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Guidance for International Students

FROM YOUR STUDENTS' UNION

International Students Guidance 🌍

Your quick guide to settling into life in the UK, from opening a bank account to getting around Portsmouth.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Moving to the UK? We've got you.

Moving to a new country can feel like a lot. This guide breaks down some of the important things you'll need to know while studying in Portsmouth.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

Here's where to start 👋

Find the information you need or jump straight to our key contacts if you need some help.

💳

Opening a UK bank account

Find out what you need to open a UK bank account and how to get started.

→ 🩺

Healthcare in the UK

Learn about registering with a GP, NHS services and what to do if you're unwell.

→ 🚌

Transport in the UK

Find out how to get around Portsmouth and travel around the UK.

→ 💼

Working during your studies

Find out about working while studying and the rules you need to follow.

→ 📞

Key contacts

Find useful contacts if you need advice, support or aren't sure who to speak to.

→
01 · MONEY

Opening a UK bank account 💳

Managing your money in the UK can be much easier once you have a UK bank account.

💡 Before you can apply +

You'll need to complete your enrolment and ID check first.

After that, you can generate a bank letter through Student View.

Top tip: You need to be enrolled first, then select the bank you'd like to use and request your bank letter through Student View.
💷 Why get a UK bank account? +
  • Get paid easily if you have a part-time job.
  • Avoid some foreign transaction fees.
  • Keep your money somewhere safe.
  • Get support from a local bank if you need it.
📄 What will I need? +
  • Proof of identity, such as a passport or photo ID.
  • Your student visa.
  • Your University of Portsmouth student ID.
  • A bank letter from the University.
  • Proof of local address, such as a tenancy agreement.
⏰

Don't leave it until the last minute!

Opening an account can take up to 4–5 weeks. Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses while you wait.

Need financial support?

Get in touch with the University's Student Finance Centre.

02 · HEALTH

Healthcare in the UK 🏥

Learning how healthcare works in a new country can feel confusing. Here's what you need to know.

🇬🇧 How does healthcare work in the UK? +

The NHS (National Health Service) provides healthcare across the UK.

If you're an international student, you can usually use NHS services during your studies, but the rules depend on your visa and how long you're staying.

🛂 Studying in the UK for more than 6 months? +

If you're studying in the UK for more than 6 months on a Student Route visa, you'll normally pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application.

This means you can access most NHS healthcare while you're in the UK.

Remember: You may still need to pay for things like prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests.
Find out more about the Immigration Health Surcharge →
🧳 Staying in the UK for less than 6 months? +

If you're coming to the UK for less than 6 months, you may not have the same access to NHS healthcare as students staying longer.

Before you travel, get travel insurance that includes medical cover.

Make sure your insurance covers:

  • Medical treatment.
  • Returning home if you become seriously ill.
  • A family member travelling to the UK if you have a medical emergency.
  • Lost tuition fees if you're unable to finish your course.
👩‍⚕️ First things first: Register with a GP +

One of the first things you should do when you arrive is register with a GP (doctor).

A GP is usually your first place to go when you're unwell or need medical advice.

There are lots of GP surgeries around Portsmouth, so find one that's convenient for you.

Don't wait until you're ill to register! It's much easier to know where to go before you need help.
Find out how to register with a GP →
💉 Check your vaccinations +

Before coming to the UK, check that your vaccinations are up to date.

Not sure what vaccinations you need? Speak to your doctor at home or ask your GP when you register.

Find out more about vaccinations →
NEED HELP NOW?

Where do I go if I'm ill?

Not sure where to go? Start here.

🤒 I'm unwell - what should I do? +

If you're unwell or worried about your health and it is not an emergency:

Book an appointment with your GP

If you can wait to get medical advice, your GP should be your first point of contact. They can assess your symptoms and advise you on what to do next.

📞 Need to speak to someone sooner?

If you're unwell and it can't wait for a GP appointment, call NHS 111. They can give you medical advice and help you find the right NHS service.

NHS 111 →
🤕 Minor illness or injury +

If you have something that needs treatment but isn't life-threatening, you can use an Urgent Treatment Centre or Minor Injury Unit.

For example:

  • Sprains and strains.
  • Cuts and wounds.
  • Minor eye injuries.
  • Some broken bones.

