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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:
- your passport
- your original unconditional offer letter from the university
- evidence of your home address, such as a bank statement (preferably in English)
- evidence of your Edinburgh address
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.
Edinburgh EH8 9JU
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.
This article was published on Jul 29, 2009