

Yeah, the process sounds kind of intense at first, but once you know what’s what, it’s actually pretty doable. That’s why we’ve broken it all down for you in the simplest way possible.

So, what visa do you actually need?

If you're going for a full-on degree like a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, you’ll need a student visa. This used to be called the Tier 4 visa. If you’re just in for a short course under six months, there’s a different one called the short-term study visa. But if you're planning on staying for the long haul, stick with the regular student visa. Note that Short-term Study Visas cannot be extended or switched to other visas from inside the UK.

Getting a UK Student Visa in 2025: What You Really Need to Know

If you're heading to London, Manchester, or somewhere a bit more chill like Bath or York, there’s one thing you’ll need before anything else: a student visa.

Here’s the no-fluff guide to everything you need to sort it out in 2025.

What’s a Student Visa (Student Route)?

This is the visa that lets you stay in the UK to study for more than six months. It’s required for most international students, including those from the EU. The cost is currently £490 if you're applying from outside the UK or £490 to extend or switch from within the UK.

You’ll also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is£776, for students, per year of your course. This gives you access to the NHS while you're in the UK.

Key Requirements for 2025

There are some essentials you need to meet before you apply:

A confirmed offer from a UK university

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a key document issued by your university after accepting an offer and paying any initial deposit. It’s typically issued no earlier than 6 months before the course starts.

Proof of funds

• You need to show that you can cover your tuition and living expenses.
• Studying in London? You need at least £1,334 per month for up to 9 months.
• Studying outside London? You’ll need £1,023 per month.

This must be in your account for at least 28 days before applying.

English language requirements

For most undergraduate courses, you’ll need IELTS 5.5 overall or equivalent.

For postgraduate studies, requirements may vary, but generally, IELTS 6.0 or higher is expected. You may need a SELT (Secure English Language Test) if your uni requires it.

Tuberculosis (TB) test

Required if you’re staying for over six months and applying from certain countries. It must be taken at an approved clinic and is valid for 6 months.

Documents You Must Have

Make sure to get these documents before applying:

• Valid passport with a blank visa page
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Proof of English proficiency
• Proof of funds (bank statements or scholarship letters dated within 31 days of the visa application date)
• TB test certificate (if required)
• IHS payment receipt
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photo (recent)
• Academic qualifications
• ATAS certificate (if needed, for certain science and tech courses)
• Parental or guardian consent (if under 18)

More Visa Stuff You Need to Know

A few things have changed recently, and if you’re applying for a UK student visa in 2025, you’ll definitely want to be in the know. Most of these updates are actually good news, especially if you're an international student looking to make your move to the UK a little smoother.

First off, the UK’s points-based immigration system is now fully in place. This replaces the old free movement setup and applies to everyone coming to the UK to study or work. The upside? There’s no cap on the number of international students who can enter the UK through this route.

The system welcomes all degree-level students at licensed institutions. While STEM graduates often find strong career opportunities, the visa rules themselves don’t prioritise specific fields; all eligible courses are treated equally.

Also, anyone coming to the UK to work or study needs to apply for permission in advance. That includes students, so make sure you don’t leave your application until the last minute.

Let’s talk about the Post-Study Work Visa (officially called the Graduate Visa). Here’s how it works:

• Finished a PhD? You can stay in the UK for up to 3 years after you graduate.
• Got a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree? You’re allowed to live and work for 2 years.
• Important note: There are no current plans to extend this to 4 years (the 3-year maximum for PhDs remains unchanged).

All in all, the UK is clearly making moves to attract more international students. Between easier access, post-study work flexibility, and a ton of uni choices, studying in the UK in 2025 is more doable than ever.

And if you're still nervous about the application, don’t stress. There are tonnes of guides (like this one) to walk you through it.

We’ve even got visa interview tips and tricks if that’s the stage you’re at.

Basically, if the UK is calling your name, now’s the time to answer. 

Pack your stuff, sort the paperwork, and go make it happen.

Common Student Visa Mistakes You Really Don’t Wanna Make

Student visa apps can be stressful. 

But what’s worse than the stress? 

Making mistakes that could delay or even mess up your entire plan. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

• Bank statement drama

Your bank account needs to show the full required amount, and that money has to sit there for at least 28 days. Moving funds last minute? That’s a red flag. Also, make sure the account is in your name or your parents if you're including consent.

• Outdated CAS

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies can't be older than six months when you apply. If you’re reapplying or changing plans, always get a fresh one from your uni.

• Wrong English test

Not all tests are accepted. Make sure yours is on the list of Secure English Language Tests if needed, and double-check what your uni asks for.

• TB test confusion

If your country requires a TB test and you don’t submit it or it’s expired, that’s an instant nope from the visa office.

• Missing docs

You’d be surprised how many students forget stuff like the visa payment receipt, academic certificates, or passport photos. So, triple-check your checklist.

• Leaving it too late

Booking a last-minute visa appointment is a bold move that usually doesn’t end well. Start the process early. Like, really early.

When Should You Book Your Student Accommodation?

Real talk: don’t wait until your visa drops to start hunting for a place to live. Good student housing goes fast. If you're heading to big cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, things get booked months in advance.

So, when should you book?

As soon as you’ve got your CAS and uni offer locked in. Most accommodation options are cool with conditional bookings or flexible cancellation policies in case your visa gets delayed.

Here’s how to play it smart:

• Start browsing a bit early, as soon as you accept your offer.
• Compare locations. Are you okay with a short commute, or do you wanna roll out of bed and walk to class?
• Set a budget. Prices vary a lot depending on where you’re staying and the type of room.
• Look out for perks: inclusive bills, free gym, and on-site laundry. These little things add up.

Where Casita Comes In

Feeling lost in the housing maze? Casita can help. Whether you’re looking for a private studio, a shared flat, or just something that won’t drain your bank account, you’ll find options for whatever you want and near your uni!

Our Accommodation Experts team will always be there (24/7) to help you compare locations, find the perfect match to your budget, understand the rental terms, and book your chosen option safely from your home country. Visa delays? Last-minute changes? They’ve seen it all, and they’ll guide you through it.

No hidden fees,  and no guesswork, just real support to get you moved in, settled, and ready for day one.

Your UK Student Journey Starts Here

Getting your student visa might seem like a lot to deal with, but if you take it one step at a time, it all starts to feel less overwhelming. The most important thing is to stay organised. Know what documents you need, prep your finances early, and give yourself enough time to apply without rushing. Mistakes usually happen when things are done last minute.

If you’re serious about studying in the UK, this visa is your ticket in. Once it’s sorted, everything else starts to fall into place. Your flight, your accommodation, your class schedule, your new daily routine. It’s the one thing that unlocks all the rest.

And while you’re figuring out the paperwork, don’t forget about where you’re going to live. Your student accommodation isn’t just four walls. It’s the place where you’ll sleep after your first lecture, stress over deadlines, make friends, cook midnight noodles, and start building your independent life. So yes, it matters.

No matter if you're deep into the application process or just getting started, take your time, ask for help when you need it, and don’t let the paperwork scare you. You've got this. Your UK student journey starts now, and it’s going to be one of the best decisions you've ever made.

We also recommend you check out these blogs: Arrival Guide for International Students in the UK, The Ultimate Guide to Studying in the UK, and Student Accommodation in the UK vs Student Housing in the US. They’ll be very useful and packed with insights to support you through your international student journey.