How you're going to get your money to the UK is an important question for all international students. Having a member of your family transfer your funds to your UK bank account once it's opened is probably the safest method.
What you should bring with you
Check with your debit/credit card provider if you can use your card in the UK. Otherwise, you'll need to bring enough funds to pay your initial accommodation instalment, and buy food, and general expenses before your UK bank account is set up. This may take two to three weeks.
Other things to note...
When you apply to open an account, the bank will need to follow regulations to confirm identity and undertake credit checks.
To make the process easier you should check if your home bank has a partner in Glasgow. If they do, you should be able to open an account with them relatively easily.
If you do not wish to open an account but wish to use your home bank account using your debit card, you may be able to use this partner bank to access your home bank account without incurring heavy bank charges.
If your home bank does not have a partner bank in Glasgow, don't worry. There are lots of banks in Glasgow to choose from. You should contact several to find out which one offers you the best service and enquire if they would be able to set up your account remotely in advance of your arrival in Glasgow. Many banks will allow you to open an account online.
The nearest and most commonly used banks close to the University are:
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450 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD |
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167-201 Argyle St, Glasgow, G2 8BU 54-62 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G2 3AH |
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83 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8BJ 120 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7JS |
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2 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 3LB |
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84 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8BQ |
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52-60 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5TU |
Some students also open accounts with online banking providers listed below. Please note that some of these providers may not be able to provide paper bank statements if you require them for other official purposes.