Once you are done with your visa, flight tickets and other formalities, figure out how will you be traveling from airport to your university/accommodation along with your luggage. You can either take a cab directly to your place (if your university is in the same city as the university) or you can get a public transport (a train or a shuttle). Cabs are generally very costly, to check estimated prices, you can look into Uber or ADT cabs. To find out available options for public transport, use Google Maps, navigate between the two locations and select Public Transport to see all the options available. You can book train tickets directly from Trainline, and buses for intercity travel through National Express or Mega Bus. Do look into luggage allowed in bus before booking tickets.

 Yes, most of the Indian Smart Phones work in the UK. To be sure, look into the technical specifications of your smart phone and under Network, if the phone supports at least two of the following frequency bands – 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz, it will work in the UK too. iPhones bought from legit stores in the India are unlocked and can be used in the UK too.

There are a lot of network providers in the UK. Students generally prefer networks like Lebara, Lyca and GiffGaff because of their plans and very cheap international calling rates. You can buy a SIM at any general store or supermarkets in town, on airports or railway stations easily.

 Once you arrive in the UK, rest for the day, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and get yourself registered at the university. Collect your student ID and handbook from the university. Explore the town a little, figure out nearest shops, TESCO, post office, bus routes and bus stands, train station, etc.

Once you are in the UK, you will have to open a Bank Account for receiving or making payments. You can choose to open an account with any of the high street banks such as Barclays or Challenger banks such as Revolut and Monzo.

NISAU has a partnership with ICICI. ICICI can help you open a UK bank account while you are still in India, for more details see here: NISAU-ICICI

For the bank account you will be needing:

1. Your Passport or BRP
2. A proof of Residence and proof of being a student – You will have to ask your university’s administration team, they will issue you a letter for this.
3. Your Student ID Card

Once the bank account is opened, you will receive your online banking credentials along with your debit card.