Moving to the UK to Study and What Students Need to Know

In the 2023/24 academic year, over 730,000 international students chose the UK as their study destination. Moving abroad is exciting as you’ll be making new friends, creating memories, and exploring hidden gems, but it can also feel overwhelming. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. From visas and accommodation to transport and staying connected, here’s everything you need to know to make your move stress-free. Let’s jump in!

Your visa is your golden ticket to studying in the UK, so it’s important to start the application process as early as possible. Most international students will need a Student route visa for courses lasting longer than six months. This visa application costs £524.

To get a UK student visa, you'll need a couple of important documents. Here’s a checklist of the main things you should have ready:

• Passport: Make sure it’s valid for the entire time you’ll be studying in the UK.
  
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): This is a reference number from your university confirming your place.
  
• Proof of finances: Bank statements or scholarship letters showing you can cover tuition and living costs.
  
• English language proof: Usually a recognized test like IELTS or equivalent.
  
• Passport photos
  
• Tuberculosis test results: If you’re coming from certain countries, you may need a TB test.

We also recommend checking the GOV.UK website, as new requirements may be added, so it’s important to stay on top of them.

The process for a UK student visa usually takes around 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK, but it can vary depending on your country and how busy the visa office is. Some applications may take longer, so it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible.

Studying in the UK isn’t cheap. Tuition fees usually range from about £11,000 to £38,000 a year for undergraduates, and £12,000 to £45,000 for postgraduates, depending on your course and university. On top of that, you’ll need around £1,000 to £1,300 a month for living costs, which covers rent, food, transport, study materials, nights out, and your mobile phone bill.

London and other big cities are more expensive, so keep that in mind. Make sure to have enough savings to cover at least the first few months, even if you plan to work part-time once you’re settled. This makes moving a lot less stressful.

You’ll usually have two main options: university halls or private rentals. University halls are great if you want to meet other students and have everything ready for you. Private rentals give you more freedom, but you’ll need to deal with bills and contracts yourself. Use websites like UCAS and Study UK to help you find the perfect match.

When choosing a place, think about:

• Location: Is it close to your campus and public transport?
• Cost: Remember to include bills, groceries, and other living expenses.
• Safety: Check the area and reviews if possible.
• Facilities: Things like Wi-Fi, heating, and laundry amenities make life easier.

Getting around the UK is easy thanks to its excellent public transport, but it can get very busy during rush hour, so it’s important to plan ahead.

If you’re in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, or Tyne and Wear, an Oyster card is the easiest way to pay for the metro. You can top it up, making travel simple and stress-free.

For example, anyone aged 16-25, or full-time students of any age, can apply for a 16-25 railcard, which gives you a third off rail travel across the UK. Also many student discounts are also available through universities, so check what’s offered when you arrive.

The best way to stay connected in the UK is by using an eSIM plan for students.

Instead of hunting for a SIM card at the airport or waiting in line, you can set up and activate your eSIM before you fly. That means:

• Instant connection the moment you land.
• No need to swap physical SIM cards and worry you might lose one.
• Avoid high roaming charges.
• Affordable data, call, and text plans.

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is built into your phone. Unlike a physical SIM card, there is no plastic card to insert or remove. You can activate an eSIM plan directly on your iPhone by following a few simple steps or scanning a QR code.

On average, you could use from 15 to 30 GB of data per week, especially if you use hotspot frequently. If you’re streaming a lot or gaming, you’ll be closer to the higher end.

The best choice is a local eSIM plan with high data, calls, texts, and a local phone number. That local number is important as you’ll need it for things like deliveries, taxis, and authentication apps.

Yes! And with Sim Local, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. You can pick from top local network providers, including:

• EE is known for the UK’s fastest and most reliable coverage.
• Three is a student favourite with generous data allowances.
• Lyca Mobile offers budget-friendly plans with calls and texts.

Check out our best UK eSIM plans for students 👇

100 GB eSIM

150 GB eSIM

United Kingdom

Unlimited Local SMS

EE UK

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G

Price

$25.25

More Info

Buy Now

UK's Most Reliable Network

Autumn Promo

50 GB eSIM

United Kingdom

+Roaming

Lycamobile UK

Duration

15 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$19.00

More Info

Buy Now

16 Million Global Customers

Best Value

100 GB eSIM

United Kingdom

+Roaming

Three UK (DI)

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$19.00

More Info

Buy Now

UK's Fastest 5G Network

Stay connected from the moment you land in the UK. Try a Sim Local eSIM for free and see how easy it is to get connected without hunting for a physical SIM.