Living in the UK

Moving to the UK can be an exciting opportunity to experience a new culture, meet people from around the world and build a life in a new country. From finding somewhere to live and managing your finances to getting around and settling into your local community, knowing what to expect can help make the transition easier.

Whether you're living in a university city, a rural town or one of the UK's capitals, this guide explains what you need to know before and after you arrive.

Before you move to the UK

Before travelling, make sure you:

• arrange your accommodation
• budget for your first few weeks
• bring any essential medication and copies of prescriptions
• check your passport, visa and other travel documents
• keep important documents in your hand luggage
• make sure you can access money before opening a UK bank account
• organise travel insurance if needed
• plan how you'll travel from the airport.

It's also a good idea to save key contacts in your phone, including your accommodation provider and university support services.

Explore our advice on what to take to university.

Arriving in the UK

Most international students arrive through a major UK airport, such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, before travelling onward to their university. Before travelling, confirm:

• how you'll reach your accommodation
• whether your accommodation provider needs your arrival time
• where you'll collect your keys or access information
• who to contact if your journey is delayed.

Keep your passport, visa documents, accommodation details and emergency contact information accessible throughout your journey.

Living costs

One of the most important factors for international students is the cost of living in the UK.

Living expenses vary depending on where you study, the type of accommodation you choose and your lifestyle.

In general, students need to budget for:

• accommodation
• food and groceries
• mobile phone and internet
• personal expenses
• public transport
• social activities
• study materials and books
• utilities.

Creating a realistic budget before you arrive can help you avoid financial surprises during your first few months in the UK. Read our advice on saving money as a student.

London is generally more expensive than most other parts of the country, particularly when it comes to rent and transport. University cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol and Edinburgh can also be more expensive than average.

Accommodation will usually be your largest expense, so research local rental prices before deciding where to live.

You'll need to meet the UK's student visa financial requirements, but these figures shouldn't be treated as a recommended student budget. Your actual living costs may be higher, particularly in more expensive cities.

International students may also need to budget for:

• accommodation deposits
• advance rent payments
• airport transfers
• bedding and household essentials
• flights
• visa and immigration costs.

Finding accommodation

Most international students choose university accommodation, such as halls of residence. This is usually arranged through the university itself or a student accommodation provider.

Students typically have their own bedroom while sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities with other students. This can be a good way to make friends, build a support network and settle into life in the UK.

Accommodation costs vary depending on where you study. In general, accommodation outside London is often more affordable than accommodation in the capital.

University accommodation may be:

• catered or self-catered
• ensuite or shared bathroom
• single-gender or mixed-gender
• quiet or social.

International students may also choose:

• Homestay accommodation - allows students to live with a host family and experience British culture and daily life first hand. For more information, see Hosts International.
• Private accommodation - many students rent a house or flat and share costs with friends or coursemates.
• Short-term accommodation - including hostels, bedsits and temporary accommodation, which can be useful while looking for longer-term housing.

To reduce the risk of accommodation scams:

• avoid paying cash without receiving written confirmation
• be cautious of listings that appear unusually cheap
• obtain an inventory when moving in
• read tenancy agreements carefully
• view a property before paying whenever possible.

Some landlords require a UK-based guarantor. If you don't have one, contact your university accommodation office for advice about alternative arrangements.

Find out more about student accommodation.

Rent and utilities

Student accommodation often includes utility costs such as water, gas and electricity within the rent.

If you rent privately, you'll usually be responsible for paying these bills yourself. When you move into a property, take meter readings as soon as possible so that you're only charged for energy you've used.

Your landlord or letting agent will tell you who supplies the property's gas and electricity. Most providers allow customers to spread costs through monthly direct debit payments, while bills are issued monthly or quarterly depending on the supplier.

If everyone living in the property is a full-time student, you're usually exempt from paying council tax. If you need proof of your student status, your university can normally provide a council tax exemption or student status letter.

Managing your money

Opening a UK bank account can make it easier to pay rent, receive wages and manage everyday spending.

Many banks now allow students to begin the application process online or through a mobile app.

When comparing accounts, look at:

• account fees
• debit card services
• foreign exchange fees
• international transfer charges
• mobile banking features.

