Pre-arrival information

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status, you can access your eVisa by creating a UKVI account.

Using an eVisa is completely free and it does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your stay in the UK.

Create a UKVI account for your eVisa

If you do not already have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, you will be asked to:

• create a UKVI account
• confirm your identity using the ‘UK Immigration ID Check' app

This information will be used to link your eVisa to your UKVI account. You'll get an email to let you know when you can access your eVisa in your account.

To create your UKVI account you will need:

• access to a smartphone
• a mobile phone number
• an email address

Create your UKVI account 

Please make sure you provide a phone number and email address which you can access anytime. You will need them each time you use your eVisa to prove your immigration status. 

When your eVisa is ready to view, you will receive an email from the Home Office, you can then log in to your UKVI account to access your eVisa.

You can prove your immigration status to others such as landlords or employers by logging in to your UKVI account and generating a share code.

Watch this video on how to prove your immigration status using your eVisa.

You should keep your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account updated.

If you have renewed your passport, please make sure you add the new passport details to your account.

You will need your eVisa and your valid passport to travel to the UK. 

Before you travel, please log in to your UKVI account to ensure your passport details are correctly linked and that your immigration status is displayed accurately. 

You may wish to temporarily retain your expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you still need it for administrative purposes, such as setting up your UKVI account or generating a share code. Once these steps are completed, the BRP Permit can be safely disposed of following UKVI guidance. 

Please allow sufficient time before travelling for any updates to appear in your digital status, as changes may take time to process. You can also watch the UKVI guidance video for further information on travelling with your eVisa.

If you need help creating your UKVI account or accessing your eVisa, please contact the Home Office through their online chat service by clicking the green “Start now” button at the bottom of the page.

All students are expected to arrive in time for Welcome Week and Induction, and some courses may also have an earlier programme‑specific start. 

Closer to your course intake, you will be able to access our welcome content online, and you will receive emails with instructions on how to do this.

How can I bring money into the UK?

You can bring money into the UK in:

• sterling notes
• traveller's cheques
• banker's draft
• letters of credit

You must declare cash of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you take it between the UK and any non-EU country. 

You could face a penalty of up to £5,000 if you:

• fail to declare cash/travellers cheques/bank drafts/etc you are carrying; or
• provide incorrect or incomplete information.

If HMRC (customs) officials have reason to doubt the legitimacy of properly declared cash, then they have the power to seize it.

These controls will not apply to anyone: 

• travelling within the EU
• travelling via the EU to a non-EU country – as long as the original journey started outside the EU

For further information and contact details, visit the GOV.UK website to read about taking cash in and out of the UK. 

How much cash will I need on arrival?

You will need some sterling cash for expenses during the first week – about £250 should be enough. We do not recommend bringing or carrying larger amounts of cash with you.  

If possible, make arrangements to transfer money to a UK bank account. In case there is a problem in transferring money, it is also a good idea to have a further £350 available in travellers’ cheques and a credit card for emergencies.  

If you will be living in private accommodation, then you may need more than this to cover any deposit or rent in advance.

How do I set up a UK bank account?

Most international students will be able to open a basic bank account. This allows you to pay money into the account and withdraw money with a card, but it doesn’t allow credit or for you to become overdrawn. 

Each bank has different requirements for setting up an account – you may need to provide your passport, proof of study and proof of address, but check with your chosen branch. Once you're an enrolled student, the Library and Student Office can produce a letter for your bank with your UK student addresses listed.

It may be possible to set up a UK bank account in advance if you are able to open an account with a multi-national bank so that you can use ATMs in the UK. You would need to check with your bank first if this is possible. 

All the main UK banks have branches in Kingston:

Barclays Bank plc

6 Clarence Street

Kingston upon Thames

KT1 1NY

Tel: +44 (0)20 8250 6644

Bank sort code: 20-46-73

Lloyds TSB Bank plc

83 Clarence Street

Kingston upon Thames

KT1 1RE

Tel: +44 (0)845 0723 333

Bank sort code: 30-94-77

HSBC Bank plc

54 Clarence Street

Kingston upon Thames

KT1 1NP

Tel (within UK): 08457 404 404

Tel (from abroad): +44 12 2626 1010

Bank sort code: 40-26-12

National Westminster Bank plc

Market Place

Kingston upon Thames

KT1 1JX

Tel: +44 (0)845 6101 201

or +44 (0)1634 890 882

Bank sort code: 60-60-02

EEA Immigration Regulations (2016)

It is now compulsory for all students from the EEA and Switzerland to acquire a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before they travel to the UK. Alternatively, students can find a suitable insurance policy and purchase comprehensive sickness insurance (CSI) to cover the duration of your studies. You must find suitable cover now if you do not currently have it.

