Landing in the UK for university can feel overwhelming — you’re navigating unfamiliar streets with your luggage, trying to find your new accommodation, getting connected to mobile data, and figuring out where to buy your first meal, all after a long-haul flight and little rest. These first 24 hours can seem chaotic, but they are also your opportunity to take control and get set up smoothly. Knowing what to expect and having a plan helps ease the stress, so you can hit the ground running and feel more confident as you start this exciting new chapter of your student journey.
But don't worry. This guide gives you the essentials for your first day in the UK:
How to move into your student accommodation smoothly
Which UK SIM cards offer the best value
How to use public transport with confidence
Where to shop for groceries without blowing your budget
Whether you're flying into Heathrow, Manchester, or Birmingham, this article will walk you through everything, clearly and step by step.
What to Expect in Your First 24 Hours
Most international students feel disoriented on arrival — unfamiliar transport systems, no internet, and nowhere to buy food.
We’ll break it down into 4 essential categories:
Housing – Moving into your UK accommodation
SIM Cards – Getting connected to a UK network
Public Transport – Navigating cities and intercity travel
Groceries – Budget-friendly shopping for your first meals
1. Moving Into Your Student Accommodation
A. Confirm Your Move-In Details Before You Travel
Reach out to your landlord or student housing provider before your departure. Most check-ins happen between 2 PM and 6 PM, so it’s important to coordinate your arrival. If you're arriving outside of these hours, ask for self-check-in instructions or key pickup details in advance.
B. Getting from the Airport to Your New Home
Here are the common travel times to major student hubs from UK airports:
Heathrow to Central London: 45 minutes via Underground or Heathrow Express
Gatwick to Brighton: 30 minutes by train
Manchester Airport to Leeds or Sheffield: 1 to 1.5 hours by train or coach
Birmingham Airport to Birmingham city: 10 to 15 minutes by train
Book in advance with providers like Trainline or National Express to save on tickets.
C. What You’ll Need at Check-In
Your passport and student visa
Confirmation of your accommodation booking
Any move-in instructions sent by your housing provider
A charged phone or power bank
Emergency contact info in the UK
2. Getting a UK SIM Card on Arrival
One of the first things you’ll need is a working phone number and internet access — to navigate, contact your accommodation, and reassure family that you’ve arrived safely.
Best SIM Cards for International Students (2025)
VOXI: From £10 per month, includes unlimited social apps
Three: From £10 per month, includes international calling bundles
Most international students prefer SIM-only deals for their flexibility (Source: Ofcom, 2024).
How to Activate Your UK SIM Card:
Insert the SIM into your phone
Follow SMS setup instructions or use the provider’s app
Top up with a debit/credit card or voucher
Enable mobile data
Order a free SIM for your UK address before you arrive — some providers allow pre-activation so you’re connected the moment you land.
3. How to Use Public Transport in the UK
Avoid paying high taxi fares — the UK has reliable, student-friendly public transport.
A. National and Local Transport Options
Trains: Providers like Avanti and Northern Rail offer student discounts with a 16–25 Railcard
Buses: Companies like Stagecoach and FirstBus offer local discounts for students
Coaches: Use National Express for budget-friendly intercity travel
Underground: Available in London via Transport for London with student Oyster discounts
Get a 16–25 Railcard to save 30% on most UK train fares. It costs just £30 per year and often pays for itself in 2–3 trips.
B. Download These Transit Apps Immediately:
Citymapper – navigation for major UK cities
Trainline – buy and manage train tickets
Local bus apps – check timetables, live arrivals, and top-up cards
4. Grocery Shopping Tips to Save Money
After moving in, you’ll likely need basic food and supplies. The good news? The UK has excellent options for budget grocery shopping.
Top Grocery Stores for Students
Aldi: Great for affordable food staples
Lidl: Known for fresh produce at low prices
Tesco: Offers discounts through the Clubcard app
The average UK student spends around £35 per week on groceries (UK student finance reports, 2024).
Budget Hacks for Grocery Shopping
Download supermarket apps for loyalty discounts
Shop late in the evening (after 7 PM) for reduced items
Buy store-brand goods to save up to 40%
Split shopping with flatmates and cook meals together
Step-by-Step Checklist: What to Do in Your First 24 Hours
Before Departure:
Confirm your UK accommodation address and check-in time
Arrange or pre-order a UK SIM card
Download UK transport and grocery apps
Upon Arrival:
Go through the UK Border Force (keep your BRP letter and passport handy)
Collect luggage and find your booked transit option
Arrive at and check into your accommodation
Activate your UK SIM card
Visit a local shop to grab food and supplies
Rest — you’ve had a long journey and a big day ahead
Final Thoughts: You’re Off to a Strong Start
Your first 24 hours in the UK set the tone for your new student life — and once you’ve activated your UK SIM card, figured out public transport, moved into your accommodation, and stocked your fridge, you’re already ahead of the curve. This initial day is about creating a smooth foundation so you can focus on what matters: settling into university life, exploring your new city, and building friendships. Don’t let housing worries slow you down — with StudentTenant.com, you can secure affordable, student-friendly accommodation in top cities across the UK, all backed by 24/7 support and peace of mind.