Many international students keep both a UK account and an account in their home country.

For more information, see UKCISA - Opening a bank account.

You may come across the following terms:

• Account number - identifies your account
• Sort code - identifies your bank branch
• IBAN - used for some international money transfers.

Contactless card payments and mobile payment services are widely accepted throughout the UK.

Student discounts

Many retailers, restaurants and entertainment providers offer student discounts. You'll usually need to show a valid student ID card to qualify.

Students can also access discounts through services such as:

• UNiDAYS
• Student Beans

These platforms typically require a valid university email address and provide discounts for both online and in-store purchases.

Checking available discounts before making purchases can help reduce your day-to-day spending throughout the academic year.

Understanding UK currency

The UK's currency is pound sterling (£). There are 100 pence (p) in one pound.

Coins currently in circulation include:

• 1p
• 2p
• 5p
• 10p
• 20p
• 50p
• £1
• £2.

Banknotes include:

• £5
• £10
• £20
• £50.

While cash is still accepted in most places, contactless card and mobile payments are widely used throughout the UK. However, it can be useful to carry a small amount of cash when you first arrive, particularly when travelling or making small purchases.

You may hear some informal terms for money in everyday conversation such as:

• p (pee) means pence
• quid means pound
• fiver means a £5 note
• tenner means a £10 note.

Getting around

The UK has an extensive public transport network including:

• bus
• train
• tram
• tube.

Railcards can help eligible students and young people save money on train travel. For example, the 16-25 Railcard and 26-30 Railcard typically offer one-third off most rail fares, making it more affordable to visit other parts of the UK or travel home during university holidays.

Many cities and towns also offer discounted or subsidised bus travel for students, either through local transport providers, universities or students' unions. Check what schemes are available where you'll be studying, as savings can vary by region.

Cycling is particularly popular in university cities such as Cambridge, Oxford, York and Bristol.

Mobile phones and internet

Before travelling, check whether your phone is unlocked and compatible with UK networks. If your phone is locked to a network in your home country, you may need to unlock it before using a UK SIM card.

The UK country code is +44. If someone is calling a UK number from abroad, they'll need to use +44 and omit the first zero from the number. To call another country from within the UK, you'll usually need to dial 00 followed by the relevant country code and telephone number.

Students commonly choose between:

• Long-term contracts - these usually run for a fixed period, such as 12, 18 or 24 months, and may include additional benefits such as larger data allowances or international calling options.
• Pay-as-you-go - you add credit to your account as and when you need it. This can be a flexible option if you're only staying in the UK for a short period or want to avoid a long-term commitment.
• SIM-only contracts - you buy a SIM card for use in an existing phone and pay a monthly fee. Some providers offer rolling monthly contracts that can be cancelled with relatively short notice.

When comparing providers, consider:

• contract length
• data allowances
• international calling options
• monthly costs
• roaming charges.

Most universities provide free Wi-Fi across campus.Internet access is also commonly included in university-managed accommodation, although it's worth checking exactly what's provided before you move in.

If you're renting privately, check whether broadband is included in the rent or whether you'll need to arrange and pay for it separately.

Healthcare

The UK's public healthcare system is known as the National Health Service (NHS).

Access to NHS services depends onyour immigration status, the length of your course and where you're studying. Emergency treatment and family planning services are generally available to everyone, while eligibility for other services can vary. For details on registration and NHS entitlements, visit UKCISA - Health and healthcare.

One of the first things you should do after arriving is register with a local GP (general practitioner). A GP is usually your first point of contact for non-emergency healthcare.

You'll normally be asked to provide:

• confirmation of your student status
• proof of address
• proof of identity.

Registering early makes it easier to access healthcare if you become ill during your studies.

Depending on your needs, you may use:

• GP surgeries
• hospitals
• mental health support services
• pharmacies
• sexual health and family planning services
• urgent treatment centres.

Most universities also offer counselling, wellbeing and mental health support for students.

Explore our tips on looking after your mental health at university.

Dental and optical services are not usually free, and most students should expect to pay for:

• eye tests
• glasses
• routine treatment.

