Advice for International Students
Q. How do I open a bank account?
A. Once you arrive in the UK it is advisable to open a UK bank account. To open an account you will need your passport, (and ICFN if you have one) and a letter from the University to confirm your student status.
Q. Do I have to register with the Police?
A. Your passport will include a clear statement on your entry clearance and/or current visa if you need to register with the Police within seven days of your arrival in the UK.
To do this, you need to visit the Overseas Visitors Records Office, Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1LH. Opening hours are 9.00 – 4.00 pm; you are advised to go in the morning.
To register with the Police you will need to bring:
• Passport
• One passport-sized photograph
• Unconditional acceptance letter/student status letter from the university
• Student Matriculation ID card
• Proof of home and UK address
• Fee of £34 cash
Please take care of the registration certificate. If you lose it and need a replacement, you will have to pay the fee again.
It is your responsibility to inform the police when you change your address, course of study and immigration status whilst you are in the UK. Failure to do so is an offence.
Q. Can my family members join me during my studies here?
A. In most cases you are eligible to invite your family over to join you during your studies. This application is made by your dependants in their home country – however there are a number of documents you can give to your family to assist them with their application.
• Photocopies of your passport [3 pages]
Pages with your photograph, entry clearance, current visa
• Letter confirming Student Status Letter from University
• Proof of address
Utility bill (i.e. Gas, Electricity, Mobile Phone); Copy of Health centre card or voting card
• Proof of funding
Last 3 bank statements; Sponsorship letter (if you are sponsored); Pay slips (if you are working)
• If you are inviting them to attend your graduation, proof that you are eligible to graduate from the University.
• Invitation letter
Written and typed on an A4 sheet of paper by you starting ‘Dear...’, this should include the following:
• Full names of all family member
• Their date of birth
• Their nationality
• Their passport number
• Your relationship with them (i.e. husband, wife, parent etc)
• How long they will be in the UK for.
• The purpose of their visit (i.e. to join you during your studies ,to attend your graduation ceremony)
• Accommodation they will stay in during their time in the UK.
Contact our International Student Support Service to guide you through this process. For more information: UKCISA Information Sheet on Your Family’s Immigration.
Q. How do I register with a doctor?
A. All students at GCU should register with a doctor, also known as a General Practitioner (GP) as soon as they arrive in London. You should find a GP within walking distance of your term time address.
To find a doctor, you will need to visit the NHS website. You simply enter your postcode into the search engine on the home page and select ‘find a doctor’ (and other services if needed). This will produce a list with a map of doctor surgeries close to your home.
Doctor Surgeries are normally open from 9 – 5 pm on weekdays, therefore you can contact NHS 24 (a 24-hour helpline) out of office hours for advice on 08454 24 24 24.
You and all your family are entitled to receive free health care under the National Health Service (NHS). You will have to register each member of your family, so please collect a form for each person.
Q. Can I travel abroad while at GCU?
A. Most students who are not residents of the European Union or Schengen States will require an additional VISA to travel to a country outside of the UK. See information about Schengen visas on the University website.
Q. I have received a bill for Council Tax. What should I do?
A. Most students and their dependants at GCU are eligible for Council Tax exemption where they would not be expected to pay a council tax bill. To receive an exemption you must send proof of your student status to your local council and complete an exemption form, find more information here.
