Welcome to London!
Tips for International Students Starting Life at Goldsmiths
Starting your university journey in a new country is a big adventure - exciting, overwhelming, and full of possibilities. From navigating transport to building your community, here are some essential tips to help you settle in and make the most of your new life.
Must-Have Apps for Life in London
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Citymapper: Your best friend for navigating public transport. It gives live updates on delays, platform changes, and route suggestions for buses, tubes, trains, and walking.
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Trainline: Book trains across the UK.
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Student Beans & UNiDAYS: Create an account using your Goldsmiths email to unlock student discounts on fashion, food, tech, and more - both online and in store.
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Too Good To Go & Olio: Grab leftover food and groceries from cafes and restaurants at discounted prices. Great for saving money and reducing waste.
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Monzo/Revolut/Starling: These banking apps also double as budget tools, helping you track spending, set goals, and manage money in real time - ideal when you're adjusting to a new currency.
Get a UK SIM Card
As soon as you arrive, sort out a UK number - it’ll make your life easier for everything from opening a bank account to applying for jobs and registering at uni. Providers like Giffgaff, Voxi, and Lebara are affordable and offer flexible plans, often with international minutes and roaming perks.
Open a UK Bank Account
You’ll need one to receive wages, pay rent, and set up direct debits.
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Traditional banks: HSBC, NatWest, Lloyds (might take longer to set up, but are widely accepted)
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Digital banks: Monzo, Starling, Revolut (quick sign-up via app, student-friendly features, no branch needed)
Register with a GP
Don’t wait until you’re unwell. Register with a local GP practice near your accommodation as soon as you settle in.
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You're eligible for free NHS healthcare as an international student.
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You’ll need ID and proof of address.
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Female students can access free contraception and everyone can access sexual health services.
You can find your nearest GP on the NHS website.
It’s also worth thinking about dental care. NHS dentists are unfortunately hard to come by in the UK at the moment, so you may need to shop around. Many private dentists offer membership schemes or payment plans to help spread out the cost, which can make it more affordable as a student.
Transport Tips
Get a 16-25 Railcard and Link to Your Oyster Card
If you’re aged 16-25 (or a full-time student of any age), apply for a 16-25 Railcard. It saves you 1/3 on train fares across the UK, and if you link it to your London Oyster card, you'll also get cheaper off-peak travel on the Tube and Overground.
Link the cards by visiting a staffed Tube station with both cards, or via the TfL website. This is a game changer! London transport costs add up fast.
Safety Tip: Watch Your Phone!
Unfortunately, phone theft is on the rise in London, particularly near transport hubs.
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Avoid using your phone right outside the station and while walking on busy streets.
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Step aside near a shop if you need to check directions.
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Be discreet when entering passwords in public.
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Enable Face ID or Touch ID.
This isn’t to scare you - just stay aware and smart :)
Navigating Supermarkets
You’ll find corner shops and supermarkets everywhere, but here’s a general price guide:
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Budget: Lidl, Aldi
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Affordable: Tesco, Asda, Morrisons
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Mid-range: Sainsbury’s, Co-op
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Premium: Waitrose, Marks and Spencer
Most supermarkets offer free loyalty cards (like Tesco Clubcard or Nectar at Sainsbury’s). The loyalty cards give discounts and let you earn points with every shop.
Opening Hours
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Large supermarkets: Usually open 7am-11pm (Monday to Saturday), 10am-4pm (Sunday)
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Corner shops and off-licences typically open later and on public holidays.
Tip: Lidl and Aldi are great for bulk basics - perfect way to stock up on pantry basics such as spices and carbohydrates.
Living abroad will challenge you in the best way. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support - Goldsmiths Students’ Union is here for you.