Important things to do after you arrive in the UK to study

For students who have arrived in the UK to study, there is a list of important things for you to do
International student in a library


1. Contact home to let them know you have arrived in the UK

Make a quick phone call, text or email any friends or family to let them know you have safely arrived in the UK.
 


2. Check into your accommodation

The first thing you probably want to do is find your accommodation and put your luggage down!
Are you staying in University of Plymouth Halls?
You should have received communications about your room and hopefully, you know where to go (check your emails if you are unsure).
If you still have questions you can email Residence Life residencelife@plymouth.ac.uk or go to the Student Hub in the campus library on arrival where they will help you.
Are you staying in private halls or private accommodation?
Hopefully you will have received confirmation and contact details from the accommodation provider. Make sure to keep in contact with them and let them know that you’ve arrived. If you need to use a telephone, go to the Student Hub in the campus library on arrival where they will help you.
Book a taxi
If you need to book a taxi, there are many local taxi companies you can find online. Here are a few contacts:
‘Need a Cab’
www.needacab247.com
+44 1752 666222
‘Taxi First’
www.taxifirst.net
+44 1752 222222
 


3. Access your eVisa

If you have a visa for less than 6 months, such as a visitor visa or have electronic travel authorisation (ETA), you will not get an eVisa. Please go to number 4 for the Right to Study check.
For all others, if you have already accessed your eVisa, sign in to your UKVI account to view your eVisa and prove your immigration status and get a share code for your Right to Study check, choosing the purpose of the share code as “other”. Do not choose any other purpose, such as work or rent, as these codes will not work and this will delay your enrolment. Now go straight to number 4 below.
If you have not yet registered for your eVisa, you need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status and conditions, such as when your visa expires and your right to study, work or rent in the UK, using the view and prove service. You can watch a video on how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
Once you have created your UKVI account you will be able to view the details of your eVisa online after you receive an email to confirm the eVisa switch has been successfully completed. This is not an instant process and can take up to a couple of weeks.
You should report an error to UKVI if your details are wrong on your eVisa, for example your name or immigration status.
You can update your personal information in your UKVI account, such as your contact details.
Once you have access to your eVisa, you can sign in to your UKVI account to view your eVisa and prove your immigration status and get a share code for your Right to Study check.
 


4. Complete your right to study check

New and returning students who are not British, Irish, Channel Islands or Isle of Man nationals will need to complete the right to study check before completing online enrolment.
You should receive a personalised link for the right to study check, which will be emailed to you before you complete online enrolment. If you are a Student visa holder, you cannot complete the right to study check until you have arrived in the UK.
 


5. Complete online enrolment and check your timetable

All students must complete online enrolment at the start of each academic year. For new students, this important step helps you officially become part of the University of Plymouth.
After you complete online enrolment, you will be able to access your course timetable and other University systems.
Your Faculty will inform you where to collect your University Student card.
 


6. Register with a doctor

The University Medical Centre is a facility for students on campus. We recommend registering with the centre as soon as you have a Plymouth address so you have access to medical health support.
  • Contact the centre at any time
  • Arrange medical appointments on campus
  • Video appointments during evenings and weekends
  • Digitally accessible services

Accessing the National Health Service (NHS)
If you paid the immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application, you can access NHS services. If you are in the UK for a short period of less than 6 months on a visitor visa you will need to check if you have health insurance.
 


7. Open a UK bank account

Opening a UK bank account is not essential but you will find it useful if you need to:
  • Pay for a UK mobile phone contract by direct debit
  • Pay household bills directly from your bank account
  • Receive payment for part-time work
  • Securely manage your money
  • Send or receive overseas payments
There are a number of factors you should consider when choosing and opening a bank account as an international student in the UK.
Guide to opening a bank account
(UK Council for International Student Affairs)

How to open a bank account
You may be able to apply for a bank account online. You should check your chosen bank’s website to see what options are available. You may be required to visit a branch of the bank you have chosen and take documents that show who you are, such as:
  • Your passport
  • Your BRP
  • Proof of your UK address (for example, a tenancy agreement)
  • Letter from the University of Plymouth confirming your status as a UK student
You can only request a University letter after you have completed online enrolment.
 


8. Learn about University support, services and advice

We know that starting university can be a big change and there might be some unexpected challenges along the way. That’s why we have a range of support available to you during your time here.
Download the University of Plymouth app on your phone and your laptop for useful University information and tools that are easily accessible wherever you are:
  • access your timetable
  • find your away around campus
  • check into online lectures
  • book study rooms
  • and much more
If you need a new SIM card for your mobile phone, visit the Student Hub and they will give you one for free.
 


9. Attend social events and make new friends

To help you settle, you can attend a wide range of social events, activities, societies and sports clubs and make new friends.
Attend our settling in event, 12 March 2025, Babbage 410. Find out more and book your place

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