Living in the UK as an international student
Updated on: 17 April 2026
Learn more about aspects of life in the UK like the cost of living, bank accounts, transport, phones, internet, nurseries, schools, and getting access to healthcare.
Before you move to the UK to study at the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, it’s important to consider:
- how much money you will need to live in the UK
- how to access your money during your studies
- how to register with a doctor and access a dentist
- how to use your phone in the UK
- how to connect to the internet at the University
- how to travel to and around the University.
Tuition and accommodation
See the University’s:
You can also choose to arrange private accommodation.
Cost of living
The can help you calculate how much money you will need to live in the UK. The amount that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) require students to have is not a true reflection of what it costs to live in the UK. The UKVI expect students to be able to fund their entire stay in the UK.
Please be aware that students are required to live within commutable distance to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø for the full duration of their course, except: weekends, official vacation periods, or any year studied abroad as part of a University study abroad programme.
The University and the Students’ Association also provide cost of living information and practical support.
Health and medication
You should register with a doctor and a dentist when you arrive in Scotland.
Students who are coming to study full time on a registered course can access the National Health Service (NHS).
If you take prescription medication, you should bring three months of medications with you.
If you need to access a dentist there may be additional costs.
Bank accounts
Most banks will provide international students with a basic bank account when they are in the UK.
Find out how to open a UK bank account.
Phone and internet
You’ll need a UK SIM card to:
- connect your mobile phone to a UK network
- access the NHS.
You can buy a phone and a SIM card in shops in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
The University provides a free wi-fi network called Eduroam. Find out more about internet access in University buildings.
Students living in private accommodation will need to make their own arrangements to get access to the internet outside the University.
Transport
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is a small town and most places are within walking distance.
Young people aged 5 to 21 living in Scotland can get free bus travel across Scotland by applying for a .
Anyone with a University email address can get the University bus travel discount on selected weekly and monthly tickets to travel in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, North East Fife and East Scotland.
To travel to and from the University Main Library, you can use the University’s free night bus.
Find out more about travelling using trains, buses, or a bicycle.
If you would like to drive in the UK, .
Nurseries and schools
If you are a student and a parent, you should know which area you plan to live in as your is responsible for providing school education in your residential area. For information on school enrolments and placing requests, you can contact your local council and the school you wish your children to attend.
In Scotland, every child has a right to a free place in a school regardless of their immigration status.
Read more on nurseries, schools, and University support for students with parental responsibilities.
Links to external sites and information
The University is not liable for external web content and may not be aware when this content is changed or removed.