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Welcome International Students!

Studying in the UK as an international student involves additional preparation beyond what UK students need. Chapter provides comprehensive guides to help you navigate every step - from your visa application to settling into British life.
Chapter automatically detects that you’re an international student and provides specialized resources tailored to your journey.

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Your International Student Journey

Chapter organizes international guidance into 5 essential guides:

Visa Guide

Complete timeline from receiving your offer to collecting your BRP. Track your visa application progress.

Banking Guide

Set up UK bank accounts, understand money transfer options, and manage finances across countries.

Health Guide

NHS access, GP registration, understanding UK healthcare, and mental health support.

Travel Guide

Prepare for your journey, pack essentials, navigate UK immigration, and arrange arrival logistics.

Settling In Guide

First week essentials, getting a UK SIM, shopping, understanding British culture and customs.

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Student Visa Application

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Complete Timeline & Checklist

Chapter guides you through each step of the visa process:
1

Receive Unconditional Offer

Your university must confirm your place before you can apply for a visa. Keep all offer letters safe - you’ll need them.
2

Request Your CAS

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is issued by your university. This unique reference number is essential for your visa application.What you need:
  • Accept your unconditional offer
  • Pay any required deposit
  • Submit requested documents (passport copy, certificates)
  • Wait 1-2 weeks for CAS issuance
3

Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

£776 per year of your course gives you NHS access.Important:
  • Pay BEFORE submitting your visa application
  • The IHS is refundable if your visa is refused
  • Keep your IHS reference number for the visa form
4

Gather Required Documents

Start collecting these early:
  • Valid passport (for duration of stay)
  • Bank statements (28 consecutive days of required funds)
  • Qualification certificates (with translations if needed)
  • English language test results
  • Passport-style photo (UK visa specifications)
5

Submit Online Visa Application

Apply up to 6 months before your course starts.Process:
  • Create account on gov.uk
  • Complete the visa application form (30-45 minutes)
  • Upload documents or indicate submission at appointment
  • Pay visa fee (£490 standard, +£500 for priority)
  • Book biometrics appointment
6

Biometrics Appointment

Attend your visa application centre appointment:
  • Provide fingerprints and photo
  • Submit passport and documents
  • Choose ‘keep your passport’ service if needed
  • Track application online after appointment
7

Receive Decision

Standard processing: up to 3 weeks Priority service: 5 working daysOnce approved, collect your visa and prepare for travel!

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Financial Requirements

You must prove you can support yourself:Formula:
  • Tuition fees for first year (as shown on CAS)
  • PLUS living costs:
    • London: £1,334/month × up to 9 months = £12,006
    • Outside London: £1,023/month × up to 9 months = £9,207
Example:
  • Tuition: £20,000
  • Living (London): £12,006
  • Total to show: £32,006
  • Must show 28 consecutive days of required funds
  • Statement date must be within 31 days of application
  • Can use your own account or parent’s account (with additional documents)
  • Official bank statements required (not screenshots)
  • Non-English statements need certified translations
Student visa fees:
  • Standard processing: £490
  • Priority (5 days): £990
  • Super priority (24 hours): £1,800+
Immigration Health Surcharge:
  • £776 per year of course
  • For a 3-year degree: £2,328
Other costs:
  • TB test (if required): £100-150
  • Translations and certified copies: Varies
  • Biometrics appointment: Included in visa fee

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Visa Documents Checklist

Chapter provides an interactive checklist that you can tick off:
  • Valid passport with blank page
  • CAS statement from university
  • Bank statements (28 consecutive days)
  • Qualification certificates
  • English language test certificate
  • Passport photo (UK visa spec)
  • TB test certificate (if required)
  • IHS payment reference
  • Visa application confirmation
Some nationalities require additional documents like police certificates or previous education credentials. Check gov.uk for your specific country.

