Hey everyone,

I recently finished my MSc in the UK, and honestly, the admin side of moving here was almost as stressful as the degree itself.

A lot of things are technically explained somewhere online, but not in one simple place. So I wrote down the checklist I wish I had before arriving.

This is especially for international students preparing to come to the UK for university.

Immigration and visa

Get your CAS from your university before applying for your visa.
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application.
Submit your Student Visa application with the right supporting documents.
Set up your UKVI account and make sure your passport/travel document is linked to your eVisa.
Learn how to generate your visa 'share-kode'. You may need it to prove your immigration status for things like rent, work, or university checks.
Save your visa decision letter and keep a digital copy somewhere safe.

Money and documents

Make sure your financial evidence meets the 28-day rule before applying.
Keep your bank statement, CAS, offer letter, visa decision letter, accommodation details, and passport copies backed up.
Bring enough money for your first few weeks, because bank setup and card delivery can take time.
Research UK bank account options before you travel, but check what documents each bank requires.

Confirm your accommodation before you fly.
Be careful with private housing scams. Do not pay large sums without checking the landlord, contract, address, and whether the listing is legitimate.
If renting privately, understand the right-to-rent check and how your 'share-kode' may be used.
Save your tenancy agreement or accommodation confirmation.

Have your passport, visa decision letter, university details, accommodation address, and emergency contacts easy to access.
Get a UK SIM or eSIM as soon as possible.
Know how you are getting from the airport to your accommodation before you land.
Message family/friends once you arrive safely.
Do your accommodation check-in and report any issues early.

Complete university enrolment as soon as your school allows it.
Collect or activate your student ID.
Attend international student orientation if available.
Register with a local GP once you know where you will live.
Apply for council tax exemption if you are a full-time student and your situation qualifies.
Check your exact visa work conditions. Many students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, but some have different limits, so check your own visa/eVisa and university guidance.

You need to keep your documents organised after arrival, not just before the visa application.
Council tax exemption is not always automatic.
GP registration is easier to sort out before you actually need a doctor.
WhatsApp groups are useful, but don’t rely on them for immigration or financial advice.
Always cross-check serious visa questions with GOV.UK, UKVI, your university, or a qualified adviser.

Hope this helps someone preparing to move soon.