Emergency Numbers

Police: dial 999 from any phone and request the Police.

Fire: dial 999 from any phone and request the Fire Brigade.

Medical emergency: dial 999 from any phone and request an ambulance.

All of the above can also be accessed by dialling the European SOS number, 112.

Healthcare Services

For a list of doctors, dentists and healthcare services like pharmacies in your local area go to www.nhs.uk or ask us for a booklet (available in different languages). Overseas students should be able to register as a temporary resident at most surgeries providing they live in the surgery’s local catchment area, but may have to pay for any treatment. There are also plenty of walk-in clinics. For online medical help or to find your nearest walk-in centre call the 24hr helpline on 0845 4647 or go to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. In a medical emergency call 999.

Opening A Bank Account

Overseas students may find it difficult initially to open a bank account, so make sure you have some form of credit or international debit card. Some banks, like HSBC, offer dedicated accounts for overseas visitors – usually at a cost of around £5 a month. As deals change so often, it’s best to visit each bank in person when you arrive. The four main UK banks are Barclays www.barclays.co.uk, Lloyds TSB www.lloydstsb.com, HSBC www.hsbc.co.uk and Nat West www.natwest.com.

Legal Advice

The best source of advice if you have a legal or financial problem is the Citizens Advice Bureaux. Advice is free of charge, and offered face-to-face, online and over the telephone. Go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk for more details.
If you have a problem relating to your accommodation, or just want to know your legal rights as a tenant, the website www.shelter.org.uk/knowyourrights is an excellent source of information.