Your First Week in the UK — Complete Day-by-Day Checklist

Go through Border Control

Show your passport. Your eVisa is digital — there's no sticker or card. The officer scans your passport and sees your visa electronically.

Buy a UK SIM card

Lebara and Lyca are available in most airports. Both offer free calls to 40+ countries. Cost: £5–10/month. Do this before leaving the airport — you'll need a UK number immediately.

Get to your accommodation

If you pre-booked a pickup, your driver will be waiting. Otherwise use the train, tube or Uber. Do not attempt to carry heavy bags on the London Underground at peak hours.

Set up your eVisa

Go to gov.uk/evisa and create your UKVI account. Download the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Scan your passport and complete facial verification. Takes 10–15 minutes.

Open a Monzo bank account

Download the Monzo app and open an account using just your passport. Takes 10 minutes. You get a sort code and account number immediately. Card arrives in 3–5 days.

Register at your university

Bring: passport, eVisa Share Code (right to study), university offer letter, CAS number. Collect your student ID. This unlocks all university services.

Apply for your NI Number

Apply online at gov.uk. It takes 4–8 weeks to arrive by post. You can work without one while waiting — your employer just records that it's pending. Do NOT delay applying.

Register with an NHS GP

Find your nearest GP at nhs.uk/service-search. All GP visits, hospital treatment and emergency care are free — you've already paid via the Health Surcharge on your visa.

Get council tax exemption

Ask your university for a Council Tax Exemption Letter. Send it to your local council. Full-time students pay £0 council tax — this saves up to £1,500/year.

Get a 16–25 Railcard

Buy at railcard.co.uk for £30/year. Saves 1/3 off every train journey across the UK. Pays for itself on one return trip to London.

Sign up for student discounts

UNIDAYS and Student Beans are free to join with your university email. Save on food, clothing, tech, gym memberships, cinema and hundreds of other brands.