Exchange Student Tips (less than 6 months)

Tips 1-2

Enrolling on your Course

As a new student, you need to complete the process of online enrolment before starting your course at the College. Online enrolment opens on My Imperial portal 30 days before the start date of your course.

Please note that all students except UK and Irish nationals are subject to immigration control in the UK. This means you will need to satisfy the right to study checks by uploading a copy of your current passport and proof of your right to study in the UK, before you are cleared to enrol online.

How to Complete Online Enrolment

Travel/Health Insurance

The National Health Service (NHS) operates a residence-based healthcare system. This means visitors to England may have to pay for NHS healthcare, depending on their circumstances.

The government always advises visitors to the UK to take out travel or health insurance. This means that you can reclaim any healthcare costs you are required to pay from your insurer.
Check your insurance has the necessary healthcare coverage to make sure you can get the treatment you need during your visit.

How to Access Healthcare in the UK as a Visitor

tips 5-6

English Language Support

The Centre for Academic English provides an extensive range of courses and workshops to develop the academic STEMM communication competence of all Imperial academics, researchers and students. All visiting (non-degree) students can access The Centre for Academic English free-of-charge.

Find out more about the Centre for Academic English

Right to Rent

All students entering a new tenancy agreement or extending their existing tenancy agreement for private accommodation will have their ‘right to rent’ checked by the landlord or letting agent before they can move in to a property. Find out what this means for you by reading our Right to Rent guidance.

Find out more about Right to Rent

Tips 3-4

Bank Account Considerations

If you are on a programme of 6 months or less, you may not be able to open a bank account with most high street banks. Please check if you are eligible to open a digital bank account as they are more flexible.

To cover initial expenses, you can use pre-paid cash cards or open an account with non-bank payment providers like Wise* or PayPal *. These digital accounts can be used to pay for goods and services in the UK and you can pay into them from international bank accounts.

* We do not recommend any specific banks. It is up to you to decide which bank you would use.

Visit the Money Advice Service for more information

Orientation Guide

Find out more practical information about being a visiting exchange student at Imperial College London with our orientation guide.

Access Orientation Guide