International Student Guide to Studying in the UK
Coming to the UK for university? Start here.
International Student Guide to Studying in the UK
Coming to the UK for university? Start here.
Moving to another country for university is exciting, but there's a lot to organise.
Visas. Paperwork. Packing. Accommodation. Money. Healthcare. Travel. Working. And eventually figuring out what everyone means by Freshers.
We've brought together practical guides to help international students prepare for studying in the UK, get here, get settled and make the most of university life.
Start at the beginning or jump straight to the section you need.
Important: Immigration, entry, employment and other UK Government requirements can change and may depend on your individual circumstances. Our guides provide general information and link to official sources where appropriate. Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance and information provided by your university.
Before You Travel to the UK
Getting the important things sorted before you leave home can make arriving in the UK much easier.
International Student Pre-Travel Checklist
Passport? Visa? Accommodation? Money? Medication? Airport transfer?
Work through the important things to organise before you leave home with our complete pre-travel checklist.
View the Pre-Travel Checklist →
Documents International Students Need Before Travelling
Get your important paperwork organised before you travel, including your passport, immigration information, university documents and accommodation details.
Exactly what you'll need depends on your circumstances, so our guide also points you towards the latest official UK requirements.
UK Student Visas Explained
Do you need a visa? What is a CAS? What's an eVisa? When can you enter the UK?
A straightforward introduction to the UK Student visa system and where to find the latest official requirements.
Read the UK Student Visa Guide →
Packing for the UK
You probably don't need to bring as much as you think.
Knowing what's worth packing , and what's easier to buy after you arrive, can save valuable luggage space.
International Student Packing List for the UK
A practical packing list covering documents, clothing, technology, study items and everyday essentials.
See the International Student Packing List →
What NOT to Bring to University in the UK
Some things are heavy, unsuitable for Britain, restricted when travelling or simply much easier to buy once you're here.
UK Plugs, Voltage & Electrical Appliances
The UK uses Type G electrical plugs. Before packing hairdryers, kitchen appliances and other electrical equipment, check whether they'll work safely with the UK electrical supply.
Read the UK Electrical Guide →
Buy Before You Travel or When You Arrive?
What deserves valuable suitcase space, and what makes more sense to buy after you've landed?
Read the Before or After Guide →
Arriving in the UK
You've landed. Welcome to the UK.
Now you need to get to your accommodation and deal with those first few practical jobs.
Your First 7 Days in the UK
From university registration and accommodation to banking, phones, healthcare and food, work through the things worth sorting during your first week.
See the First-Week Checklist →
Getting From UK Airports to Your University
Trains, coaches, taxis and university arrival services — understand your options for completing the final part of your journey.
Read the Airport Travel Guide →
UK SIM Cards & Mobile Phones
Understand UK mobile networks, SIMs, eSIMs, data plans and your options for getting connected.
Read the UK Mobile Guide →
Opening a UK Bank Account
What international students should know about UK banking, the documents you may be asked for and getting your finances set up.
Read the UK Banking Guide →
Student Accommodation in the UK
University halls? Private student accommodation? Shared house?
Where you live will have a big impact on your university experience — and on what you actually need to bring.
UK Student Accommodation Explained
Understand the main types of student accommodation available in the UK and some of the terminology you'll encounter.
Read the UK Accommodation Guide →
University Halls vs PBSA vs Private Renting
Compare the main accommodation options, how they differ and what to consider before choosing.
Compare Accommodation Types →
What's Usually Included in a UK Student Room?
Beds, desks, storage, kitchens, bathrooms and appliances — find out what you might expect and what you'll probably need to provide yourself.
Always check your own accommodation inventory before buying.
See What's Usually Included →
Explore UK Student Accommodation Providers
Already know where you're staying?
Loomz has practical guides to student accommodation providers across the UK, covering rooms, facilities, moving in and what you may need.
Browse UK Student Accommodation Guides →
Setting Up Your Student Room
Once you know what's included in your accommodation, you can work out what you actually need.
What to Buy When You Arrive in the UK
Bedding, kitchen equipment, bathroom, laundry and room essentials — discover the things international students may find easier to buy once they're here.
Read the What to Buy Guide →
Setting Up Your University Room
Practical ideas for making a small student room more comfortable, organised and personal without making permanent changes.
Read the Student Room Guide →
Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry Essentials
The everyday things that are easily forgotten — until you suddenly need them.