It's also a good idea to register with a local dentist after arriving, particularly if you'll be studying in the UK for several years. Use NHS Choices - Find a dentist to locate a provider near you.

Some international students choose private healthcare in addition to NHS services. Private healthcare charges apply for consultations, treatment and procedures. If you're unsure about your NHS eligibility or want additional cover, consider arranging private health insurance before travelling to the UK.

If a doctor prescribes medication, charges may apply depending on where you live in the UK.

Prescription charges in England differ from arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where eligibility and charging policies are different.

If you require regular medication, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) may help reduce the overall cost of prescriptions.

Food and shopping

The UK is known for its diverse food culture, and most students quickly find food that suits both their tastes and budget.

All major supermarkets stock a range of:

• gluten-free and allergy-friendly products
• halal food
• vegan alternatives
• vegetarian products.

Large towns and cities often have international supermarkets selling foods from around the world. If you order over the internet, some supermarkets deliver your groceries to your door for a small fee.

Cooking at home is usually cheaper than eating out regularly and can significantly reduce monthly spending.

High street supermarkets stock a huge range of items. Stores which are generally cheaper include:

• Aldi
• Asda
• Lidl
• Morrisons
• Sainsbury's
• Tesco.

Supermarkets that are considered more expensive include:

• Marks & Spencer
• Waitrose.

Clothing and climate

The UK's weather can be unpredictable, so it's worth planning your wardrobe carefully.

To save suitcase space, consider buying some essential items after you arrive. This can also help you choose clothing better suited to local weather conditions.

The UK experiences four distinct seasons:

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are often mild but can be wet, so it's worth having:

• an umbrella
• a waterproof coat
• comfortable shoes
• lightweight layers.

Winter (December to February) can be cold, particularly in northern parts of the UK. You'll usually need:

• a warm winter coat
• gloves, a scarf and a hat
• jumpers and fleeces
• waterproof footwear or sturdy boots.

Summer (June to August) is generally warmer, although temperatures can still vary. Many students wear:

• dresses
• light jackets or jumpers for cooler evenings
• shorts
• sandals
• t-shirts.

Because temperatures can change throughout the day, layering your clothing is often the easiest way to stay comfortable.

Most towns and cities have a range of high-street and shopping-centre retailers selling affordable clothing.

Popular stores include:

• H&M
• Primark
• River Island
• TK Maxx
• Zara.

You can also find second-hand clothing in charity shops and vintage stores, which can be a good way to save money.

Staying safe

The UK is generally considered a safe place to live and study by international standards. However, as with any country, it's important to take sensible precautions and remain aware of your surroundings.

You can protect yourself by:

• avoiding sharing sensitive information publicly
• keeping valuables secure
• protecting your online accounts
• staying aware of your surroundings when travelling
• using licensed taxis and trusted transport providers.

International students are sometimes targeted by fraudsters because they're unfamiliar with local systems and procedures.

Be cautious of:

• bank impersonation scams
• fake accommodation adverts, university emails, or job offers
• phishing messages
• requests for payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency
• tax scams
• unregulated immigration advisers.

If you're unsure whether a message is genuine, contact the organisation directly using official contact details from its website.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you lose your passport, contact your country's embassy or consulate as soon as possible.

If your phone, wallet or other valuables are stolen:

• contact your bank immediately if payment cards are involved
• inform your university if you need additional support
• notify your mobile network provider if your phone has been taken
• report the theft to the police.

By following these simple precautions, you can enjoy your time in the UK with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Understanding UK culture

Every region of the UK has its own identity, traditions and accents.

You may notice differences in:

• food
• humour
• language and slang
• local customs
• social expectations.

Some common aspects of everyday life in Britain include:

• arriving on time
• making small talk in informal situations
• queuing patiently
• respecting personal space
• saying 'please' and 'thank you'.

Improving your English language skills

Many universities offer free English language support for international students, both before and during their studies.

Depending on your institution, support may include:

• academic English classes
• conversation groups
• one-to-one tutoring
• presentation and study skills support
• writing workshops.

These services can help you feel more confident using English in lectures, seminars, assignments and everyday situations.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in the UK.
• Learn what to expect when working in the UK.
• For further practical advice, see the UK Council for International Student Affairs.