Tips for settling into the UK as an International Student

Before Arrival:

Before I arrived, I planned weeks in advance what I was going to pack with me to university. This made the days before my departure easy and low stress. I also said goodbye to friends and family by hosting a small gathering before I left. That way I was able to say goodbye to everyone at once. The most important thing to do before your departure is obtain your student visa. Luckily, Leeds Beckett has an amazing SIAC (Student Immigration Advice & Compliance) team who can help with any visa questions you may have. Also make sure you have accommodation, and double check the move in date. The final ‘before arrival’ step is to book a flight and arrive in the UK!

Day of Arrival:

After I arrived, I made my way to my accommodation and started to unpack. I arrived a few days before the start of Induction Week, so I had plenty of time to unpack and get organized. This also gave me enough time to go shopping for groceries and anything else I needed. As an international student, you will be required to do an international check-in. These take place over the first few weeks of the term. I did mine soon after I arrived. Make sure to bring your passport and access to your eVisa! You also may have to open a bank account, but that does not need to be completed right away as long as you have enough money to last until you open one.

First Month:

After getting settled in your accommodation and having your visa checked, the fun activities can begin! My first few weeks I researched activities to try in the UK. I found out about the Global Village at Leeds Beckett, which provides fun and free events where you can meet other international students. Then, during Fresher’s Week, I tried a few free society and club events known as taster sessions. These are useful to get to know new people and help you decide if you want to join a specific society! These events helped me find my current group of friends and helped me feel less homesick. So far, my experience in the UK has been so much fun, and I hope it will be just as much fun for you!

Top Tips!:

• Start the visa application process and accommodation search early. No one wants to be stressed about visas a week before they’re supposed to leave!
• Create a packing list by researching- what is the weather like in the UK, what activities will you be doing, etc.?
• Some things that take up more space, such as warm winter jackets, you can buy in the UK to save space in your suitcase!
• Bring enough physical money (in GBP) to last you a few weeks to a month in case opening a bank account takes a while.
• When grocery shopping, make a list. This helps you budget and stay organized when shopping.
• Be friendly and open to making new friends! You are not going to be the only new person; there are tons of new international and British students to meet!
• Societies do often have joining fees, so make sure to go to the free taster sessions to decide if you think the society is worth joining.
• Don’t just stop at events at Leeds Beckett! The city of Leeds is home to thousands of students, so there are many student events in the city.