Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account in the UK is not difficult for international students on full courses as long as you’re prepared.

For information on opening a UK bank account please visit our Welcome website. 

Students on short courses or exchange programmes

It is not always possible for students on short courses or exchange programmes to open bank accounts because of banking regulations.

You may find it best to use cashpoints (ATMs) and draw from a bank account you have in your home country, or consider other forms of currency exchange such as travellers cheques or prepaid credit cards to cover the duration of your time in the UK.