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UK Banking & Money

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Opening a UK Bank Account

Chapter compares your options:
Monzo
  • Open before arriving in UK
  • Just need passport
  • Video verification
  • Card posted to UK address
  • No monthly fees
  • Great for splitting bills
Starling Bank
  • Similar to Monzo
  • Passport verification
  • 3-5 days for card delivery
  • Free worldwide cash withdrawals
  • Built-in budgeting tools

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International Money Transfer

Wise (Recommended)

  • Real exchange rate (mid-market)
  • Low, transparent fees (typically 0.5-1%)
  • Fast transfers (1-2 business days)
  • Hold multiple currencies
  • Wise card for spending abroad
  • FCA regulated and safe

Revolut

  • Multi-currency account
  • Good exchange rates on weekdays
  • Weekend markup on exchanges
  • Free plan with monthly limits
  • Great for travel
  • Instant transfers within Revolut

PayPal / Western Union

Not recommended:
  • Very poor exchange rates
  • High hidden fees
  • Expensive for regular transfers
  • Better alternatives available

Your Home Bank

  • Notify them you’re moving to UK
  • Avoid card blocks for “suspicious activity”
  • Ask about international fees
  • Keep some money in home account
Open a Monzo or Starling account before you arrive for immediate banking. Then set up a traditional bank account once you’re settled if you want an overdraft facility.

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UK Healthcare (NHS)

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Understanding the NHS

As an international student who’s paid the IHS, you have the same NHS rights as UK residents:
  • GP appointments
  • Hospital treatment (A&E, operations, specialist care)
  • Ambulance services
  • Maternity care
  • Mental health services
  • Sexual health clinics
  • COVID vaccinations and boosters
Almost everything is free at point of use - no bills.
  • Prescriptions: £9.90 per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales, NI)
  • Dental care: Subsidized but not free (check-up ~£26)
  • Eye tests: ~£25-40 (subsidized)
  • Glasses/contacts: Not covered
Your GP (General Practitioner) is your main doctor.How to register:
  1. Find nearest GP surgery on NHS.uk
  2. Check they’re accepting new patients
  3. Complete GMS1 registration form
  4. Bring: Passport, BRP, proof of address
  5. Receive NHS number by post (2-4 weeks)
Important:
  • Many universities have on-campus GP surgeries
  • Register even if you’re healthy
  • You’ll need a GP for prescriptions, referrals, sick notes

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When to Get Medical Help

999 - Emergency

Call for:
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Suspected stroke
Free, no charges.

111 - Urgent Advice

Call or visit 111.nhs.uk:
  • Urgent but not emergency
  • Need advice out of hours
  • Not sure where to go
  • Available 24/7 in multiple languages

GP - Routine Care

Book appointment for:
  • Non-urgent health issues
  • Ongoing conditions
  • Prescriptions
  • Referrals to specialists
  • Regular check-ups

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Mental Health Support

Moving to a new country is challenging. Homesickness, culture shock, and academic pressure are common. Support is available and confidential.
Available support:
  • University counseling - Free, confidential, usually no waiting list
  • Samaritans - 116 123, call free 24/7 for any worry
  • Student Minds - Mental health charity for students
  • NHS Talking Therapies - Free therapy via GP referral
  • International student support groups - Many unis have these

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Traveling to the UK

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Before Your Flight

Chapter provides a comprehensive pre-departure checklist:
1

Prepare Travel Documents

Keep in hand luggage:
  • Passport with visa vignette
  • Printed CAS confirmation
  • University offer letter
  • Accommodation confirmation
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Cash (GBP £200-300 for immediate needs)
2

Arrange Travel Insurance

  • Covers journey and arrival period
  • Until you collect BRP and NHS access is active
  • Check what’s covered vs. excluded
3

Notify Your Home Bank

  • Inform them you’re traveling/moving to UK
  • Avoid card being blocked
  • Ask about international transaction fees
4

Book Airport Transfer

  • Many universities offer airport pickup
  • Or pre-book taxi/coach to accommodation
  • Don’t rely on finding transport on arrival

