There’s a lot to think about when starting – or getting back into – student life. With moving in and starting lectures, it’s easy to miss out on a few important things. Here we’ve pulled together the key tasks you may have missed.
#1 Task: Complete your Room InventoryThis is an important online document for you to complete. By completing it, you agree that everything in the room is in good working order. This online document protects you at the end of the tenancy when you move out so you are not charged unnecessarily for something that may already have been there when you arrived. Learn more about the inventory. |
Everyone should register with a local doctor (GP) when they arrive in the UK. UK students, EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and those from countries with a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, can all access free NHS treatment.
If you're an international student and your course is longer than six months, you’ll have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa. This means you can use NHS services, including seeing a GP, without paying extra fees.
You can find your nearest doctor on the NHS website - visit this link. And remember, your GP is there to support both your physical and mental health. If you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to speak to them—they’re here to help.
You might want to think about opening a new bank account. If you’re an international student, this is particularly important. You need a UK bank account to keep your money safe.
A lot of banks will be offering deals for students, so it’s a good idea to spend some time finding the bank that suits you best. Remember, you can have more than one account if you want.
Banks will require proof of identity and if you’re an international student, you’ll also usually need a signed passport, together with proof of your address in your home country and your address in the UK. Check with your bank what they require.
If you are a student, you may be able to register to vote at both your home and term-time addresses. You can register to vote online.
If there is a general election, you’ll only be allowed to vote once, in one location. If your home and university addresses are in two different local authority areas, you can vote in local elections in both areas. This is because they are separate elections.
Your room is fitted with a TV. If you use this to watch/record live TV on any channel, you will need a TV licence.
If you watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer (live, catch up or on demand) on any device – including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder – you will need a TV Licence.
You do not need a TV Licence to watch subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Now TV.
A standard TV Licence costs £174.50. You can pay all in one go, or you can spread the cost via Direct Debit. If you don’t need your licence for a full 12 months, you could apply for a refund.
If you think you don’t need a TV licence you should tell TV Licensing. More advice for students is available on the TV licence website.
Full-time students don’t need to pay council tax. You will usually be considered a full-time student for Council Tax purposes if your course lasts for at least one academic year and you study at least 21 hours per week.
Living at CODE, you shouldn’t need to apply for council tax exemption as long as you meet the above criteria.
If you need to apply for an exemption, you will need a student status letter, which you should contact your uni about.
