Preparing for university

student packing

Packing for university: a guide for international students

What do you need to pack for university? What items should you take to university? You’ve applied to universities, you’ve accepted your place and now the time has come to move to your new home for the next few years. But what should you bring with you?

Student packing for university

You've got into university - what next? Tips on the next steps

As you head off to university, use this helpful guide to make sure you are prepared and ready for the new school year 

NHS sign on a building

A guide to the NHS for international students in the UK

Are international students eligible to use the NHS? Is the NHS free for international students? Your guide to using the NHS as an international student in the UK

September 3 2025

Student on phone

Student resource: an app to help students settle into university

Happy Student is an app designed to help students settle into all aspects of university life 

Big Ben

A must-do checklist for students coming to the UK for university

If you are coming to the UK to study, then these are all the essential steps you need to take to ensure you have a smooth arrival 

September 17 2024

safety, safe

What insurance do international students need?

If you’re planning to study in the US, UK, Australia or Canada, insurance to cover the costs of healthcare, travel, your belongings or vehicles may be required

February 23 2023

Smiling indian woman holding reading paper letter sit at table

What documents do I need to study abroad?

There is a lot of paperwork and many documents to keep track of when it comes to studying abroad so here’s a handy list to keep track of everything 

February 21 2023

Health insurance for international students in the US

The US is a popular choice for international students, but understanding health insurance can be tricky. Here, we explain how the healthcare system works and why international students need a healthcare plan while studying in the US 

December 9 2022

Medicare sign Australia healthcare

A guide to Medicare for international students in Australia

Are international students eligible to use Medicare? Is Medicare free for international students? Your guide to using Medicare as an international student in Australia

November 30 2022

stethoscope lying on a Canadian flag, red-white-red stripes with a red maple leaf

A guide to health insurance for international students in Canada

Are you going to study in Canada? Here we explain how the healthcare system works and why international students need health insurance while studying in Canada

November 28 2022

university tour london

What can I expect during my first week of university?

“Freshers week” in the UK, “Orientation” in the US, “O’week” in Australia and “Frosh week” in Canada. There are many ways to describe the first week of university, but what happens in each country? 

Indian students

Frequently asked questions for Indian students studying in the UK

How easy is to study in the UK as an Indian student? How do I apply for a visa? Can I find good Indian food in the UK? This guide answers all the questions Indians ask about studying in the UK

February 10 2022

Handing over the car keys

Getting a driving licence as an international student: what are the rules for the UK, US, Australia and Canada?

Do I need to take a driving test when I study abroad? Can I transfer my driving licence from home? What is an international driving permit? Your guide to driving licences as an international student

September 14 2023

A group of university students studying in a library

Five things you hadn’t thought to prepare for as an international student

Before becoming an international higher education expert and author, Dr Rajika Bhandari left India at the age of 21 to study abroad in the US. Here are her top five things to consider when moving abroad as an international student

October 21 2021

Young woman cooking in her kitchen

Five practical skills all international students should have before starting university

You’ve got the grades but what about practical skills? Here’s five essential things you should know how to do before leaving for university

September 7 2021

Woman sitting in airport with mask on

Covid-19 travel updates for international students for the UK, the US, Canada and Australia

What are the current travel restrictions for international students? Here are live updates for key study-abroad destinations

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January 20 2022

Packing up boxes

Ultimate guide to moving to university

Now you have secured your place at university, the next big task is to decide what you do and don't need to pack

Packing for university

Packing for university: items you do and do not need

Six things you should bring to university... and seven things you probably shouldn't

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