10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Moving to the UK as an International Student

1. Register with a GP in Your First Week

The NHS is free at the point of use for international students with a valid Student visa (you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application, which covers this). But you need to register with a GP (General Practitioner — a family doctor) before you can access most NHS services.

Do this in your first week. Find the nearest GP surgery to your accommodation, bring your passport and proof of address, and register. It takes 15 minutes and means that if you get ill, you have a doctor you can see.

2. You're Exempt from Council Tax

Full-time students in the UK are exempt from council tax. If you're living in private accommodation (not university halls), you need to apply for this exemption — it doesn't happen automatically. Contact your local council with proof of your student status. Failure to do this can result in significant unexpected bills.

3. Open a UK Bank Account Immediately

You'll need a UK bank account for your maintenance loan (if applicable), for paying rent, and for everyday spending. Monzo and Starling are the easiest to open as an international student — they're app-based, require no UK credit history, and can be opened within 24 hours. Traditional high street banks are significantly harder to open accounts with as a new arrival.

4. The Weather Is Not a Joke

I had been warned about British weather. I did not take the warnings seriously enough. Coventry in October is genuinely cold and grey in a way that Lagos never is. Invest in a proper winter coat, waterproof shoes, and layers. Your mental health will thank you.

5. Cooking at Home Will Save You Significant Money

Eating out in the UK is expensive relative to Nigeria. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs £12-18. A week of home-cooked meals costs roughly the same. Learning to cook a repertoire of simple, nutritious meals is one of the most valuable things you can do in your first semester — both financially and for your health.

6. The Academic Culture Requires Active Participation

British academic culture expects students to engage critically — to ask questions, challenge ideas, and form independent opinions. This is different from many educational systems where deference to authority is the norm. Embrace it. Your lecturers want to hear your thinking.

7. Homesickness Is Normal and It Passes

Almost every international student experiences significant homesickness in the first few months. It's normal, it's not a sign that you've made a mistake, and it does pass. The things that help: staying connected with family and friends at home (but not so connected that you avoid building a life here), building routines, and finding community.

8. Your University Has More Support Than You Think

UK universities have extensive student support services: counselling, financial hardship funds, disability support, academic skills support, and international student advisors. Many students don't access these because they don't know they exist or feel they shouldn't need them. You should know they exist. You may need them.

9. Public Transport Is Your Friend

Coventry has good bus connections, and a National Express coach from Coventry to London Victoria takes about 2 hours and costs £5-15 if booked in advance. A 16-25 Railcard (£30/year) gives you 1/3 off train fares. Learn the transport options early — they significantly expand what's accessible to you.

10. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

The adjustment to a new country, a new educational system, and a new way of life takes time — typically six months to a year before things feel genuinely comfortable. Don't judge your experience by the first few weeks. The students who thrive are the ones who commit to the adjustment rather than waiting for it to happen to them.