Moving to London: A checklist for international students

Sorting your documents and planning your arrival.

• Pre-arrival checklist: Check off the essentials: accepting your offer, paying your deposit, and preparing your CAS number.
• Money & maintenance: Check you meet the UKVI financial requirement before applying for your Student visa
• Apply for your student visa: Step-by-step guidance on the visa process, biometrics, and your new digital eVisa status.
• Access your eVisa: You can set up a UKVI account if you do not already have one before travelling.
• Packing & documents: What to put in your hand luggage (TB certificates, qualifications, passport and visa, essential medications and prescriptions, flight tickets and any other travel documents).

Finding a home

The RCA does not have its own halls, but we share advice on finding somewhere to live.

• Accommodation guide: Tips on private rentals, halls, and staying safe in the London housing market.

Travel & arrival

• Airport to London: How to get from Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted to your new home.

Banking

Opening a bank account: How to get your "bank letter" from the RCA to set up your UK account.

Health

• We strongly recommend that you register with a doctor as soon as possible and definitely before you become unwell. You can register with the NHS once you have arrived and are a resident in the UK.
  In order to facilitate use of some NHS services, you will need a UK mobile number. Healthcare under the NHS is free, but most people between 19 and 60 will have to pay a standard prescription charge for their medication. This is currently £9.90 per prescribed item.
• Healthcare (NHS): How to register with a local doctor (GP) so you can access free healthcare.
• RCA students can register with Imperial College Health Centre which is just a short walk away from our Kensington Campus and covers a range of health services, including an in-house psychology service. Appointments can be face-to-face, via telephone, video and online.
• If you have any pre-existing or serious health problems, please bring a detailed medical report, in English, from your treating physician, detailing the management and investigations to date.
• If you are on prescribed medication from your previous doctor, please bring at least 3 month’s supply with you (unless there is a clinical contraindication to doing so).

Get connected

• UK SIM cards: 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. If you are unable to get a SIM card before you arrive, the Student Success team have some available for you when you collect your ID card.
• Tip: Check that your phone is "unlocked" from your home network before you leave.

Enrolling and meeting your community.

• Enrolment steps: Follow this guide to officially become an RCA student.
• Welcome week: View the schedule for workshops, social events, and campus tours.
• Students’ union: Join clubs, societies and meet fellow creatives from around the world.
• International welcome: The Student Success team and the RCA Student Union host events to welcome all incoming international students.

Feeling at home in the city.

• Daily life & culture: From unpredictable weather to the best local markets, learn how to navigate the city like a pro.
• Staying safe: Simple tips on keeping your belongings secure and using public transport at night.
• Cost of living: How to budget for groceries, socialising, and other daily costs.
• National insurance & working: Thinking of a part-time job? Learn how to apply for your NI number.

The Student Success Team offers advice and support to all RCA students.

We are experts in supporting students, especially when you might be feeling uncertain, stressed, worried or confused. We will work with you to provide clarity on your next steps. We welcome students from all backgrounds, identities, experiences, cultures and nationalities. Our team works to ensure every student is supported inclusively.

We provide advice and wellbeing services covering a broad range of student experience topics, including:

• Counselling, wellbeing and mental health support
• Funding and student finance
• Disability and inclusion support
• Visas and immigration
• Housing
• Volunteering opportunities
• Careers