To help you to get settled and adjust to life in a new city we’ve put together some helpful tips and guidance.
What documents/ID will I need?
Before setting off for university, you should remember to pack the following documents:
- A copy of your acceptance letter from King’s
- Any letter detailing the funding arrangements between you and your sponsor (if relevant)
- Any correspondence from your home GP/Doctor that includes your vaccination history. Take a look at our article What vaccines do I need before starting at King’s? for further guidance.
- Details of your doctor or dentist from your home country.
- If you’ve insured any of your valuables, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop, you should bring a copy of your insurance policy with you.
If you're an EU/EEA/Swiss student
You should purchase a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) You can find out how to obtain a card in our article I’m a European student, am I automatically covered for health insurance in the UK?
If you're on a Student/Tier 4 visa
Once you've arrived in England you will need:
- Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- To keep up to date with the latest guidance on Police Registration; read our article Do I need to register with the Police for further guidance
What ID will I need?
- A valid passport – Your passport is a key form of identification and can be used to help you open a bank account in the UK.
What form of ID can I use to prove my age?
Whenever possible, you should leave your passport and BRP at home, as they are extremely valuable. There are other ID cards you can apply for in the UK that you can use as an alternative:
Important to know: For further guidance on carrying ID when in London and an overview of the different types, please read our comprehensive Safety in London guide for International students.
Finding somewhere to live
Living on campus
At King’s, we provide a wide range of accommodation options suitable for all preferences. You can find out what we offer across all our campuses on our King’s Residences webpages.
Important to know: If you’d like to make an application to apply for King’s Residences, you can do so, 2 working days after you've accepted your offer to study at King's.
Living in private accommodation
If you’re planning to live in private accommodation, take a look at some resources that may help you:
Using public transport
You can easily travel across the whole of London using various forms of transport including buses, trains, river bus services and many more. To see the full list of the various method of transport in London visit the Transport For London (TfL) webpages.
What travel discounts can I get?
Read our article What travelcards & discounts can I get on public transport? for an overview of the discount railcards available.
Other resources you may find useful:
Setting up banking in the UK
To make your online shopping and any other transactions as easy as possible, consider opening a bank account in the UK. For helpful advice on this, read our article Opening a UK bank account as an international student.
We also recommend thinking about how you’ll manage your money during your studies here in the UK – check our tips and guidance in Top tips on managing your money during your studies.
Looking after your health
We recommend registering with a local doctor: How can I register with a doctor and/or dentist?
Ensure you look after your wellbeing, both mental and physical:
- Managing your mental health & wellbeing
- What does KCLSU offer to support my wellbeing?
- King's Sport & Wellness
Explore our Health & wellbeing category for more guidance.
Connecting with other international students
- Sign up for Unibuddy, our online messaging platform that connects you to international student ambassadors, who can answer a range of questions about student life at King’s.
- Connect with other international students and take part in a range of virtual events through our International Student Support Facebook Group.
- Visit our King's Edge webpages, which have more information on the various communities at King’s you can join.
Visa advice and support at King's
We have a dedicated team of Specialist International Advisers who can offer support and guidance to all international students.
We also recommend checking our Immigration & visa advice category for key information and guidance about studying as an international student at King’s.