Moving to an entirely new country to study is a huge leap in your life, and there are a lot of steps that you take from applying to university to finding accommodation. In a sense, you are starting your life again in a completely new place, and it can be nerve-racking to know where to start once you land here in the UK.
In this blog, I am going to tell you about 5 key things you need to do once you arrive in the UK. Look out for the bonus tip at the end of the blog.
Disclaimer: Before going further, I came to study here at the University of Salford in the September 2022 intake. I am writing these tips based on my personal experience during the first month of living here.
No: 1 – Finish your Registration with the Uni
You will be emailed about registration after coming here. Once you are done with the online part of the registration process, it redirects you to complete the rest in-person at the University. I strongly advise you to finish whatever you can online, get your network ID and password, and set up your accounts, emails before your in-person meeting.
There is a deadline to complete your registration, so make sure to finish the entire process before that time. The ideal time to do this is during Induction Week which is when you’ll book your appointment to finish your registration in-person. It is important to carry your passport and bring in all other documents with you for it.
The next step is to either pay your tuition fees in full (which gives a 3% discount) or set up a payment plan in instalments. Once that’s done, you are officially a student at the University of Salford, and you will be able to get your ID Card which I will touch on in a later section.
No: 2 – Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account is really useful if you want to find a part-time job and start getting paid. It also reduces the hassle of using other payment methods that would incur transfer and conversion charges.
Most major banks provide options to open a bank account. For international students, the basic current account would be an ideal choice to go with. It comes with a debit card and you can then set up the mobile banking app for transferring and tracking your expenses on the go. Barclays, Lloyds, and HSBC are popular choices. There are also E-Banking solutions like Monzo, Revolut, and Starling, these don’t have physical bank branches to walk in but do come in handy, as it is quicker to transfer if your friends/colleagues have an account, too.
It is essential to have your Visa, letter from the University, and proof of address with you for the registration process. You can apply to open a new account from the app itself and most banks guide you through this process. Once you have applied, it might take a few days to verify, and you will get your card via post. Selecting a bank with a branch close to where you’re living is recommended, as it will be easier to deposit money or withdraw cash.
No: 3 – Register with your Nearby GP
This is one of those things that you might neglect until you become unwell or need treatment. Check the NHS Service website to find your closest GP or register with our campus health centre. You will need to bring your passport and Visa to be scanned. You will also need to fill in an application form, where you’ll share your current address. Once that’s done, you will receive your NHS number either by email or by post.
No: 4 – Sign up for those Discount Cards
Signing up for discount cards or downloading discount apps will help you save money. As students, we get offers, deals, and discounts from most of the major retailers and stores here in the UK – ranging from food, clothes and accessories, gadgets and more. Signing up on platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans are a great way to get started. You need to verify that you are a student by linking your University account to the app to start saving.
Tesco, Lidl, Co-op, and Sainsburys also have their own version of discount cards, which are usually free or a few pounds to sign up. These cards typically offer discounts or points you can gain whenever can you scan your card during checkout. Find out which stores are closest to your house, and sign up for those cards to start saving money on your weekly shop.
No: 5 – Put yourself out there
Starting out in a new university in a new country is a big adjustment and making friends and trying new things is a great way to get yourself out there from the start. Welcome Week events are the perfect way to try free activities across campus with other students and meet your support services. Your Students’ Union (SU) hosts fun events throughout the year and you can even join a sports team or get involved with a society to meet like-minded people. Making friends is the best way to start feeling at home in a new place, so try to find time to connect during your first few weeks.
I hope these tips give you a better idea about some of the things to do once you move to a new country to study at the University of Salford. Do check our other blog posts as well as our Instagram page where we post regular updates, tips, and videos about interesting topics surrounding life at the University of Salford.