UK Study Abroad – Complete Preparation Guide

1. UK Student Visa – Quick Guide

2. Visa Checklist

3. Flight Booking Hacks

4. Best Airlines for Students

5. Must-Carry Documents

• Passport
• Visa & CAS letter
• University admission letter
• Accommodation confirmation
• Financial proof (bank statements / loan letters / forex card)
• Insurance papers (travel + health)
• Flight tickets (if booked)
• Vaccination certificates
• Photocopies & Digital copies (Google Drive/USB backup)
• Emergency cash: £150–£200
• Forex Card & International Debit/Credit Card

6. Useful Apps for Students in UK

Local & Transport Apps

Shopping & Food

Banking & Finance

Language & Daily Life

7. Must-Carry from India

Clothing

Shoes

Medicines

Electronics

Kitchen Essentials

Personal Care

🇬🇧 Miscellaneous & Extras – UK Study Abroad

Packing & Travel Essentials

• Backpack (daily use)
• Cabin Bag (for weekend trips)
• Strong Suitcase with Lock & Name Tags
• Travel Pillow, Eye Mask, Ear Plugs
• Stationery: Pens, Notebooks, Files
• Sewing Kit (needles, thread, buttons)
• Portable Umbrella (windproof recommended)
• Small Gifts / Souvenirs from India (for UK/International friends)

Packing & Travel Tips

• Always check airline baggage allowance before packing.
• Use vacuum bags for clothes to save space.
• Carry essential medicines in your cabin luggage.
• Mark all luggage with name tags & contact details.
• Keep digital copies of documents in Google Drive/USB.
• Carry a set of clothes & essentials in your cabin bag in case main luggage is delayed.
• Buy heavy items like blankets, quilts, pans from IKEA / Argos / Tesco in the UK instead of carrying from India.

Must-Carry from India – Kitchen Items (Lightweight, multipurpose, saves money)

• Pressure cooker (3–5 L) – essential; expensive/difficult to find in UK stores.
• Idli / Dhokla stand (if used often) – fits inside cooker.
• Chapati roller & small board (chakla belan) – if making rotis.
• Spice box (masala dabba) – basic spices.
• Small kadai / fry pan – if cooking Indian often.
• Tava / dosa pan (flat, medium-sized).
• Paneer maker / muslin cloth – optional; strainer works fine.
• Stainless steel plates, tumblers, small bowls – 1–2 sets.
• Reusable lunch box + water bottle – handy for university days.

Spices & Ingredients (carry small packs)

• Chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, mustard seeds, hing (asafoetida – hard to find).
• Ready mixes (MTR upma, poha, dosa, pulao, etc.)
• Pickles, dry chutney powders
• Tea/coffee

Buy in UK (cheap in Tesco, Asda, IKEA, Lidl, Sainsbury’s)

• Cutlery (forks, spoons, knives)
• Non-stick pots & pans
• Cooking spoons, spatula, ladle
• Strainer, chopping board, scissors
• Oven-safe dish (microwave/oven friendly)
• Dish rack, cleaning stuff

Quick Reference – Jobs & Internships in the UK (for Indian Students)

Pro Student Tips

• Legal work limit: 20 hrs/week during term (~£11–£12/hr minimum wage).
• Focus on English-demand roles: tutoring, babysitting, cafes, university jobs.
• Always get written contracts; avoid cash-only jobs or scams.
• Networking gives faster results than just online applications.

Student SIM Card Comparison – UK

Pro Tips

• Cheapest for long-term: Giffgaff / Three (~£10–20/month, large data).
• Short stay / tourist-friendly: EE or Vodafone pay-as-you-go.
• eSIMs: Easy for immediate connectivity without store visit.
• Always carry passport when buying SIM in physical store (mandatory in UK).

Indian Grocery Stores in UK

Pro Tips

• Order essentials online for first week delivery.
• Buy locally for daily needs once settled.

Things to Do Immediately After Arrival in UK

Legal & University Formalities

• Collect BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) –
• Register at University / Orientation – student card, course schedule, Wi-Fi, library.
• Apply for NHS registration (healthcare) – free for students paying visa IHS.
• Consider private student insurance (optional).

Accommodation & Housing

• Sign housing contract and get rental insurance (mandatory for private housing, ~£10–£50/year).
• Set up electricity/internet accounts if private housing.

Banking & Finance

• Open UK bank account (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, online banks like Revolut/N26).
• Keep £150–200 cash for initial expenses.

Mobile & Connectivity

• Buy SIM card (Giffgaff, Three, EE, Vodafone) or eSIM.
• Install transport apps: Citymapper, National Rail, Trainline.
• Install student apps: Uni portal, budgeting, food delivery.

Transport & Mobility

• Get Student Oyster Card / Railcard for 30% discount on trains/buses in London / UK.
• Use BlaBlaCar / Megabus for cheap intercity trips.

Shopping & Daily Essentials

• Buy cheap essentials at IKEA, Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Sainsbury’
• Check Gumtree / Vinted → second-hand furniture, clothes, cycles.
• Stock basic Indian spices for cooking.

Study, Social & Community Apps

First Month Survival Planner – UK (for Indian Students)

Week 1 – Essentials & Setup

• Collect BRP & validate visa.
• Register at university – get student card & Wi-Fi.
• Buy SIM card.
• Buy transport card (Oyster / Student Railcard).
• Arrange temporary accommodation.
• Buy groceries & basic cooking starter kit.

Week 2 – Banking & Housing

• Open UK bank account.
• Apply for rental insurance (if private).
• Apply for student housing aid if eligible.
• Shop second-hand items (Gumtree / Vinted).
• Join WhatsApp/Facebook groups.

Week 3 – Health & Daily Life

• Register for NHS & local GP.
• Consider student private insurance (optional).
• Buy winter wear if not carried.
• Explore apps: Citymapper, food delivery, local stores.

Week 4 – Career & Settling In

• Start part-time job search (Indeed, StudentJob, LinkedIn).
• Prepare UK-style CV & cover letter.
• Attend university career workshops.
• Join student clubs/societies.
• Set up bank transfer for India ↔ UK money (Wise, Revolut).

Quick “Survival Musts” in First Month

• SIM card + internet
• Transport pass / student railcard
• UK bank account
• Rental insurance (mandatory)
• NHS registration
• Basic Indian spices, pressure cooker
• Start part-time job hunt