Settling in — your first weeks as a student in the UK

In your first days, complete your university enrolment (which confirms your student status), collect any ID, and attend welcome and orientation events. Register with a local GP (doctor) early — you have already paid the immigration health surcharge, so NHS care is available, but you need to be registered to use it routinely. Get a UK SIM card, set up transport (a student travel or railcard saves money), and open a bank account. If you live in private accommodation, apply for the council tax exemption that full-time students are generally entitled to, keeping your enrolment certificate as proof.

The social side matters as much as the admin. Your students' union runs a welcome (freshers') period with events, and joining societies — by interest, subject or nationality — is the quickest way to meet people. Use your university's international office and student support if you feel homesick or overwhelmed; it is normal, and support is there. Study UK Now helps you arrive with a clear plan for both the practical setup and settling in, so your first month is about studying and making friends, not firefighting.