After Arrival

Managing Your Money

Student bank accounts

It is important to be able to access money while studying as an international student.

• Most banks in the UK offer a student account and the services they provide are very similar.
• However, it is still important to research the different accounts available to find one that best suits your needs.
• A number of high street banks in the UK offer an account specifically for international students.
• The British Bankers' Association has a helpful guide on opening a bank account for international students.

Living costs

Accommodation and living costs will depend on where in the UK you have chosen to study, but will range from £5,000 to £8,000 per year. 

Some of the general costs include:

• £25 to £30 – a typical weekly food bill.
• £19.30 – seven day Oyster travel card on the London underground, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground (includes 30% student discount).
• £6.55 – peak hour cinema ticket (but there are super saver tickets available at other times).
• £5 – English breakfast at a café or pub.
• £2.80 – premium take-away sandwich.
• Find more information about the best university cities in the UK in The Complete University Guide's city guides.

Student discounts

Always look out for student discounts and check websites such as lastminute.com for cheap deals.

• An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) also offers up to 40,000 discounts worldwide.
• Travel in the UK is expensive and a 16–25 Rail Card is a good investment but a Young Persons Coach Card is cheaper.

Next page: Student Jobs