What to do when you get to UK for the first time

[Ayodeji adebayo]

As an international student who’s been navigating life in the UK for a while, I know that arriving here for the first time can feel like stepping into a whirlwind. To make your transition smoother, I’ve put together a practical checklist of the very first things you should do after landing in the UK, categorized by priority:

Important (Do Immediately), Not So Important (Do Soon), and Done Later (Can Wait). This is based on my own experience and lessons learned, tailored for African students on a Student Visa. The top priority is collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), but there’s more to tackle to get settled.

Let’s break it down with clear steps for easy understanding.

Checklist for International Students Arriving in the UK for the First Time

Important (Do Immediately – Within 1–3 Days)
These tasks are critical to comply with visa rules, access essential services, and start your student life legally. Prioritize these to avoid delays or issues.

Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)Why: Your BRP is your official UK visa, replacing the 30-day entry vignette in your passport. You need it for enrollment, banking, and proving your right to study/work.

How:Check your visa decision letter for the collection point (Post Office or university) and code.

Visit within 10 days of arrival (or before vignette expiry). Bring your passport and decision letter.

Verify BRP details (name, course, work conditions). Report errors to UKVI within 10 days.

Example: If you’re in London, collect at a Post Office like Euston. I delayed mine and struggled to open a bank account—don’t repeat my mistake!

Cost: Free (included in visa fee).

Tip: Store a photo of your BRP securely (e.g., cloud drive, not just your phone).

Register with the Police (If Required)Why: Some African students (e.g., from Nigeria, Ghana) must register within 7 days if stated on your BRP or visa letter. It’s a legal requirement.

How:Visit a local police station with your BRP, passport, and two passport-sized photos.

Book an appointment online if required (check your city’s police website).

Pay £34 (cash or card).

Example: In Manchester, I registered at the Greater Manchester Police HQ. It took 30 minutes.

Tip: Check your BRP first—many students don’t need this step.

Confirm Your AccommodationWhy: Ensure your housing (university halls or private rental) is ready to avoid scrambling for a place to stay.

How:Contact your landlord or uni accommodation office to confirm move-in details.

Bring your tenancy agreement, BRP, and payment proof (e.g., deposit, ~£200–£500).

Document the property’s condition with photos to protect your deposit.

Example: My halls in Bristol required a £250 deposit upfront. I photographed scratches on the desk to avoid deductions later.

Cost: Rent (£500–£1,500/month) + deposit (£200–£500).

Tip: If you haven’t secured housing, use uni temporary accommodations or ask the international office for help.

Not So Important (Do Soon – Within 1–2 Weeks)

These tasks are essential for settling in but can wait a few days after the urgent ones. They help you integrate and manage daily life.

Enroll at Your UniversityWhy: Final enrollment confirms your student status, unlocks access to classes, and is often required for other services (e.g., bank accounts).

How:Attend orientation or visit the admissions office with your BRP, passport, and offer letter.
Complete any online registration steps (check your uni’s portal).

Collect your student ID card.

Example: At UCL, I enrolled during Welcome Week, but needed my BRP first.

Cost: Free (tuition fees are separate, ~£9,000–£40,000/year).

Tip: Join African student societies during orientation for instant community—I found my Kenyan crew this way!
Open a UK Bank AccountWhy: A bank account simplifies paying rent, bills, and receiving part-time job wages (£10–£15/hour).

How:Choose a student-friendly bank (e.g., HSBC, Barclays, or digital banks like Monzo).

Bring your BRP, passport, uni enrollment letter, and proof of address (e.g., tenancy agreement).

Apply online or in-branch; digital banks are faster (1–3 days).

Example: I opened a Monzo account in 2 days using my Bristol address. It’s great for budgeting.

Cost: Free (most student accounts have no fees).

Tip: Get a contactless card for easy transport payments (e.g., London’s Oyster Card).

Get a UK SIM CardWhy: A local number and data keep you connected for uni updates, navigation, and staying in touch with family.

How:Buy a SIM from Tesco Mobile, Three, or EE at stores, airports, or online (£10–£20/month).

Choose a plan with data (5–20GB) and international call minutes.

Example: I got a £10/month Three SIMs at Heathrow, but high-street deals were cheaper.

Cost: ~£10–£30/month.

Tip: Avoid airport SIMs if possible; they’re pricier. Check X for deals (#UKSIMDeals).

Register with a GP (Doctor)Why: Signing up with a General Practitioner gives you free NHS healthcare (covered by your £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge).

How:Find a GP near your accommodation via the NHS website.

Bring your BRP, passport, and proof of address to register in-person or online.

Example: I registered at a GP in Leeds within a week—needed it for a cold later!

Cost: Free.

Tip: Do this early; appointments can have waitlists.

Done Later (Can Wait – Within 1–4 Weeks)

These tasks are important for long-term settling but aren’t urgent. Tackle them once you’re settled and have the basics sorted.

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)Why: A SIN is required for part-time work (e.g., barista, tutoring) to ensure you’re taxed correctly. International students can work 20 hours/week during term time.

How:Apply online via the UK government website or call Jobcentre Plus after enrolling at uni.

Bring your BRP and proof of study (e.g., enrollment letter).

Example: I got my SIN in Manchester after 2 weeks, which let me start a café job (£12/hour).
Cost: Free.

Tip: Wait until you’re enrolled, as unis often verify your status.

Get a Student Railcard or Oyster Card (Transport Discounts)Why: Save 1/3 on train fares with a 16–25 Railcard or manage London transport with an Oyster Card.

How:Buy a Railcard online (£30/year) with your student ID.

Get an Oyster Card at any London Underground station (£5 deposit, top up as needed).

Example: My Railcard saved me £50 on a London–Birmingham trip.

Cost: Railcard £30; Oyster ~£50–£100/month for zones 1–3.

Tip: Link your Oyster to a student account for extra discounts.

Join University Societies or Local CommunitiesWhy: Build friendships and a support network to combat homesickness. African student groups are especially welcoming.

How:Attend freshers’ fairs to join societies (e.g., Nigerian Students Society, Afro-Caribbean Society).

Search X for local African events (#AfricanStudentsUK) or check community centres.

Example: Joining the African Society at King’s College London helped me find study buddies and Jollof nights!

Cost: ~£5–£30/year for society fees.

Tip: Follow uni societies on X for event updates.

Set Up Your Housing Bills (If Not Included)Why: If renting privately, arrange utilities (Wi-Fi, electricity) to avoid disruptions. University halls usually include bills.

How:Contact utility providers (e.g., British Gas, Virgin Media) or use comparison sites like Uswitch.

Confirm with your landlord what’s covered (£20–£40/week for bills).

Example: My Leeds flat had separate Wi-Fi (£15/month), which I split with housemates.

Cost: ~£960–£1,920/year for private rentals.

Tip: Ensure all housemates are full-time students to avoid council tax.

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