First Month in the UK: The Practical Guide Nobody Gives You

Bank account, National Insurance number, GP registration, transport, SIM card, and part time work rights. Everything in the right order.

The First 7 Days

Collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) from the post office specified in your visa vignette. Do this within 10 days of arrival. Losing this window creates problems.

Open a Bank Account

You need a bank account to receive wages and pay rent. As an international student, Monzo, Starling, or Revolut are the fastest to open (same day). Traditional banks take 2 to 4 weeks and require a proof of address.

Get a UK SIM Card

Giffgaff, Smarty, and Three have good value plans for students. Get a local number immediately — you need it for bank verification and university portals.

National Insurance Number

You need this before you can legally work. Apply online at gov.uk. It takes 4 to 8 weeks by post. Start this process in week 2.

Register with a GP

As a student who has paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, NHS treatment is free. Find your nearest GP and register. Do not wait until you are sick.

Part Time Work Rights

On a Student visa you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. No limit during holidays. Your BRP confirms your work rights. Your employer will check this.

Transport

Get an 18+ Student Oyster photocard if you are in London for a 30% discount on bus and tube fares. Outside London, get a 16-25 Railcard for 1/3 off train fares.