Post-Arrival Steps in the UK on a Student Visa- Congratulations! Your UK Student Visa has been approved and your flight is booked — but what happens after you arrive in the UK? This is a question many international students ask, and it’s important to be fully prepared for what comes next.
Arriving in a new country is exciting, but also comes with responsibilities. From immigration checks to setting up your life as a student, there are several important steps to follow. At Globexa Immigration, the Best Immigration Consultant for UK Study Visas, we ensure that your journey doesn’t just stop at visa approval — we support you every step of the way, including your arrival and settlement.
This blog will walk you through everything that happens after you land in the UK on a student visa.
1. Immigration Clearance at the Airport
Your first stop after landing will be at immigration control.
You will be asked to present:
Your passport with your valid UK Student Visa (entry vignette)
Your CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
Proof of sufficient funds
Proof of accommodation
Your university offer or enrolment letter
The immigration officer may ask you questions about your course, the university, or your accommodation. Be honest and confident in your responses.
🧳 Pro Tip: Keep these documents in your hand luggage, not in your checked baggage.
2. Collecting Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Within 10 days of your arrival in the UK, or before your 30-day visa vignette expires (whichever is later), you must collect your BRP card. The BRP is your official proof of residence in the UK.
You would have chosen a Post Office collection point during your visa application. To collect your BRP, take:
Your passport
Your UKVI decision letter
Any collection notification from the Post Office
If you fail to collect your BRP in time, it could affect your legal status in the UK.
💡 Globexa Immigration, your trusted Visa Counsellor in Panipat, helps students prepare for BRP collection and avoid delays.
3. Arrange and Move into Accommodation
By now, you should have secured a place to stay. Most universities offer:
On-campus or university-managed accommodations
Private student housing or hostels
Private rentals/shared apartments
Make sure your residence address is updated for official purposes, including GP registration, banking, and receiving post.
4. Open a UK Bank Account
Setting up a UK bank account helps you manage your finances easily, pay rent and bills, and receive wages from part-time work.
You’ll usually need:
Passport
BRP card
Proof of address
University enrolment letter
Popular banks for students include Lloyds Bank, Barclays, Santander, and HSBC. Some offer special student accounts with discounts or benefits.
📝 Need help with paperwork? Globexa Immigration, a top Study Visa Consultant in Haryana, offers full support with financial documentation and bank setup guidance.
5. Get a UK SIM Card
Staying connected is essential. Buy a UK SIM card right after arrival. Choose a prepaid or contract plan that fits your data needs.
Major providers include:
EE
Vodafone
O2
Three
Some companies offer student discounts and international calling packages.
6. Complete Your University Registration
Once you’ve arrived, your university will ask you to complete an in-person registration process. You’ll be required to submit:
Your passport
BRP card
Enrolment documents
Once you’re registered, you’ll receive your student ID card, which gives you access to university services, libraries, labs, and discounts.
🛡️ This step is essential to maintain your student visa status.
7. Register with the NHS and a Local GP
As a UK student visa holder, you’ve already paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during your application. This entitles you to free medical treatment under the NHS.
Steps to register with a General Practitioner (GP):
Find a GP near your residence
Provide your BRP and proof of address
Fill out a registration form
Your GP will be your first point of contact for health issues, prescriptions, and referrals.
8. Police Registration (If Applicable)
Some students are required to register with the local police within 7 days of arrival. Check your visa vignette or BRP to see if this applies to you.
To register, bring:
Passport and BRP
CAS and university letter
Proof of address
Passport-sized photos
Registration fee (if required)
9. Start Part-Time Work (If Eligible)
Most international students in the UK can work:
Up to 20 hours per week during term time
Full-time during vacations
To work legally:
Apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN)
Make sure your job does not breach visa restrictions
Many universities offer on-campus jobs or career services to help you find part-time roles.
💼 At Globexa Immigration, we prepare students for part-time job rules and application processes as part of our post-arrival services.
10. Join Student Clubs and Communities
University life in the UK is vibrant! Get involved in:
Student societies and cultural clubs
Sports teams and events
Academic clubs and industry workshops
This helps you build friendships, feel at home, and develop soft skills valued by employers.
11. Can You Travel While Studying?
Yes, you can travel abroad during university holidays. However:
Carry your BRP, passport, and CAS letter
Ensure your university is aware of your travel
Avoid extended absences that could affect your attendance record
Universities report attendance to UKVI — so be cautious.
12. Attend Orientation and Welcome Events
Most UK universities host a welcome or orientation week for international students. This is your chance to:
Meet faculty and peers
Learn about your campus layout
Discover support services
Understand academic expectations
Orientation events help you feel more comfortable in a new country and often include guided tours, cultural introductions, and Q&A sessions.
🌍 As part of our UK Study Visa Process, Globexa Immigration encourages students to attend all welcome events to ease into academic and social life smoothly.
13. Understand UK Academic Culture
Studying in the UK may be different from your home country. British universities emphasize:
Independent learning
Critical thinking
Research-based assignments
Referencing and academic integrity
It’s important to know what’s expected in terms of plagiarism policies, assignment deadlines, and class participation.
Universities often provide workshops or learning centers to help students adapt.
🎓 Globexa Immigration shares student handbooks and university guides during your pre-departure briefing.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your UK Study Dream into a Success Story
Your UK journey doesn’t end when your visa is stamped — it truly begins when you land. From settling in and understanding academic expectations to preparing for your future career, every step matters.
At Globexa Immigration, we believe in empowering students both before and after they fly. That’s what makes us the Best Immigration Consultant for UK Student Visas in Haryana.
We help you with:
✔️ UK Study Visa Process
✔️ Pre-departure & post-arrival counselling
✔️ Accommodation guidance
✔️ BRP, NHS, and university registrations
✔️ Part-time job support
✔️ Graduate Visa and post-study transitions
