*Information accurate as of September 2025

🪪 What You Need to Open a UK Bank Account: 

• ✅ Passport 
• ✅ eVisa share code (see below — you won't get a physical visa) 
• ✅ Proof of student status (ask your university for a letter confirming your enrolment and address) 
• ✅ Proof of UK address (this can be temporary — see below!) 
• ✅ UK phone number (often needed for online banking and verification) 

➡️ Important: You won’t receive a physical visa. Instead, you’ll need to generate a share code to prove your immigration status. 

To do this: 

• Go to the UK government website: View and Prove Your Immigration Status 
• Select ‘something else’ when prompted to generate a code for banks or universities 
• If you haven’t used this before, you may need to create an account first: Get Access to Your eVisa 

📱 Step 1: Get a UK SIM Card or Phone Number 

A UK mobile number makes things easier — especially for: 

• Bank account verification 
• Accommodation and job applications 
• Getting set up with your student records app 

How to get one quickly: 

• You can get a free SIM from The SU (or The University of Exeter) - just visit the SU and ask! 
• Or buy a pay-as-you-go SIM from supermarkets or phone shops (Tesco, EE, Vodafone, Three, GiffGaff) 
   
• ✅ No credit check or address needed 
• ✅ Just insert into your phone and top up as needed 
• ✅ Or choose a SIM-only monthly contract (some offer student deals) 

➡️ Tip: Set up your UK number before applying for your bank account. 

🚨 What If You Arrive Without Cash, SIM or UK Bank Account? 

Many international students arrive with: 

• No UK phone number 
• No UK bank account 
• Only cash — IMPORTANT: Our campus is CASHLESS – you won’t be able to use cash in most places. 

⚠️ You may not be able to buy food, transport, or SIM cards using cash on campus. 

Workarounds: 

• Use campus Wi-Fi to contact the SU or university international team 
• Some app-based banks (like Revolut or Wise) can be used before arrival if you top up from your home account — ideal for spending without cash 
• The SU have free SIMs or can direct you to help 
• You can also ask staff about emergency vouchers if you're stuck 

✅ If possible, set up Revolut, Wise, or Monzo before travelling, and preload them with funds from your home bank. 

🏫 Step 2: Use Your University Address 

If you don’t have housing yet, you can: 

• Ask your university to list your campus or department address on your student letter 
• Use your temporary university accommodation address until you secure permanent housing 

➡️ Student Records (Falmouth University) or the University of Exeter International Team can help update your address letter. 

🏦 Step 3: Open a Student‑Friendly Bank Account 

Some high-street banks are especially popular or accessible for international students. The information below is taken from Save the Student’s guide ‘Top International Student Bank Accounts UK’.

⚠️ Important: This is not our research or our recommendation. We are sharing it for general information only. Bank offers change regularly, and what works best will depend on your personal circumstances. We strongly advise you to check the latest details directly with the bank and do your own research before making any decision.

✅ Bring your passport, eVisa share code, university letter, and UK phone number to your appointment. 

📲 Step 4: Use an App‑Based Bank (Optional Quick Start) 

These are fast to open and flexible with documents — useful while you wait for an appointment at a high-street bank: 

⚠️ Some app-based banks do not accept student loan payments — check before using them as your main account. 

Digital app-based banks like Monzo, Revolut, and Starling are increasingly used by students—though they didn’t rank among the top three student banks in the Save the Student- 'Student Banking Survey Results 2025' (which were NatWest, RBS, and Santander) in recent user surveys. Still, they’re praised for low fees and fast setup.

🏘️ Step 5: Renting Without a UK Account? 

Don’t worry — many landlords or student housing providers will accept: 

• Revolut or Wise transfers 
• Cash on arrival 
• Or payment after your UK account is open 

Be honest about your situation — landlords used to working with international students will usually understand. 

✅ Quick Checklist 

☐ Get a UK phone number (SIM card or pay-as-you-go) 
☐ Ask for your student status / bank letter 
☐ Use your campus or accommodation address 
☐ Generate a visa share code via the UK government website 
☐ Apply for a bank account (high-street or app-based) 
☐ Top up Revolut/Wise with money from home before arrival if you can 
☐ Avoid bringing only cash — we are a cashless campus 

💬 Need Help? 

Contact: 

• International Student Support link (University of Exeter)  
• Students’ Union Advice Team – advice@thesu.org.uk 
• Accommodation Office – accommodation@fxplus.ac.uk 
• Student Records (Falmouth University)– student.records@falmouth.ac.uk 

We’re here to help you settle in smoothly.