Your first week

There are some things you need to do when you arrive in York.

Within 90 days of arriving in the UK, you must collect your BRP from the Post Office in WHSmith on Coney Street in York city centre. Your visa letter will tell you from which date you can collect your BRP. 

You'll need your passport and visa letter, as well as details of your accommodation address in York. 

You must report any problems in collecting your BRP.

We hold Student visa registration events at the beginning of each academic year. You need to book a slot to attend the event and full details can be found on the Student visa holders registration event web page.

Please bring all documentation with you to the event:

  • Passport.
  • Vignette (travel visa) - found inside your passport and date stamped when you entered the UK. If you have a digital visa you will not have one of these.
  • Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) or if you have a digital visa you will need to bring a valid share code with you.
  • Original academic qualification that is stated on your CAS.

What next?

  • Make a copy of the personal details page of your passport, the page with your temporary travel visa/entry stamp, and both sides of your BRP card. Keep these copies in a safe place and remember to make a new copy if you renew your visa.
  • Make a note of when your visa expires so that if you need to renew it (for instance, if you extend your course) you can do this in good time. You should begin renewing your visa at least eight weeks before the expiry date. See information about renewing your visa in our international student support pages.
  • As a Student Visa holder it is important that you are aware of your legal responsibilities.
  • See our information about Living in York in our international student support pages for further helpful advice. 

See Student Visa holders information

Open a UK bank account

There are a number of different banks and building societies in the UK offering banking facilities to international students.

Find out more about opening a UK bank account

Register with a doctor

See healthcare for international students to check what you're entitled to in the UK.

You should register with a doctor in York - find out how on our healthcare pages.