Living in the UK Handbook

The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare in the UK. As an international student who has paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you're entitled to use NHS services for free.

Register with a GP

One of your first tasks should be registering with a GP (General Practitioner) - your local doctor:

• Find a GP surgery near you at nhs.uk
• Bring your passport, proof of address, and student ID
• Registration is free - do this even if you're healthy
• Your GP is your first point of contact for non-emergency health issues

Using NHS Services

Opening a UK bank account makes life much easier - you can receive money, pay bills, and avoid international transaction fees.

Opening a Bank Account

Most banks require:

• Passport or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
• Proof of address (accommodation letter, utility bill)
• Proof of student status (from your university)

Bank Options

Managing Money

• Contactless payments: Widely accepted, tap to pay up to £100
• Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay work everywhere contactless does
• Sending money home: Use Wise (TransferWise) for better exchange rates than banks
• Student discounts: Get a TOTUM card for discounts at hundreds of shops

Most first-year international students live in university halls, which is a great way to meet people. After first year, many move to private rented accommodation.

University Halls

• Catered: Meals included, more expensive, less cooking needed
• Self-catered: Shared kitchen, more independence, usually cheaper
• En-suite: Private bathroom in your room
• Shared bathroom: Bathroom shared with flatmates, cheaper option

Private Renting (After First Year)

• Start looking in January-February for September move-in
• Popular sites: Rightmove, SpareRoom, Zoopla
• Expect to pay 1-2 months deposit + first month's rent upfront
• Check if bills are included (gas, electricity, water, internet)
• Always view in person before signing anything

The UK has good public transport, though it can be expensive. Get a railcard and use student discounts!

Supermarkets (Cheapest to Most Expensive)

• Lidl, Aldi: Budget supermarkets, great value
• Asda, Tesco, Morrisons: Mid-range, good variety
• Sainsbury's, Co-op: Slightly more expensive, convenient
• M&S, Waitrose: Premium, higher quality

Finding Food from Home

Most UK cities have international supermarkets where you can find ingredients from home:

• Chinese/East Asian: Wing Yip, See Woo, local Chinese supermarkets
• South Asian: Indian grocery stores in most cities
• Middle Eastern: Local halal shops and markets
• Online: Amazon, Ocado, specialist online stores

Understanding British culture will help you settle in and make friends. Here are some key things to know:

Social Customs

• Queuing: British people love orderly queues. Never skip or "push in"
• "Please" and "Thank you": Use these constantly - it's expected
• "Sorry": British people say sorry a lot, even when it's not their fault
• Small talk: Talking about the weather is a national pastime
• Personal space: Keep a comfortable distance when talking
• Punctuality: Being on time is important, especially for meetings and appointments

Understanding British English

The UK is generally very safe, but it's good to know the basics:

Staying Safe

• Keep valuables hidden and bags zipped, especially in crowded areas
• At night, stick to well-lit, busy areas
• Let friends know where you are, especially on nights out
• Register with your embassy for emergency updates from your country
• Save your university security number in your phone

Important Contacts

Living costs vary significantly depending on where you study. London is the most expensive, while northern cities tend to be cheaper.

Typical Monthly Costs (Outside London)