See the Essentials Guide →
Money & Budgeting
Understanding the cost of living before you arrive can make budgeting for university considerably easier.
Cost of Living in the UK for International Students
Accommodation, groceries, transport, mobile phones, socialising and everyday spending — understand the costs you should consider when planning your budget.
Read the UK Cost of Living Guide →
How to Budget at University
Simple ways to plan your monthly spending, keep track of your money and make your budget go further.
Read the Student Budgeting Guide →
Student Discounts in the UK
From transport and shopping to entertainment and eating out, discover some of the ways students can save money in Britain.
Explore UK Student Discounts →
Money Required for a UK Student Visa
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds when applying for a Student visa.
The amounts and evidence requirements can change, so our guide explains the basics and directs you to the latest official requirements.
Read the Student Visa Money Guide →
Healthcare in the UK
The UK's healthcare system may work very differently from the one you're used to.
NHS & Healthcare for International Students
Understand the NHS, registering with a GP, accessing healthcare and what you may need to arrange after arriving.
Read the International Student Healthcare Guide →
Immigration Health Surcharge
Many people applying for UK immigration permission need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, although the rules depend on your circumstances.
Find out what it is and where to check the latest official charges and requirements.
Read the IHS Guide →
Bringing Medication to the UK
If you take regular medication, don't assume you can simply bring any medicine or quantity into Britain.
Understand what to check before travelling and the supporting information you may need.
Read the Medication Guide →
Working While Studying in the UK
Want to earn some extra money, gain experience — or both?
Whether you're allowed to work, how much you can work and the types of work you can do depend on your immigration status and its conditions.
Can International Students Work in the UK?
Understand the basics of working while studying, including term-time restrictions and why you need to check the conditions attached to your own immigration permission.
Read the Working in the UK Guide →
Finding a Part-Time Job in the UK
Where to look for student jobs, university careers services, preparing a UK-style CV and getting ready for your first UK job.
Read the Part-Time Jobs Guide →
Working in the UK After University
Thinking further ahead?
Understand the options international graduates may want to investigate as they approach the end of their studies — and where to check the latest immigration rules.
Read the After University Guide →
Everyday Life in the UK
Getting settled isn't just about unpacking.
Understanding a few everyday British systems — and habits — can make your first few weeks much easier.
UK Supermarkets Explained
Where students buy groceries, how the major supermarkets differ and some simple ways to keep food costs down.
Read the UK Supermarket Guide →
Getting Around the UK
Trains, buses, coaches, local transport and student discounts explained.
Read the UK Transport Guide →
Council Tax, Bills & TV Licences
Who pays council tax? What bills might be included with your accommodation? When might you need a TV Licence?
Understand the basics and where to find the official rules.
Read the UK Student Bills Guide →
What to Wear for UK Weather
British weather has a reputation for a reason.
Find out what clothing is useful throughout the university year without trying to fit your entire wardrobe into a suitcase.
Read the UK Weather Guide →
UK University Life
New country. New university. New terminology.
Some things make much more sense once somebody explains them.
How UK Universities Work
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, assessments, academic years and some of the terminology you may encounter.
Read the UK University Guide →
What Is Freshers' Week?
What happens, what to expect and how to make the most of your first few weeks at university.
Read the Freshers' Guide →
Societies, Clubs & Making Friends
University societies and clubs can be one of the easiest ways to meet people, try something new and feel part of university life.
Read the Student Life Guide →
UK University Words & Slang Explained
From uni and halls to Freshers and societies, get familiar with some of the words you'll hear while studying in Britain.
Learn the Lingo →
Find Your UK University
Every university — and every university town or city — is different.
Loomz has dedicated guides to universities across the UK, with practical information about accommodation, moving in, student life and preparing for your new university.
Find Your University →
Need the Practical Stuff Too?
Once you know what you're bringing and what's already included in your accommodation, Loomz can help with the rest.
Shop bedding, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, storage, lighting, room essentials and useful tech for student living.
Buy individual items, choose a student bundle or mix and match depending on what you actually need.
Shop Student Essentials →
Free UK delivery.
Welcome to the UK 👋
Moving abroad for university is a big step, but you don't need to figure everything out at once.
Bookmark this page and use it as your international student starting point.
Choose the subject you need, read the detailed guide and then return here whenever you're ready for the next step.
And whenever official rules or requirements are involved — particularly immigration, visas, working rights, healthcare or government charges — follow the links in our guides to check the latest information from the UK Government and your university.
Welcome to your UK university adventure.