Moving to London: A checklist for international students

Sorting your documents and planning your arrival.

• Pre-arrival checklist: Check off the essentials: accepting your offer, paying your deposit, and preparing your CAS number.
• Money & maintenance: Check you meet the UKVI financial requirement before applying for your Student visa
• Apply for your student visa: Step-by-step guidance on the visa process, biometrics, and your new digital eVisa status.
• Access your eVisa: You can set up a UKVI account if you do not already have one before travelling.
• Packing & documents: What to put in your hand luggage (TB certificates, qualifications, and passport) and what to leave for later.

Finding a home

The RCA does not have its own halls, but we share advice on finding somewhere to live.

• Accommodation guide: Tips on private rentals, halls, and staying safe in the London housing market.

Travel & arrival

• Airport to London: How to get from Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted to your new home.

Banking & health

• Opening a bank account: How to get your "bank letter" from the RCA to set up your UK account.
• Healthcare (NHS): How to register with a local doctor (GP) so you can access free healthcare.

Get connected

• UK SIM cards: Don’t rely on international roaming. Order a "pay as you go" SIM (like Giffgaff or VOXI) to be delivered to your UK address, or download an eSIM before you fly. If you are unable to get a SIM card before you arrive, the Student Success team have some available for you when you collect your ID card.
• Tip: Check that your phone is "unlocked" from your home network before you leave.

Enrolling and meeting your community.

• Enrolment steps: Follow this guide to officially become an RCA student.
• Welcome week: View the schedule for workshops, social events, and campus tours.
• Students’ union: Join clubs, societies and meet fellow creatives from around the world.
• International welcome: The Student Success team and the RCA Student Union host events to welcome all incoming international students.

Feeling at home in the city.

• Daily life & culture: From unpredictable weather to the best local markets, learn how to navigate the city like a pro.
• Staying safe: Simple tips on keeping your belongings secure and using public transport at night.
• Cost of living: How to budget for groceries, socialising, and other daily costs.
• National insurance & working: Thinking of a part-time job? Learn how to apply for your NI number.

The Student Success Team offers advice and support to all RCA students.

We are experts in supporting students, especially when you might be feeling uncertain, stressed, worried or confused. We will work with you to provide clarity on your next steps. We welcome students from all backgrounds, identities, experiences, cultures and nationalities. Our team works to ensure every student is supported inclusively.

We provide advice and wellbeing services covering a broad range of student experience topics, including:

• Counselling, wellbeing and mental health support
• Funding and student finance
• Disability and inclusion support
• Visas and immigration
• Housing
• Volunteering opportunities
• Careers