📍 In Portsmouth

The Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injury Unit at St Mary's Hospital can help with minor illnesses and injuries.

St Mary's Hospital →
🚨
EMERGENCY

Serious or life-threatening emergency?

999

If you or someone else is seriously ill or has a life-threatening injury, call 999.

Tell the emergency operator:

  • Where you are.
  • Your phone number.
  • What has happened.
If you're unsure what to do, call 111 for advice.
🎓 If you're on campus in Portsmouth +

If you call 999 from campus, also contact Campus Security.

  • 3333 from a University phone
  • +44 (0)23 9284 3333

They can help the ambulance crew find you and get onto campus quickly.

🏥 Life-threatening emergencies +

For serious emergencies such as:

  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Severe or persistent chest pain.
  • Serious breathing difficulties.
  • Severe bleeding that won't stop.

Call 999 immediately.

📍 In Portsmouth

The Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital provides treatment for life-threatening emergencies.

Queen Alexandra Hospital →
🩺 What about private healthcare? +

You can also choose to have private health insurance, but you don't have to.

If you choose private healthcare, check that your insurance covers things such as:

  • Medical treatment.
  • Returning home for treatment if needed.
  • A family member travelling to the UK in an emergency.
  • Lost tuition fees if you can't complete your course.
03 · GETTING AROUND

Transport in the UK 🚆

Whether you're getting to campus, travelling home or exploring a new city, there are lots of ways to get around the UK.

🚆 Save money on train travel +

Planning to explore the UK by train? A 16–25 Railcard could save you money.

Good news: Even if you're over 25, you can still apply if you're a full-time student.

How much does it cost?

  • £30 for 1 year.
  • £70 for 3 years.

It gives you 1/3 off most rail travel across England, Scotland and Wales.

If you plan to travel by train regularly, it could be worth getting one!

Apply for a 16–25 Railcard →

If you're 26 or older, you can use the mature student application process.

You can apply online or get an application form from a train station.

If you need your application validated, take your form, Student ID and a passport-sized photo to the Global Office in University House.

🚌 University bus services +

University bus services

During term-time, the University runs two bus services to help you get around easily.

These routes operate Monday to Friday during term-time.

Simply join First's Student Travel Club using your university email address to access your ticket. You'll then get unlimited travel on the U1 and U2 bus services.

U1

Around Portsmouth

The U1 takes a circular route around Portsmouth.

U2

Langstone Sports Site

The U2 travels to the Langstone sports site and back.

FIRST TIME USING THE BUS?

Everything you need to know to get started

Follow these three easy steps to get your student bus ticket.

01 📱 Download the First Bus App +

Download the First Bus app via the Play Store or App Store.

  • Confirm your device's location as Portsmouth.
  • Set up your account using your @myport.ac.uk email address to verify your student status.
Download the First Bus app →
02 🎓 Register for the Student Travel Club +

Sign up online for First's Student Travel Club.

Important: Make sure you use your @myport.ac.uk email address for this part too.
Join the Student Travel Club →
03 🚌 Off you go! +

When you're ready to go:

  1. Tap the Tickets button in the First Bus app to find your ticket.
  2. Scan your pass and show your University ID card to the driver.
  3. Repeat as many times as you want Monday to Friday during term-time.
🗺️

Want to know more?

Find more information about the University's bus services, routes and getting to campus.

University bus information →
🗺️ Want to explore the UK? +

Fancy seeing more than just Portsmouth? The Students' Union works with UniLife to put on trips across the UK for you.

From exploring the historic streets of Oxford and Bath to enjoying a day in London, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and discover somewhere new.

Keep an eye out on the What's On page for upcoming trips and opportunities to explore new places.

🚲 Cycling around Portsmouth +

Cycling is a great way to get around Portsmouth. It's also a good way to explore the city without spending lots of money on transport.


Stay safe

  • Wearing a helmet is recommended.
  • Your bike must have working front and back lights when required.
  • Follow traffic lights and road signs.
  • Use cycle lanes where available.
  • Be extra careful around pedestrians and busy roads.
Rush hour can be particularly busy:
Monday–Friday: 8:00–9:15am and 5:00–6:00pm.

If you're new to cycling in the UK, take your time and get used to the roads.

Some cycling rules may be different from your home country.


