Post-Arrival Guide for the UK
Your comprehensive guide to a smooth transition after landing in the UK, covering immediate steps, university enrollment, BRP collection, healthcare, banking, and adapting to student life.
Welcome to the UK
Complete Immigration
Passport stamped and eGate process completed
Collect BRP Card
Deadline: Within 10 days of arrival
Complete University Enrollment
Deadline: Before course starts
Register with GP (Doctor)
Recommended: Within first few weeks
Essential Post-Arrival Steps
Navigate these key administrative tasks to establish your legal stay in the UK and set up the essentials for student life. Complete these steps promptly to ensure a smooth transition.
First Month Timeline
Day 1
- Complete border control process
- Travel to accommodation
- Purchase UK SIM card
Days 2-7
- Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Complete police registration (if required)
- Explore university campus area
Days 8-14
- Complete university enrollment
- Open UK student bank account
- Attend university welcome events
Days 15-30
- Register with a local GP (doctor)
- Begin course attendance
- Join university societies/clubs
- Apply for council tax exemption
Cultural Adaptation Tips
Embrace British culture and integrate into your new environment with these helpful tips for international students.
Social Customs
Queuing is sacred
Always join the end of queues (lines) and wait your turn. Jumping the queue is considered very rude in British culture.
British politeness
Say "please" and "thank you" often. Apologizing is common, even if you're not at fault ("sorry" is used to acknowledge minor inconveniences).
Personal space
British people value their personal space. Avoid standing too close in conversation and be mindful in crowded spaces.
Academic Environment
Independent learning
UK universities emphasize self-directed study. Fewer contact hours means more responsibility for your own research and reading.
Critical thinking
Develop your own viewpoint and support it with evidence. Simply repeating facts isn't enough; analysis is highly valued.
Academic integrity
Plagiarism is taken very seriously. Always cite sources properly and never submit work that isn't your own.
Daily Life
Weather talk
Discussing the weather is a common conversation starter. Be prepared for changeable conditions and always carry an umbrella.
Pub culture
Pubs are social hubs, not just places to drink. If in a group, understand the concept of "buying rounds" where each person takes turns paying.
British humor
Sarcasm, self-deprecation, and understatement are common. Don't take everything literally, and don't be offended by gentle teasing.
Communication Style
Indirect communication
British people often use indirect language. "You might want to consider..." usually means "You should..."
Email etiquette
When emailing professors, start with "Dear Dr./Professor [Surname]" and end with "Kind regards" or "Best wishes".
Punctuality
Being on time is important, especially for classes and appointments. Arriving 5-10 minutes early is considered good practice.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency
- General Emergency:999
- Non-Emergency Police:101
- NHS Helpline:111
University Support
- Int'l Student Office:University-specific
- Student Union:University-specific
- Campus Security:University-specific
Immigration Support
- UKVI Contact Centre:+44 300 790 6268
- Report Police Station:If applicable
- UKCISA Advice Line:+44 207 788 9214
Healthcare
- Find a GP:NHS Website
- Mental Health:Student Minds
- NHS App:Download
Get Personalized Settling-In Assistance
Need help navigating the administrative steps or finding local resources? Our team can provide tailored support to ease your transition.
Contact Us for Support