Most students can obtain an EHIC from their country of residence prior to coming to the UK. This card allows EEA nationals to get the same medical treatment which is free to residents of the country they are visiting, without being charged. The UK government has produced a leaflet about EHIC and access to medical treatment while in the UK. 

In addition, if you are exercising your right to reside in the UK as a student or self-sufficient person, you are required to have comprehensive sickness insurance (CSI) throughout your period of residence in the UK. Having an EHIC satisfies this requirement if you are not intending to be in the UK permanently.

Important

Unless you have paid an IHS surcharge with your visa application, you will need CSI or EHIC for the full duration of your studies. If you already have an EHIC card, you will not need CSI unless you intend to apply for permanent residence. 

If you intend to apply for permanent residence, you must be able to provide evidence that you have been covered for 5 continuous years living inside the UK, with both CSI and EHIC, for your application to be considered. 

You can search online for comprehensive private medical health insurance cover (CSI) that is affordable for you through a reputable insurance company.

Please view the UKCISA pages for more information.

Am I entitled to NHS (National Health Service) care?

Most students undertaking a course of study at Kingston University will be entitled to medical care from the National Health Service (NHS). You are not entitled to NHS care if:

• you are a non-European student studying in the UK for less than six months; or
• you come from a country that does not have reciprocal health arrangements with the UK 

If you are unsure of your entitlement, please ask the British Embassy, High Commission or British Council for advice before you arrive in the UK.

What does NHS (National Health Service) care cover?

If you are entitled to NHS care, there is no charge to see a doctor or to have medical treatment. There is a flat charge of £9.90 per item for prescription medication (there is no charge for students in full-time education aged 18 and under).

You should register with a General Medical Practitioner (GP) as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. Most medical care is provided by GPs who may refer you to a hospital for a specialist opinion. 

Do I need any vaccinations or screenings before arriving in the UK?

We advise having a Meningococcal Group C vaccine before you arrive in the UK. If you have not had the vaccination before you arrive, your GP in the UK will be able to arrange it for you. Nationals from some countries also now must undergo Tuberculosis (TB) screening before applying for entry clearance/a student visa for the UK. 

How do I register with a GP?

You can search for the nearest GP surgery to your term time address on the NHS website. Follow the link to your nearest GPs website to register as a new patient. 

Alternatively, all students are welcome to join our on-site GP practice. You can register by contacting Fairhill Medical Practice on the University's Penrhyn Road campus.

Can I drive in the UK?

Nationals of all countries can use their national driving licence to drive in the UK for the first year of residence. However, if you intend to drive in the UK for more than one year, you will need to take the UK driving test.

What do I need to know about driving in the UK?

To drive in the UK you must have: 

• a valid driving licence
• valid car insurance 

The car you are driving must:

• be properly registered
• have a current tax disc
• have a current MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate

For more information, visit The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website.

1. Visit the booking page: Go to the Zedcarz website to start your booking.
2. Select the Airport Pickup option: Choose the airport pickup service to ensure your transfer is arranged from the airport to your destination.
3. Add your flight number: Enter your flight number so the driver can track your flight status and adjust the pickup time if your flight is delayed or arrives early. This is very important for tracking your flight and arranging accurate pickup timing.
4. Choose the correct date: Select your arrival date (the date your flight lands), not the departure date.
5. Under the Drop-Off section, search for your destination address: Use the search box to find and select the exact drop-off address where you want to be taken after your arrival.
6. Select the correct vehicle: Pick a vehicle that suits your group size and luggage requirements. The dropdown menu provides guidance on suitable options based on passenger and luggage numbers.
7. Fill out passenger details: On the right side of the booking page, enter all passenger information, such as names and contact details, to complete the booking.
8. Add important information in the Notes section: 
   - Enter your KU ID number to identify yourself as a Kingston University student.
   - If multiple students are sharing the same car, list all KU ID numbers in the notes.
   - If students are arriving on different flights and are sharing a car, include all flight numbers so the driver can monitor them.
   - If you are arriving with family members or friends, clearly specify this to help Zedcarz calculate the correct cost per passenger.
9. Proceed with the booking and ignore the cost shown: The Kingston University discount will be manually applied by Zedcarz.

