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Banking

You may find it helpful to open a UK bank account to help you manage your money.

International banks?

If you are an international or EU student, you will not normally be allowed to open a bank account until you arrive in the UK, although you should check with international banks in your home country.

It may be possible to arrange an account before you leave home, and access it from the UK. (Check out HSBC or Barclays).

Why open a UK bank account?

Having a UK account may be useful for paying bills (and is necessary for paying bills by instalments, e.g. tuition fees).

Sometimes it is simpler to use your home bank, withdrawing money as necessary and working with a credit card for major purchases.

Opening an account may take a few weeks and several visits to the bank.

Can I open a UK account?

If you are studying at the university for more than a semester, you should be eligible to open a basic account which allows paying in and withdrawing cash, but you are unlikely to receive overdraft or credit card services.

It is up to you to research different banks and decide which suits you best.

You will need the following paperwork:

If you are in University Accommodation after you have checked in, you will be able to download a formal letter providing proof of your address in Edinburgh.

For private accommodation, you should use your tenancy agreement or a utility bill or, if you do not have any proof of your address, the International Office can provide you with a letter.

You can request a letter online.

The International Office
The University of Edinburgh 57 George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9JU
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 4296
Fax: +44 (0)131 651 1236
Email:

Which bank to choose?

There are a large number of banks with offices in and around Edinburgh and you can select any bank that you wish.

The University of Edinburgh has negotiated for its 'standard' letter of introduction to be accepted by the following banks only.

Banks near the University

There are a large number of banks with offices in and around Edinburgh and you can select any bank that you wish.

The University of Edinburgh has negotiated for its standard letter of introduction to be accepted by the following banks.

Abbey
University Branch, Potterrow, 5/2 Bristo Square Edinburgh EH8 9AL
Abbey
82 Newington Road, Edinburgh EH9 1QN
Abbey
31 Hannover Street Edinburgh EH2 2EB
Web: www.abbey.com
Bank of Scotland (part of Lloyds Banking Group)
University Student Centre 4 Bristo Square Edinburgh EH8 9AL
Bank of Scotland (part of the Lloyds Banking Group)
32a Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1JB
Barclays
1 St Andrews Square Edinburgh EH2 2BD
Tel: +44 (0)845 755 5555
HSBC
118 Princes Street Edinburgh EH4 4AA
Tel: +44 (0)845 604 0626
Lloyds TSB
9-11 Clerk Street Edinburgh EH8 9JH
Tel: +44 (0)845 303 0109
Natwest Bank
13 Bristo Square Edinburgh EH8 9AJ
Tel: +44 (0)845 366 1965
Royal Bank of Scotland
57/61 Forrest Road Edinburgh EH1 2QP
Tel: +44 (0)131 226 6061
Royal Bank of Scotland
30 Nicolson Street Edinburgh EH8 9DL
Tel: +44 (0)131 668 3351

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