Welcome to the UK and welcome to #TeamMDX! Once you arrive in the UK, we recommend reading through this page to ensure your first few days and weeks in the UK are as smooth as possible.
It is important that you register with a GP as soon as possible when you arrive, especially if your course is 6 months or longer.
Your GP will give you an NHS number which you will need to access hospital treatment or specialist referrals. If you have not had the recommended vaccinations, please speak with your GP.
You can register with any doctor in the area, usually the surgery nearest to where you live. This means that you will be able to access healthcare quickly should you become unwell at your time at university.
Find out more about how to register for a GP, and suggested GPs on our health and wellbeing page. Once you are registered with a GP, you will be able to find a dentist.
We recommend opening a bank account as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK.
Many banks have a variety of options available so it might be worth visiting more than one to find the one that's right for you.
When you choose one, you will be expected to bring along a number of documents and papers with you in order to begin the process:
This Times Higher Education guide has some advice on student banking in the UK.
It is not normally possible to open a student bank account if you are here for less than 6 months. However, some banks might let you open very basic accounts with them so it's always worth visiting and asking.
You should try, where possible, to open an account with an international bank in your home country and check whether you would be able to use the bank's cash machines in the UK.
Barclays bank
247 Edgware Road
Colindale,
London, NW9 6LS
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Telephone: 08457 555 555
For an application form and information on opening a bank account for international students living in the UK, please visit their website.
HSBC
1 Central Circus
Hendon
London, NW4 3JU
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Telephone: 08457 404 404
HSBC
1 Sentinel Square
Brent Street
Hendon
London, NW4 2ER
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Telephone: 08457 404 404
For information on HSBC Passport accounts and how to apply, please visit their website.
Lloyds bank
19 Central Circus
Hendon
London NW4 3AS
Opening hours: Monday to Friday,10am to 4.30pm
Telephone: 0845 3000 000
For more information about International banking, please call 0800 055 6358 or visit their website.
Santander
Brent Cross Shopping Centre
London, NW4 3FN
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 3pm | Wednesday, 10.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 0800 707 6692
