International Students

Why should you check in with us?

We understand that as an international student, moving to another country for the first time can be quite daunting! We want to ensure that your experience with us is fun and hassle free. From the point of booking your room, to arriving at your accommodation, we will be with you every step of the way! With friendly staff, secure properties, events for you to meet your neighbors and flexible check-in times, you have nothing to worry about after your long flight to the UK! Below you should find all the information you need to set you on your way.

Booking your room - Payment Options

So you’ve paid your deposit and secured your room and now you’re considering your payment options. With Derwent Students there are two ways in which you can pay for your accommodation. Most of our international students pay their rent in full prior to their arrival in the UK. There is also the option to pay in instalments, but with this you will need to provide a guarantor (usually a UK guarantor). This is someone, such as a relative or family friend, who will agree to pay your rent if you are unable to do so.

Guarantor – Housing Hand

If you want to pay in installments but are unable to provide a UK guarantor, don’t worry! We work closely with our partner, Housing Hand. They provide a UK guarantor service for international students who are unable to provide a suitable guarantor. If you would like more information on the service they provide and their fees, please visit their website www.housinghand.co.uk or you can contact them directly on 0207 205 2625.

Before you arrive – Kit out your room!

You’ve got all your belongings to bring across with you, so the last thing you need to worry about is bedding and kitchen utensils! We partner with UniKitOut who will deliver everything you need to your room ready for when you move in. All you need to do is, log on to their website www.unikitout.com, choose your kit and place your order for delivery to your new home! Use code DERWENT10 at the checkout for a 10% discount.

Your arrival

We understand that there are time differences and that you may land in the UK outside of normal office hours, this is why we offer flexible check in times for your peace of mind. We do advise that you let us know of your arrival time so we know when to expect you!    

Other things to consider for your move to the UK

Opening a UK bank account:

There are a number of different bank accounts you can open to best suit your financial needs, but most banks will offer a student bank account. Once you have made up your mind on which is best, you will need to visit the branch of your chosen bank with some identification and proof of your UK university studies. You’ll then be able to open an account. Having a UK bank account will mean that you can avoid paying any foreign currency charges that you would have to pay if you were to use a non UK bank account.

Using your mobile phone:

Depending on where you are travelling from, your phone may work in the UK or it may not. This is something you can check with your current phone provider. If your phone does work in the UK then it is likely that you will be spending a lot of your money on international calls or texts. There are plenty of valuable smart phones in the shops today, alongside that you can get a ‘pay as you go’ SIM card so you just pay for what you use. Many mobile networks offer international bundles to help keep costs down. Alternatively, all of our student accommodation properties offer fast, reliable WIFI so you can Skype or Facetime your loved ones back home and keep in touch via social media.

Travelling in the UK:

We know that you are here to study, but you also have to find time to enjoy yourself and explore your new home. As a student, you will find travelling around the UK by public transport can be pretty easy and also cheap. If you are aged between 16-25 or a full time student you can buy a’16-25 Railcard’ which costs £30 for the year and gets you 1/3 off your rail travel. If you prefer to travel by coach you can also get a ‘Young Persons Coachcard’ with National Express which will also save you 1/3 off your coach travel, this will only cost you £10 for the year. Many of the big cities offer local travel cards that give you unlimited travel around the city on trams and buses.