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What to Pack

  • Passport & visa
  • CAS & university letters
  • Academic certificates (originals)
  • Bank statements used for visa
  • Prescription medications (with letter)
  • International driving permit (if bringing)
  • Insurance documents

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Arriving in the UK

1

UK Immigration

Have ready:
  • Passport with visa vignette
  • Printed CAS letter
  • University address/accommodation details
Answer questions honestly:
  • Purpose of visit: Studying at [University]
  • How long: [Duration of course]
  • Where staying: [Accommodation address]
2

Collect Your BRP

Within 10 days of arrival (critical deadline)
  • Check visa decision letter for collection location
  • Usually your university or a Post Office
  • Bring passport and decision letter
  • Some universities collect on your behalf
3

Get to Your Accommodation

  • Pre-booked transport recommended
  • University airport pickup services
  • Or National Express coach (cheap)
  • Or pre-booked taxi
You MUST collect your BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Missing this deadline causes serious visa issues.

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Settling In (First Week)

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Essential Tasks

1

Day 1-2: Immediate Essentials

  • Collect BRP (if not already done)
  • Get a UK SIM card
  • Buy basic supplies (bedding if not provided, food)
  • Explore immediate surroundings
  • Rest and adjust to time zone
2

Week 1: Admin & Registration

  • Complete university registration/enrolment
  • Register with local GP surgery
  • Open UK bank account (or activate pre-ordered card)
  • Police registration if required (check your BRP)
  • Attend international student orientation
3

Week 1-2: Settling In

  • Explore campus and facilities
  • Find supermarkets and shops
  • Get Oyster card/bus pass if needed
  • Join international student society
  • Attend freshers events

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Police Registration

Some nationalities must register with police within 7 days of arrival. Check your BRP/visa for “POLICE REGISTRATION” requirement.
If required:
  • Find your local Overseas Visitor Records Office (OVRO)
  • Book appointment (London appointments book up fast - do immediately)
  • Bring: Passport, BRP, 2 photos, proof of address, £34 fee
  • You must update registration if you move house or change university
Countries requiring registration include: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen

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Getting a UK SIM Card

Giffgaff

  • No contract
  • From £6/month
  • Flexible plans
  • Order free SIM online
  • Good network coverage

Voxi

  • Endless social media data
  • From £10/month
  • No contract
  • Good for heavy data users

Three

  • Good international roaming
  • Feel at Home in 71 countries
  • From £7/month
  • Useful if you travel
All can be ordered before you arrive and posted to your UK address.

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Understanding British Culture

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Cultural Differences to Know

British people LOVE queuing and take it very seriously.
  • Always join the back of the queue
  • Never skip or push in - very offensive
  • Wait your turn patiently
  • If you’re not sure, ask “is this the queue for…?”
British communication is often indirect:
  • “Not bad” usually means “quite good”
  • “I hear what you’re saying” means “I disagree”
  • “With respect” means “you’re wrong”
  • Say please, thank you, and sorry frequently
  • Soften requests: “Would you mind…” “Could you possibly…”
  • Weather is a safe topic for small talk
  • Commenting on weather is a conversation starter
  • People may ask “You alright?” as greeting (not actual question)
  • Response: “Yeah, you?”
  • Punctuality is valued (but being 5-10 mins late is usually fine)
  • Always apologize even if not your fault
  • Giving up your seat for elderly/pregnant is expected
  • Don’t talk loudly on public transport
  • Personal space matters - arm’s length distance
  • University social life often involves alcohol
  • But non-drinking is totally acceptable - no pressure
  • “Pub” culture is common - not just about drinking
  • You can go to a pub and order soft drinks
  • Not mandatory but appreciated
  • Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge not included
  • Taxis: Round up or add 10%
  • Pubs/bars: Not expected
  • Cafes: Optional (tip jar)

