Arriving in the UK
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Prepare for London life with our practical advice on moving to the UK.
Coming to the Royal College of Art (RCA) is an exciting and life-changing move. Whether you are ready for life in a new city or are not sure what to expect, the RCA is here to welcome and support you.
Remember, if you need help or have a specific question, you can always reach out to our Student Success team.
Pre-arrival checklist
Complete these steps before you leave your home country:
- Accept your offer: Confirm your place at the RCA.
- Pay your deposit: Ensure your tuition deposit is paid.
- Check your passport: Make sure it is valid for your entire stay.
- Get your CAS: Receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.
- Apply for your Visa: Start your Student Visa application as soon as you have your CAS.
- Book accommodation: Secure a place to live in London.
- Organise funds: Ensure you have enough money for your tuition and living costs.
- Book travel: Arrange your flights or train to the UK.
What to pack in your hand luggage
Keep these essential items with you during your journey. Do not put them in your checked-in suitcase:
- Your visa: Ensure you have the correct entry clearance.
- Key documents:
- Accommodation details.
- TB certificate (if required).
- Original qualification certificates.
- Electronic copies: Save digital versions of all documents in a secure place (like a cloud drive or email).
- Medical records: If you have a pre-existing health condition, bring records translated into English.
- Money: Approximately £1,000–£2,000 on a prepaid currency card or credit card. You will not be able to open a UK bank account until you have registered with the College.
Arriving in London
London has several major travel hubs. Plan your route from the airport/station to your accommodation before you fly.
If you need help with directions, you can always ask someone wearing a Transport for London (TfL) uniform or someone who works at the airport.
Heathrow airport
Tube: The Piccadilly and Elizabeth lines run a regular service from Heathrow to a number of central destinations across London, including South Kensington and Kings Cross St Pancras. The tube is much cheaper than the Heathrow Express or the Heathrow Connect.
Heathrow Express: The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes directly to Paddington Station. Journey time is 15 minutes.
Gatwick airport
Train: The Gatwick Express runs every 15 minutes directly to Victoria Station. Journey time is 30. Cheaper, slower trains are also available to Victoria, London Bridge and City Thameslink stations, and take 35–45 minutes.
Stansted airport
Train: The Stansted Express runs every 15 minutes to Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale. Journey time is 35 minutes to Tottenham Hale and 46 minutes to Liverpool Street.
Luton airport
Train: Thameslink trains run every 15 minutes directly to St. Pancras International, Blackfriars and London Bridge stations.
London City airport
Trains: DLR trains run regularly between London City Airport and central London.
Transport for London (DLR) website
St. Pancras International
International trains arrive at London’s St. Pancras International station, with direct access to Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines and national and regional railway services.
St. Pancras International website
Coaches from the airports
Several coach companies run regular services from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airport to Victoria. Journey times range from 40 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
Uber or taxis
You may prefer to take a taxi or Uber from Heathrow Airport. Please also note that Black Cabs can be expensive, so ask how much it would cost to your destination before you get in. Comparing quotes and booking minicabs or taxis online will often be quicker and cheaper than by telephone.
International welcome
“It was my first time studying in London – being an international student in the city was transformative. Though a bit overwhelming at first, with research and using the support systems and network of the RCA, I was able to adjust quickly. I found the creative community in London to be really open, supportive and collaborative.”
The academic year starts with Welcome Week, which includes a variety of events hosted by the Student Success team and the RCA Student Union. Through a mix of formal talks and informal gatherings – such as picnics and drinks – you can meet staff and fellow students while settling into London life.
It is also the perfect time to explore RCA Student Societies, where you can connect with like-minded peers or start a new hobby. Once registered, you can view the full event programme on the Intranet.
Opening a bank account
Opening a bank account in the UK is the safest and most effective way of managing your money during your studies.
Before starting at the RCA, we suggest you have sufficient funds in a travel money card of £1,000–£2,000 or a credit card so that you can meet everyday expenses until your bank account becomes active.
If you are going to deposit funds into a UK bank account, it can take time to clear before you withdraw the money: four to five working days for UK cheques and often 28 days or more if converting to another currency.
What type of account should I open?
This will depend on the length of your programme in the UK, as well as how you intend to use the account.
- Short-term students (less than 1 year): You may have fewer options. Consider the Metro Bank ‘Cash Account’ or the Santander ‘International Student Current Account’.
- Standard Student Accounts: If you stay for more than a year, more banks will be available.
- App-based banking is becoming a popular option, App-based banks such as Monzo offer current accounts which you can open up through their app.
Important considerations:
- If you receive international transfers: You should consider an accounts offered by Santander, who do not charge a fee. Many other banks do.
