It’s a new year, a new term, and for many of you joining us in January, a new start! For international students, settling into, or back into the UK can be difficult, which is why we’ve highlighted some key areas international students may want to keep in mind for settling in.
It’s a new year, a new term, and for many of you starting in January, a new start! For international students, settling into, or back into the UK can be difficult, which is why we’ve highlighted some key areas international students may want to keep in mind for settling in.
Opening a bank account
As a student in the UK, opening a UK bank account is an easy way to keep your money safe while you’re studying here. NatWest and Nationwide have banks in Egham, but if you’d prefer to set up with a branch closer to Staines, your options are HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays and Santander.
As an international student, you should be eligible for a basic bank account to be able to pay in / withdraw money from. You will also be issued a card to withdraw money from ATM machines. However, some banks do have the option of an international student bank account which offers extra facilities such as a debit card, but there is usually a charge for these accounts so do have a think about whether this is the best option for you.
Transport
Egham has a local train station located on station road, just a five-minute walk from the high street. With connections to London and Reading you can get just about anywhere. You can book your tickets and check timetables by using Trainline. If you take trains frequently you can apply for a 16-25 railcard which will save you a third of the cost of train tickets.
There are also bus stops just outside of campus, with two local bus services (441 and 500) operated by White Bus. Students can save 33% on this service by showing their student ID. Perfect for those flying to Heathrow, there is also the 8 bus service, which will take you to and from the airport.
Healthcare
If you happen to fall ill whilst you’re studying with us, it’s important you know how to get help. Firstly, you should register with the University's Health Centre on campus or another GP when you come to the UK. If you are an EEA national, you will qualify for most treatments under the NHS but will be expected to pay in advance for non-urgent elective treatments. It's important that you get a European Health Insurance Card issued from your home country which will allow you access to the NHS. Find out more information about the EHIC.
However, if you aren't an EEA student and are studying in the UK for more than six months, you will need to pay the immigration health surcharge, but this will be included in your visa cost. This will cover you for free necessary healthcare under the NHS, but you will have to pay in advance for non-urgent elective treatments. You can find out more about healthcare in the UK if you aren't an EEA student.
If you are in an emergency situation, urgent treatment will always be provided, and payment will be dealt with later but you should be you aware of the rules in the UK so that no unexpected bills come your way!
Helpful Contacts
The University’s International Student Support team is available to give you advice on a number of concerns, from visa and immigration information to tips on how to make the most of your time in the UK. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm and you can also contact them via email.
The Student Services Centre is able to assist you with non-academic related enquiries such as enrolment and college cards. You can find them on the ground floor of the Emily Wilding Davison building. They can also be contacted via email, or you can call them on +44 (0)178 27 6641. Their opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs offers lots of information and advice for international students. You can have a look through their website, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for they also have a Student Advice Line. You can contact them by calling +44 (0)2077889214.
You can find out more information and advice to help you adjust to life in the UK on the University's website.
FURTHER SUPPORT
Our Advice Centre is a free, independent, and confidential service for all students here at Royal Holloway. Our friendly, experienced, and professional staff will provide a listening ear and offer general and specialist advice. We’re here to support you with a whole range of issues, big and small, and if we’re not the best people to help you with a particular issue, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Our advisors hold drop-ins on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 13:30-15:30. You can find more information on our Events Calendar.
Email us at advice@su.rhul.ac.uk with any questions or to ask for a different meeting time.