August 8, 2026

You got your UK student visa. That is great news. Now a new part of the journey begins: landing in the UK and getting settled. The first few weeks can feel a bit confusing, even if you planned everything well. This guide breaks down each step, so you know exactly what to do and when. Pack the Right Papers Put your important papers in your hand luggage, not your checked bag. Carry your passport, your university admission documents, and your CAS details. Bring financial evidence, such as bank statements. Some universities want to see your original certificates and transcripts when you arrive, so pack those as well.If your course runs for six months or more, you have already taken a TB (tuberculosis) test before you applied for your visa. This is required for Bangladeshi citizens travelling for that length of time. Your TB certificate is normally valid for six months from the date of the examination, and it must still be valid when you submit your visa application. Carry a copy with you while travelling in case an airline or immigration officer asks to see it. Keep it with your other documents, along with your passport photos and proof of where you will live.Pack a plug adapter too. Plugs in the UK are not the same shape as plugs in Bangladesh. It also helps to bring a warm layer or a waterproof jacket in your carry-on bag. Do this even in summer. UK weather can turn cold with little warning. Understand Your eVisa The UK no longer issues the old plastic ID card, known as a BRP. Since 2025, your visa exists only as a digital record called an eVisa. This eVisa is stored in your UKVI account online, not on a card you carry.Before you travel, sign in to your UKVI account. Make sure your current passport is linked to it. Airlines normally verify your immigration permission digitally using the passport linked to your UKVI account. If your passport is not linked correctly, you could be stopped from boarding your flight. You can also create a share code from your UKVI account. This proves your status to an airline, an employer, a landlord, or a bank, if any of them ask for one. Do this check at least a week before you fly, not the night before. What Happens at the UK Border When you land, you will go through border checks in one of two ways. You may use an e-gate, which scans your face and passport. Or you may speak with a Border Force officer instead. Your eVisa is checked automatically using your passport. Border Force officers can view your immigration status electronically. In some circumstances, they may ask for additional information, so it is sensible to keep your UKVI login details available. Keep your phone charged and your UKVI account login details handy.Check what you can bring with you. Fresh meat and most dairy products are not allowed into the UK. Dry food, spices, and packaged snacks are usually fine in normal amounts. If you are carrying £10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it before you arrive. If you do not, you risk having it taken away. Many universities run airport pickup services for new students. Check your welcome email before booking your own taxi. Check Your New Home Carefully Once you reach your room or flat, look around before you unpack. Take photos of any damage, stains, or missing items you notice. Report these to your landlord or accommodation office on the same day. This protects your deposit when you move out later.If you are renting privately in England, your landlord may ask you to prove your right to rent. This rule only applies in England, not in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Most students now prove their immigration status using a Right to Rent share code generated through their UKVI account. Some existing physical immigration documents may still be accepted where permitted under current Home Office guidance. The choice is yours, and your landlord cannot refuse you just for picking one option over the other. Sign Up with Your University Most universities hold an induction week soon after you arrive. Bring your passport, your university admission documents, and your academic certificates. Some universities will also check your immigration status through your UKVI account, so it helps to know how to share it.During enrolment, you will get your student ID card, your university email, and access to the library. Ask staff about council tax too. If you live in halls of residence, you are usually automatically exempt from council tax. Private renters can also be exempt, but only if everyone in the home is a full-time student. You may need to apply for this and show a student certificate from your university. Open a UK Bank Account A UK bank account makes daily spending much easier. What you need can differ slightly between banks. Most will ask for your passport. Most will also ask for proof of your address, such as a tenancy agreement or a letter from your university. They will usually ask for proof of your immigration status, too. Some banks may also ask for proof of student status or a bank introduction letter from your university.Digital banks such as Monzo and Starling are popular with students. You can often open an account within days, using their mobile app. High street banks like Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds also offer student accounts. These usually take longer to set up. They may need a visit to a branch as well. Compare a few options, since fees and features differ. Sign Up with a Doctor You already paid for NHS healthcare access as part of your visa application. This means you can use the National Health Service like a UK resident. Your access starts from the date your visa began. To actually use it, you still need to register with a local GP (a family doctor) near where you live. Registering is free.