- Direct Debits: If you need to pay for a smartphone contract, Netflix, or Spotify, check if your account allows "pre-authorised payments". Some basic accounts (like Metro Cash Account) do not allow this.
- If you want to open an account quickly: You should plan ahead. Many new students arriving in the London area during September, and there are often long waiting times for appointments at certain banks. Some students reported wait times of up to six weeks for in-person appointments during September and October.
What documents will I need?
As a general guide, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.
- Evidence of your overseas address (e.g., a utility bill or bank statement).
- Proof of your UK address (e.g., your tenancy agreement).
- Bank letter from the RCA: You can request this via the RCA Intranet after you enrol.
Useful tips for opening a bank account
- Request your ‘Confirmation of Enrolment’ letter early. You will receive this letter automatically once you have completed Registration and updated your address on the Applicant Portal.
- Avoid bank appointments by opening an account with Santander. *Santander may be offering the option of opening up a bank account online using scanned documents. The nearest Bank is at Imperial College but it is closed for the summer. Please use the Kensington High Street Branch.
- Open a UK bank account before you leave home. With Barclays, you can start opening an account online. Once you have completed the online application, Barclays can progress with your application at an in-person appointment.
- Open a UK bank account through App-based Banking. With Monzo you can open a bank account through the app available on Android and iOS; no visits to a bank are necessary. You can receive instant spending notifications as well as use the in-app budgeting tool, Monzo will post your bank card to your UK address in 3 working days.
Healthcare
If you are a full-time international student studying in the UK for more than six months, you are eligible for National Health Service (NHS) care. This is covered by your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. You do not need private health insurance.
For more detailed guidance, visit the UKCISA website or contact the RCA Student Success team at student-support@rca.ac.uk.
Register with a doctor (GP)
We strongly recommend registering with a General Practitioner (GP) within your first two weeks at the RCA. Do not wait until you are unwell, as registration is required before you can book an appointment.
- Find a clinic: Use the NHS website to find a GP near your postcode.
- Documents needed: Take your passport, BRP, and proof of student status (request a "Certificate of Attendance" via the RCA Intranet).
- Minor ailments: For small health concerns, visit a pharmacist first. They can provide expert advice and over-the-counter medicine, often saving you a trip to the GP.
Prescriptions
If a doctor prescribes medication, you must take the authorisation to a pharmacy (often found in large supermarkets or on high streets).
- Cost: There is a standard charge of £9.65 per item.
Dental treatment
NHS dental care is more affordable than private treatment, though many dentists have waiting lists.
- Registration: Find local providers on the NHS website.
- Top tip: To avoid costs and delays, we recommend having a dental check-up in your home country before travelling to the UK.
Opticians
Eyecare is provided by high-street opticians.
- Eye Tests: Usually cost between £20–£25.
- Corrective Wear: The cost of glasses or contact lenses varies depending on your style and prescription choices.
Living in the UK
Managing culture shock and homesickness
Culture shock is a common, usually temporary experience for international students. You may notice significant differences in social etiquette, communication, teaching styles, and food—essentially, every aspect of daily life.
It is natural for homesickness to lead to feelings of frustration or isolation. If you feel this way, be kind to yourself. These emotions are a normal reaction to a major life change, and many of your peers – including UK students – will be experiencing something similar.
Staying connected
- Talk to others: Sharing your experiences with peers can make you feel less alone.
- Join a Society: RCA Student Societies are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people or discover a new hobby.
- Keep reminders of home: Regularly calling friends and family or displaying personal photographs can help you stay grounded.
Support
If culture shock or homesickness begins to affect your mental health, please reach out to the Student Success team.
You can book an appointment via the Student Support Moodle page or by emailing student-support@rca.ac.uk.
Accommodation and living costs
London is one of the most exciting cities you can live in as a student. The cost of living in here will be different from what you are used to, but there are many ways that you can save money as a student and make the most of London life on a budget.
- Living Costs guide: for information on practical costs like housing, utilities and travel.
- Accomodation in London guide: for information on housing options and how to find somewhere to live.
- Living in London guide: all about London’s world-beating cultural offer, green spaces and how to find events in the city.
Mobile phones
Don’t rely on international roaming. Order a "pay as you go" SIM (like Giffgaff or VOXI) to be delivered to your UK address, or download an eSIM before you fly.
Tip: Check that your phone is "unlocked" from your home network before you leave.
Clothes and climate
The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, even within a single day, so it is best to be prepared with suitable clothing. The rain doesn’t come all in one season – it can come at any time of year, and on any day. You’ll probably notice that people like to talk about the weather a lot and this is just one of the reasons why!
If you want to keep an eye on the forecast many mobile phones have weather apps and the BBC Weather website is helpful too.