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British Slang You’ll Hear

  • Cheers - Thank you / goodbye / toasting
  • Mate - Friend
  • Fancy - Want (“fancy a coffee?”)
  • Knackered - Tired
  • Quid - Pounds (money)
  • Chuffed - Pleased
  • Gutted - Disappointed
  • Brilliant / Lovely - Great

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Shopping in the UK

Supermarkets

Budget:
  • Aldi, Lidl (cheapest)
  • Own-brand products save money
Mid-range:
  • Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons
  • Loyalty cards give discounts
Premium:
  • Waitrose, M&S Food
  • More expensive

Student Discounts

Essential apps:
  • UNiDAYS - Verify student status, get discounts
  • Student Beans - Similar to UNiDAYS
  • TOTUM card - NUS discount card (£14/year)
Discounts on:
  • Apple, Samsung, Microsoft (tech)
  • ASOS, Urban Outfitters (clothing)
  • Spotify, Amazon Prime (subscriptions)
  • Pizza chains, restaurants
  • Cinema tickets

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International Student Community

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Connect with Other International Students

Chapter helps you find your community:

International Society

  • Social events and trips
  • Cultural celebrations
  • Support network
  • Orientation programs

Country/Region Societies

  • Connect with people from your country
  • Cultural events and food
  • Celebrate festivals from home
  • Support in your language

Faith Societies

  • Prayer rooms and facilities
  • Religious observance support
  • Community and belonging
  • Interfaith events

Buddy Schemes

  • Paired with UK or returning students
  • Help with settling in
  • Ask questions in safe space
  • Make local friends

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Common Challenges & Solutions

Very common - you’re not alone:
  • Stay connected with home (but not excessively)
  • Build new community here
  • Keep busy - join societies, attend events
  • Talk to other international students - they understand
  • Usually eases after first few weeks
  • Counseling services if it persists
Normal stages:
  1. Honeymoon (everything is exciting)
  2. Frustration (differences become annoying)
  3. Adjustment (start to understand)
  4. Acceptance (feel at home)
Give yourself time - adjustment takes months, not weeks.
Even if your English is good:
  • Accents can be difficult at first
  • You’ll adjust within weeks
  • Ask people to repeat if needed - totally fine
  • University offers English support classes
  • Watch British TV to get used to accents
  • Join international society immediately
  • Say yes to social invitations
  • Join societies matching your interests
  • Don’t only socialize with people from your country
  • Friendships take time - be patient
UK university style may be different:
  • More independent learning expected
  • Critical thinking valued over memorization
  • Plagiarism taken very seriously
  • Office hours available if struggling
  • Academic skills workshops in library

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Important Emergency Numbers

999

Emergency Services Police, Fire, Ambulance Life-threatening only

111

NHS Non-Emergency Urgent medical advice 24/7, free, multilingual

101

Police Non-Emergency Report crimes Not life-threatening

116 123

Samaritans 24/7 listening service Any worry, any time

0800 1111

Childline Under 19 support Any issue

University Security

Your university number On-campus emergencies 24/7 support

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Resources Within Chapter

All international guides are tracked and interactive:
  • Progress tracking - See what you’ve completed
  • Deadline reminders - Never miss critical dates
  • Downloadable checklists - Print to keep handy
  • Video guides - Watch step-by-step tutorials
  • Community forums - Ask questions to other international students
  • University-specific info - Tailored to your institution

Access Your Guides

Open the International Student Hub in Chapter

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Final Tips for Success

Studying abroad is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Give yourself time, be patient with adjustment, and ask for help when needed.
Remember:
  • Everyone feels overwhelmed at first
  • Culture shock is temporary
  • Your English will improve rapidly
  • Homesickness usually eases after a few weeks
  • Most universities have excellent international student support
  • You’re braver than you think for making this journey
Make the most of it:
  • Travel around the UK and Europe (student discounts!)
  • Try new things you can’t do at home
  • Build a global network of friends
  • Embrace British culture while keeping your own identity
  • Document your journey - you’ll treasure these memories
Welcome to the UK, and best of luck with your studies!

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