Settling in the UK, sorted
Practical guides for international students — banking, council tax, NHS, visas, housing and the bits no one explains.
Accessing mental health support as an international student
Where to get free mental health support in the UK as an international student — university counselling, NHS Talking Therapies, and crisis lines explained.
23 Sept 2026
Switching from BRP to eVisa: what international students need to do
BRPs have been replaced by digital eVisas. Here's how to create your UKVI account, link your BRP, and use share codes to prove your status.
21 Sept 2026
Living with non-students: what happens to your council tax
Full-time students are disregarded for council tax, not simply exempt. When you share with a non-student, the rules change — here's how the discount works and what you need to do.
18 Sept 2026
How to get a UK address letter for opening a bank account
Getting a UK address letter as an international student isn't complicated — but you need to know exactly what banks accept. Here's what to ask for and who to ask.
16 Sept 2026
Can you open a UK bank account before arriving?
Yes — Monzo, Starling, Revolut and Wise all let you sign up from abroad with just your passport and a selfie. High-street banks need a UK address first.
14 Sept 2026
How to avoid rental scams as a student in the UK
Rental scams target students before they even arrive in the UK. Here is how to spot fake listings, verify landlords, and protect your deposit before you hand over any money.
11 Sept 2026
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) explained
The IHS is the fee international students pay for NHS access when applying for a UK visa. Here's what it covers, what it costs, and how it works.
9 Sept 2026
Tax on part-time work as a UK student: do you owe anything?
Working part-time in the UK as a student? Here's what you owe in income tax and National Insurance — and how PAYE handles it all automatically.
7 Sept 2026
TfL student Oyster card explained
The 18+ Student Oyster photocard gives London students 30% off Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. Here's who qualifies, how to apply, and what the discount actually covers.
4 Sept 2026
How much a UK Student visa really costs
A clear breakdown of the UK Student visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, with worked totals for a one-year Master's and a three-year degree.
2 Sept 2026
16–25 vs 26–30 Railcard: which one to get as a UK student
Both railcards cost £30 a year and cut a third off National Rail fares. Find out which suits international students best, by age and course length.
31 Aug 2026
UK scholarships for international students: what exists and how to apply
UK scholarships range from fully-funded government programmes like Chevening and Commonwealth to £10,000+ university awards. Here's what exists, who qualifies, and how to apply.
28 Aug 2026
University halls vs private renting: which is right for you
Halls or private renting as an international student in the UK? A plain breakdown of costs, guarantors, bills, and contracts — with the details most guides skip.
26 Aug 2026
Monzo vs Starling vs Revolut for UK students
Monzo, Starling and Revolut compared for international students opening a first UK account — with the fees, transfers and setup that actually matter.
24 Aug 2026
The Life in the UK test: do students ever need it?
Most students on a Student or Graduate visa don't need the Life in the UK test right now. Here's who does, what it costs, and how to prepare.
21 Aug 2026
Managing money as an international student in the UK
Everything you need to know about banking, budgeting, tax, and sending money as an international student in the UK — from opening your first account to building a monthly budget.
19 Aug 2026
UK Student visa requirements: what you actually need
Everything you need to apply for a UK Student visa — CAS, maintenance funds, English tests, ATAS, TB test, and how long decisions take. Updated for 2026.
14 Aug 2026
Healthcare in the UK for international students
Everything you need to know about using the NHS as an international student: GP registration, what's free, prescriptions, mental health support and emergency care.
12 Aug 2026
How to apply for a student council tax exemption (step by step)
Full-time students are exempt from council tax in the UK, but the exemption isn't automatic — you have to apply. Here's exactly how to get your certificate and submit it to your council.
10 Aug 2026
Affordable UK universities for international students
Tuition at smaller UK universities starts around £13,000 a year — half the Russell Group rate. Here's where the real savings are and how to compare total cost, not just fees.
7 Aug 2026
Getting around the UK as a student
How to travel the UK on a student budget — rail, bus, coach, cycling and driving explained, with Railcard discounts and London Oyster tips.
5 Aug 2026
Where to live as an international student in the UK
A practical guide to university halls, private student halls, and private renting — covering costs, timing, contracts, deposits, and guarantors.
3 Aug 2026
How to apply for a UK National Insurance number as a student
Step-by-step guide to getting your NI number as an international student in the UK — what you need, how to apply online, and what to do while you wait.
31 Jul 2026
The UK post-study work visa (Graduate route) explained
Everything international students need to know about the Graduate route: who qualifies, what it costs, how long it lasts, and what changes in 2027.
29 Jul 2026
How to register with a GP as an international student
Registering with a GP in the UK is free for international students who paid the IHS — here's how to find a surgery, what documents to bring, and how the process works.
5 Jul 2026
Your first 30 days in the UK: the international student checklist
BRP collection, bank accounts, GP registration, council tax exemption and National Insurance numbers, in the order that actually works during your first month.
30 Jun 2026
Council tax student exemption in the UK: the complete guide
Full-time students don't pay council tax in the UK. Here's exactly how to claim the exemption, what proof you need from your university, and what happens when you live with non-students.
Luodi team · 26 Jun 2026
How to open a UK bank account as an international student
A step-by-step guide to opening a UK bank account as an international student — digital banks, high-street options, the documents you need, and what to do if you don't have a UK address yet.
Luodi team · 26 Jun 2026