1. Download and install the Zedcarz app: Get the Zedcarz app to install and register your profile.
2. Enter your pickup location: Type the name of the airport (e.g. Heathrow or Gatwick) as your pickup address. Tap ‘Proceed’ to continue.
3. Add your flight number: Tap the plane icon above the pickup address, enter your flight number, and select the correct arrival date (not the departure date). This is very important for tracking your flight and arranging accurate pickup timing.
4. Choose delay buffer time: The app allows you to specify a delay buffer – for example, enter 90 minutes as your delay time (if you would like the driver to meet you 90 minutes after your flight has landed)
5. Under the Drop-Off section, search for your destination address: Use the search box to find and select the exact drop-off address where you want to be taken after your arrival.
6. Select the correct vehicle: Pick a vehicle that suits your group size and luggage requirements. The dropdown menu provides guidance on suitable options based on passenger and luggage numbers.
7. Add important information in the Notes section: 
   - Enter your KU ID number to identify yourself as a Kingston University student.
   - If multiple students are sharing the same car, please list all KU ID numbers in the notes.
   - If students are arriving on different flights and are sharing a car, include all flight numbers so the driver can monitor them.
   - If you are arriving with family members or friends, clearly specify this to help Zedcarz calculate the correct cost per passenger.
8. Proceed with the booking and ignore the cost shown: The Kingston University discount will be manually applied by Zedcarz.

A discounted flat rate applies

• £20 per person for journeys from Heathrow or Gatwick to Kingston area.
• £30 per person for pickups from St. Pancras International station.
• Payment can be made to the driver by credit/debit card or cash.

Pickup instructions

• At Heathrow or Gatwick: The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name.
• At St. Pancras: The driver will coordinate a convenient meeting point directly with you.

Phone number

Please ensure you provide a mobile number that will be active and in use upon your arrival in the UK. This allows Zedcarz and the driver to contact you in case of delays or to confirm meeting details.

Need help?

If you have any issues during the booking process or on the day you arrive, you can contact Zedcarz directly:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +44 20 8330 3300

Students will be able to bring dependents, as long as they hold permission for a course of study which the provider has confirmed is either:

• a PhD
• another doctoral qualification; or
• a research-based higher degree 

If you’re studying a two-year integrated programme with an integrated pre-masters and research masters programme. You will still be able to bring dependents. However, the course level on the CAS must reflect the exit qualification.

A research-based higher degree means a postgraduate programme comprising a research component (including a requirement to produce original work) that is larger than any accompanying taught component when measured by student effort. Please refer to the list of research degrees offered at Kingston University.

Dependants who are already in the UK can extend their permission if the main applicant is granted further leave to remain under the Student Route.

Family members of a student can work (in line with UK employment law) in the UK except when:

• They are being granted leave as a dependant after previously being the student's dependant when the student had permission to study a full-time course of 6 months or longer and the student is now applying for permission to study a new full-time course that is less than 9 months in length (unless the student is continuing a course of study on which they had previously been granted at least 9 months permission for)
• They are being granted leave as a dependant after previously being the student's dependant when the student had permission to study a full-time course of 6 months or longer and the student is now applying for permission to study a new full-time course below degree level

A person with leave as the dependant partner of a student cannot take employment as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach).

Undergraduate students are not normally permitted to bring dependants. For more information, please see the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

The Graduate Route is only open to those who have successfully completed their course and who have valid Student Route permission when they apply. You must be fully awarded before you can apply. Therefore, if you are required to use your extant leave to complete failed modules, you may not have enough time left on your visa to apply for the Graduate Route.

Whether you are still eligible will depend on your individual circumstances. For more information, contact the immigration advice team on [email protected].

You must wait until your degree has been officially awarded, which will be following the exam board.

Assuming you have been awarded your full degree, you will be automatically reported for the Graduate Route.

You will receive an email confirmation of this with your CAS number and further details on the application process. 

For further guidance on the full eligibility requirements of the Graduate Route, read UKCISA's graduate route information.

If you are unable to pay any outstanding fees, you will need to contact the finance department immediately at [email protected].

If you miss any payments, your status will be suspended. Whilst you are suspended, you will not have any access to your student account. This includes your student email and Canvas access. This will only be reinstated once you have paid the outstanding fees.

For more information on when to pay fees, visit our fees and funding page.