Remember:

  • Don't cycle on the pavement unless it is specifically marked as a cycle route.
  • On a shared cycle/walking path, keep to the correct side and use your bell when approaching people.
  • Red means STOP. Always follow traffic lights.
  • Don't cycle against the flow of traffic on one-way roads.
  • Take extra care on roundabouts.
  • Use your arms to indicate when you're turning.
  • Be considerate of pedestrians, especially children and older people.

You can be fined for breaking certain cycling rules, such as cycling on the pavement or riding without the required lights.

Read the Highway Code for cyclists →

Keep your bike safe

Unfortunately, bike theft is common, so make sure you protect your bike.

  • Buy a strong bike lock.
  • Never leave your bike unlocked.
  • Use secure bike storage where possible.
Don't leave your bike locked somewhere overnight if you can avoid it.
Find out about bicycle storage in Portsmouth →
🚘 Driving in the UK +

Thinking about driving while you're in the UK?

Driving rules can be different from those in your home country, so make sure you understand the rules before getting behind the wheel.


The basics

  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Follow traffic lights and road signs.
  • Don't use a hand-held phone while driving.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Seatbelts are compulsory.
  • Speed cameras are used across the UK, so always follow the speed limit.

Speed limits

The maximum speed on a UK motorway is usually:

70 mph / 112 km/h
⚠️ Always follow the speed limit shown on the road signs, as it can be lower.

By law, you need:

  • ☑️ A valid driving licence
  • ☑️ Valid vehicle tax (road tax)
  • ☑️ Motor insurance
  • ☑️ Vehicle registration documents
  • ☑️ An MOT certificate if the car is more than 3 years old
Important: Check whether your driving licence can be used in the UK. The rules can depend on which country issued your licence and how long you're staying.
UKCISA — Driving in the UK → Read the Highway Code →
04 · WORKING WHILE YOU STUDY

Working during your studies 💼

Want to earn some extra money while studying? You can work during your studies, but there are some important rules to follow if you're on a Student Route visa.

🔎 Where can I find a job? +

The University's Careers and Employability Service can help you with:

  • Finding part-time jobs
  • Writing and improving your CV
  • Completing job applications
⚠️ Know your visa restrictions +

If you're studying on a Student Route visa, there are rules about how much you can work and what type of work you can do.

Your working restrictions depend on your course and level of study, so it's important to check the rules that apply to you.

🚨 Important: Breaking your working restrictions can affect your visa.
📚 During term time +

If you're allowed to work 20 hours per week, this includes:

  • Paid work
  • Unpaid work
  • Voluntary work

You must not work more than 20 hours in any one week during term time.

What counts as a week?

Your 20 hours must be counted from:

Monday → Sunday

⏰ Remember: You cannot carry unused hours over from one week to the next.

For example, if you work 15 hours one week, you cannot work 25 hours the following week.

🚨 Important: Working more than your visa allows is illegal and could affect your immigration status.
Find out more about Student Route visa working restrictions →
☀️ What about holidays? +

Your working restrictions can change outside of term time.

The rules depend on what you're studying, including whether you're doing:

  • An undergraduate course
  • A taught postgraduate course
  • A research postgraduate course

Your course structure and University term dates will determine when you're considered to be in term time or vacation.

Check the University's guidance on working restrictions for your course →
⭐ REMEMBER

Before starting a job, make sure you know:

  • ☑️ How many hours you're allowed to work
  • ☑️ When your term time and vacation periods are
  • ☑️ What types of work you're allowed to do
  • ☑️ The rules that apply to your specific course

💡 Not sure? Check before you start working. It's much better to make sure you're following the rules than risk affecting your visa.

The International Student Advice team can help with this. You can find their contact information in the Key Contacts section below.

NEED SOME HELP?

Key contacts 📞

Not sure who to speak to? Here are some useful contacts to save while you're settling into university life.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Social media to follow 📱

Follow these accounts to keep up with university news, events and opportunities.

READY TO MAKE THE MOST OF UNI?

Your university experience starts here

Your time at university is about more than just studying. Get involved, meet new people, explore Portsmouth and make memories that you'll look back on for years to come.

There's no right way to do university - make it your own and enjoy the experience!


Want to know more? For more information on being a student at Portsmouth, check out our Survival Guide →

Page created: Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:24:02 GMT
Page updated: Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:18:17 GMT

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