Opening a UK bank account

Opening a bank account in the UK

Contact your bank in your home country as it may have agreements with a UK bank, which may help you to open an account more swiftly when you arrive. If possible, bring bank statements for the last three months from your home country, and this will help with setting up your new account.

It is important to remember that opening a student bank account in the UK can take up to six weeks. So bring some UK currency with you to see you through this time. We suggest that you:

• bring travellers’ cheques in pounds sterling
• and/or pay extra money into your home bank account and withdraw cash as you need it from an ATM machine (often called a “cashpoint” or “cash machine” in the UK).
• You could also use your credit card in the UK during this period (be aware that you will be charged for this service). Debit and credit cards can be used for payment in the majority of shops and therefore can provide a useful safety net.

For detailed information on opening a bank account in the UK, visit the UK CISA’s website:

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/bank_account.php

There are a number of banks and building societies that try to attract students. Take the time to visit a few (many students find that the banks in the Putney area are the most convenient) or check various bank websites to get information on opening a basic student account before deciding which one is best for you. Well-known national banks and building societies that have branches in the local area include: Barclays, Lloyds TSB, HSBC, Nationwide and Halifax.

Documents needed

To open a bank account in the UK you will need to show the bank the following documents along with the bank’s application form (which you can get from the bank or from its website):

• passport
• the original copy of your offer letter from the University of Roehampton confirming your admission that was sent to your home address in your own country
• a letter from the University that confirms you have registered for the programme (available from Registry)
• proof of your term-time address in the UK (this is either a letter from the College if staying on campus or a letter from your landlord if you are in private accommodation)
• if possible, recent bank statements from your country (at least for the last three months) with your full name and home address on them.