Before You Arrive in the UK
Before You Arrive in the UK
Everything you need to do before you board your flight to the UK.
Last reviewed: May 2026
What this is
A pre-arrival checklist and preparation guide covering the most important tasks to complete before you travel to the UK as an international student.
Why it matters
Most problems international students face in their first week in the UK — lost documents, money issues, accommodation confusion, no phone signal — are preventable with good preparation before travel. The 2–4 weeks before departure are the most important weeks of your entire settlement journey.
What to prepare
- •Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned UK departure
- •UKVI online account / eVisa setup confirmation
- •CAS letter from your university
- •Proof of accommodation
- •Travel insurance
- •University enrolment confirmed
Steps to take
- 1Confirm university enrolment on the student portal — download your confirmation letter.
- 2Confirm accommodation and save the address and contact number.
- 3Check passport validity and apply for a new one if it expires within 6 months of your planned return.
- 4Tell your bank you are travelling to the UK so they do not block your card.
- 5Exchange some GBP and research UK SIM/eSIM options.
- 6Plan your airport-to-accommodation route and pre-book transport.
- 7Make digital copies of every important document.
- 8Notify your university of your arrival plan.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Leaving university confirmation until the last minute — this delays everything else.
- ✗Not checking passport expiry — the UK requires 6 months validity from arrival.
- ✗Arriving without any GBP or a working phone — these are basic necessities.
Official sources
Your university portal is the single source of truth for enrolment. gov.uk/student-visa for visa guidance.
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Disclaimer
Beginly provides general settlement guidance. This does not constitute legal, immigration, financial, tax, medical, or housing advice. For official matters, consult qualified professionals or official government sources.