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Student Guides

Practical, honest guides for international students arriving in the UK.

Visa25 August 2026 · 7 min read

BRP Card vs eVisa: What International Students Need to Know (2026)

BRP cards expired on 31 December 2024. In 2026, your UK immigration status is fully digital. Here is how to access your eVisa, generate share codes, and prove your right to work or rent.

Visa25 August 2026 · 8 min read

How to Extend Your Student Visa in the UK (2026 Guide)

When to apply, which documents you need, how much it costs (£558 + £776 IHS = £1,334 total), and how to avoid the most common mistakes that cause refusals. No immigration agent required.

Work Rights25 August 2026 · 6 min read

Minimum Wage in the UK for International Students (2026)

Current UK minimum wage rates, how many hours you can legally work on a Student visa, and how much you can earn per week during term time and holidays.

Transport24 August 2026 · 7 min read

How to Get a Student Railcard in the UK (2026) — International Students Guide

1/3 off every train journey across Great Britain. International students qualify even if you are over 25. Digital vs physical, peak restrictions, and how much you actually save.

Visa24 August 2026 · 8 min read

UK eVisa Guide for International Students (2026) — How to View, Share and Manage It

Your UK visa is now digital. How to create your UKVI account, access your eVisa, generate a share code for landlords and employers, and what to do if you lose access.

Health23 August 2026 · 7 min read

How to Register with a GP and Use the NHS as an International Student in the UK (2026)

Everything international students need to know about the NHS — how to register with a GP, use NHS 111, find an NHS dentist, access mental health support, and what your IHS covers.

Work Rights23 August 2026 · 9 min read

How to Find a Part-Time Job in the UK as an International Student (2026)

Best platforms, job types, CV tips and interview advice for international students. Hospitality, retail, campus jobs and delivery — with the 20-hour weekly rule explained.

Money Saving23 August 2026 · 6 min read

Best Student Discounts in the UK for International Students (2026) — TOTUM, UNiDAYS & More

Every discount card, platform and saving available to international students in the UK. TOTUM, UNiDAYS, Student Beans, 16-25 Railcard, Amazon Prime Student and more.

Money Saving23 August 2026 · 8 min read

How to Claim a UK Tax Refund as an International Student (2026)

Most international students who work part-time in the UK are owed a tax refund. Here is exactly how to claim it from HMRC — even after you leave the UK.

Work Rights18 August 2026 · 8 min read

How to Work as an International Student in the UK (2026 Guide)

20-hour weekly limit explained, minimum wage rates, how to get a National Insurance number, finding student jobs, zero-hours contracts and tax basics.

Budgeting16 August 2026 · 10 min read

Cost of Living in UK Cities for International Students (2026) — Full Budget Guide

Real monthly cost breakdown for London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol, Nottingham and Sheffield. 8 cities compared.

Money Saving16 August 2026 · 5 min read

Council Tax Exemption for Students UK: How to Claim It and Pay Nothing (2026)

Full-time students are 100% exempt from Council Tax — but you must claim it yourself. 15-minute guide to getting your certificate and notifying your council.

Visa16 August 2026 · 8 min read

Graduate Route Visa UK: Everything International Students Need to Know (2026)

Who qualifies, what you can do, what it costs and how to apply. Plus: the reduction to 18 months from January 2027 explained.

Transport16 August 2026 · 6 min read

Student Oyster Card London: How to Get the 18+ Discount (2026)

Get 30% off all TfL travel with the 18+ Student Oyster photo card. Step-by-step guide, zones explained, top-up tips and common mistakes to avoid.

Work Rights13 August 2026 · 7 min read

How to Get a National Insurance Number as an International Student in the UK (2026)

Apply online in 20 minutes — what it is, when to apply, what you need, and whether you can start work before it arrives.

Banking12 August 2026 · 8 min read

How to Open a UK Bank Account as an International Student (2026)

Compare Monzo, Wise, Revolut and Starling. Open in 10 minutes with just your passport — no UK address needed.

Housing12 August 2026 · 9 min read

How to Find Student Accommodation in the UK as an International Student (2026)

Compare Amber Student, university halls, Unite Students, SpareRoom and Rightmove. City price guide, scam checklist, and exactly when to start looking.

Arrival Guide11 August 2026 · 8 min read

UK Arrival Checklist for International Students (2026) — What to Do First

Everything you need to do in your first week in the UK. BRP collection, bank account, NHS registration, council tax exemption and more — with deadlines.

Money Transfers11 August 2026 · 7 min read

How to Send Money Home from the UK as an International Student (2026)

Compare Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit and Sendwave — fees, speed and exchange rates. Find the cheapest way to send money home without your bank eating your savings.

Essentials10 August 2026 · 6 min read

Best SIM Card for International Students in the UK (2026 Guide)

Compare giffgaff, Lebara and Saily — the top SIM cards for students arriving in the UK. Find out which one suits your needs and how to get it before you land.