You’ve done the hard part. Visa? Flights? Accommodation? All sorted and paid. But that's not the end to what’s waiting for your wallet. Tucked behind the obvious costs are a few smaller ones worth knowing about.
You’ve done the hard part. Visa? Flights? Accommodation? All sorted and paid. But that's not the end to what’s waiting for your wallet. Tucked behind the obvious costs are a few smaller ones worth knowing about. I like to call these friction costs. Small, unavoidable fees that come with living in a new country. It’s not exactly front-page information – but here’s everything you need to know, so nothing catches you out later.
Your first purchase
A UK phone number is a non-negotiable – so, get yourself a sim card. You will find them at pretty much any supermarket or corner shop (I got mine for a pound). Have a browse through the providers and pick one that fits your budget and requirements. Take a pay-as-you-go plan or subscribe to a monthly package – the choice is yours!
A TV Licence
Gear up for a cultural shock! Watching television requires a licence. That’s right! If you want to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, get yourself a TV licence which costs £180 a year. Breaching this rule could lead to a fine – so, this is something you don’t want to leave to chance.
Council Tax Exemption
Starting university can feel like your first real step into adulthood – bills, admin, the whole deal. Lucky for us, students, Council Tax isn’t on our to-pay lists yet. Simply apply for an exemption using a student certificate (which is provided by the University) and send it over to the council yourself. If you are in halls or student accommodation, they will have you covered – but it’s always worth double-checking.
Additional Pharmacy Costs
Remember paying for the Immigration Health Surcharge during your visa application? That gets you NHS access like a UK resident. However, it does not buy you your prescriptions! In England, any medication on your prescription costs £9.90 flat. If you are regularly at the pharmacy, I would suggest a prepayment certificate which costs about £32 for three months – this will save you a lot. A personal tip: add a month’s worth of medication to your packing checklist – it helps with any initial sickness while you are still figuring out how the NHS works.
Buy a railcard
Here’s my favourite expense: a railcard! A 16-25 railcard costs £35 a year and gets you a third off train fares. Some student discount apps also offer a discount on railcards so it’s well worth checking before you buy. Train travel in the UK can get expensive and with a railcard, exploring becomes a lot more affordable – I went to London for just £9. Buy it in week one and never think about it again!
If bus travel is your choice of commute, it’s worth checking out the West Midlands Travel website. Their student discount offers a 20% discount on tickets, so exploring Birmingham becomes a lot cheaper.
That's some of your key costs!
None of these costs will break the bank, but it’s always good to know what’s coming! There might be other expenses that might come your way – a plug adapter, a bike lock, extension cables. If you ever find yourself struggling to manage or understand these costs, don’t be afraid to reach out to the Guild – Guild Advice can support you with sorting and managing your finances. Welcome aboard on this new journey!
Written by Support Assistant, Aishwarya Gowri Shanka.