Post-Arrival Guide

Bank Account and SIM Card in the UK

After you arrive, open a UK bank account so you can pay rent and get paid for part-time work. Banks ask for ID, proof of where you live and proof that you are allowed to live in the UK. Money on this page is in British pounds (£, GBP).

Example bank

Example: current account

Example card only. Your real account details come from your bank.

Banking Options

Banks in the UK

Two examples of accounts students use. Rules differ for students moving to the UK, so check each bank.

Examples

Rules change. Check each bank's website before you go.

HSBC UK Bank Account

For people moving to the UK, or not UK residents
No monthly account fee
You must be 18 or older to open this account
Apply on the app

Visit Website

Barclays Student Account

Start in the Barclays app
Finish in a branch with a letter from your university

Visit Website

HSBC UK student accounts are for UK residents

HSBC UK student accounts are for people who already live in the UK. If you are moving to the UK, ask for the HSBC UK Bank Account.

Step by Step

How to Open a Bank Account

Most students open an account in their first weeks in the UK.

Choose a bank

Check the bank's rules for people moving to the UK.

Get a letter from your university

A letter confirming your place on your course.

Apply

Start on the bank's app or website, or in a branch.

Prove who you are

Show your passport, proof of where you live and proof that you are allowed to live in the UK.

Papers You Need

Banks set their own lists. These are common ones.

Essential Documents:

Passport - Your ID.
Proof of address - For example, a letter from your university that says you have a place on your course.
Proof that you can live in the UK - Your eVisa. A share code is a short code from your UKVI account that lets someone, such as a bank, check your visa.

Tips

A letter from your university that says you have a place on your course can count as proof of address at HSBC UK

Most proof of address papers must be less than 4 months old

Bring originals to the branch

Staying Connected

SIM Cards

Get a UK phone number in your first days. Banks, your GP surgery (family doctor) and your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account all use it. UKVI is the UK visa office.

Practical Advice

Money Tips

Simple ways to keep your money safe.

Smart Money Habits

Use your bank's app
Some banks, such as HSBC UK, let you apply in minutes on their app.
Keep your visa money
Keep the money you showed for your visa in your home-country bank account until you get the visa.

Explore Student Life in United Kingdom