Helping you settle in

We're here to help you during your time in the UK

Joining University of Portsmouth London means you’ll be joining a truly international community in one of the most diverse cities in the world.  

Here is where you can find all the support, guidance and advice as well as ways to meet students from across the world and the UK.

During your first few weeks at the London campus, we will be putting on events and information sessions for you to find out more about what life is like to study in London as well as how you’ll learn on campus and the facilities around campus.  

 

Orientation Week

During your orientation week, we recommend you attend all activities in your timetable to get the best start to your studies. You will be invited to join campus tours, Walthamstow tours, social and student information talks to help you settle into university life. You will receive your timetable for orientation week by email before your first week on campus.  

Your orientation includes 

  • Registration and ID checks 

  • Welcome talks, inductions and social events 

  • A chance to speak to current students 

How can international students access healthcare in the UK? 

Most international students studying in the UK for more than six months can use National Health Service (NHS) healthcare during their studies. Access is usually provided through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is paid as part of the Student visa application process. 

 

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 

If you are studying in the UK on a Student visa for a course lasting longer than six months, you will normally need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application. 

The surcharge is currently £776 per year and gives you access to NHS healthcare throughout the duration of your visa. 

If family members or dependants are joining you in the UK and require a visa, they will also need to pay the surcharge as part of their application. 

 

Healthcare for EU, EEA and Swiss Students 

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland may have different healthcare arrangements depending on their immigration status. 

If you were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 and have Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status or a pending application under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), you can usually continue to access NHS services as long as you remain ordinarily resident in the UK. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need to register with a doctor? 

Yes. After arriving in the UK, you should register with a local GP (doctor) so you can access healthcare services when needed. 

 

Are prescriptions free? 

Prescriptions are not usually free in England. A charge may apply for each prescribed item. 

The Immigration Health Surcharge provides access to NHS healthcare, but additional travel or private health insurance may still be beneficial, particularly if you travel frequently or want access to services not covered by the NHS. 

A UK bank account makes it easier to manage your money while studying. You can receive payments, pay bills, make purchases and avoid some international banking fees. We recommend opening an account soon after you arrive, as the process can take a few weeks. 

 

What You'll Need 

Most banks will ask for: 

  • Proof of identity, such as a passport 

  • Your visa or immigration status 

  • Student ID or confirmation of enrolment 

  • Proof of your UK address 

 

FAQs 

Can international students open a UK bank account? 

Yes, most international students can open a bank account after arriving in the UK. 

 

How long does it take? 

It can take several days or weeks, depending on the bank. 

 

Do I need proof of address? 

Yes, most banks require evidence of your UK address. 

If you are studying on a Student Route visa, you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This includes paid work, unpaid work and volunteering combined. 

You must not exceed this limit in any single week (Monday to Sunday). Going over the limit is considered a visa breach and could affect your immigration status. 

 

Balancing different types of work 

All work counts towards your 20-hour limit. For example, if you work 15 hours in a paid job, you can only do up to 5 additional hours of voluntary work that week. 

 

Care work and other roles 

The same 20-hour weekly limit applies if you are working in a care home or any other eligible role during term time. 

 

Outside term time 

You may be able to work more hours outside of term time, depending on your course type (undergraduate or postgraduate). Always check your specific visa conditions before increasing your hours.

If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible for a 16–25 Railcard, which gives you 1/3 off most rail fares across England, Scotland and Wales. 

Students over 25 who are studying full-time can also apply using the mature student option. 

The railcard costs: 

  • £30 for one year 

  • £70 for three years 

 

How to apply 

You can apply for a railcard online or using a paper application form from a train station. 

If you are a mature student (26+), you may need your institution to confirm your status before applying. This usually involves having your form verified along with your student ID and a passport photo. 

 

Why it’s useful 

A railcard is a simple way to reduce travel costs and make exploring London and the UK more affordable during your studies.