Settling in

Moving to a new country as an international student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between adjusting to a new culture, figuring out where to buy groceries, and getting used to university life, a lot is going on! But don’t worry - Coventry is packed with students, and has everything you need to settle in and feel at home.

Here’s a guide to help you around!

Finding your way

First things first - let’s help you get orientated with Coventry. The city centre is quite small, so most places are within walking or cycling distance. If you’re adventuring further out, Coventry has a good bus network, with single journeys costing just £2.

Must-have apps:

- Google Maps for navigating

- Trainline for booking train tickets

- Wayfinder for everything university-related. It’s got a campus map, contact info, student letters, and basically everything you’ll need to guide you through uni!

Setting up a Bank account

Once you’ve settled in, you’ll need a UK bank account to manage rent, part-time job pays, or transfers from home.

Popular student-friendly banks include:

- Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays

You’ll need your passport, student visa, proof of address, and a student status letter. If you prefer something more digital (and quick to set up), try Monzo or Revolut - these have no hidden fees, which is great for international payments.

Finding groceries and essentials on a budget

Settling in means knowing where to get groceries without breaking the bank. Coventry has plenty of affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Coventry Market. For more detailed tips and a complete guide to grocery shopping on a student budget, check out my other blog post: "Saving on Groceries".

SIM cards and Internet

Staying in touch with family and friends back home is important, so getting a UK SIM card is one of the first things you should do. Popular options include EE, Giffgaff, and Vodafone - all offer student-friendly plans.

You can grab a SIM card from most phone stores or order online.

Pro tip: during freshers week you might get a free SIM at the welcome fairs!

Registering with a GP (General practitioner)

Healthcare is free if you’ve paid the immigration health surcharge, so make sure to register with a local GP as soon as you settle. 

You can find your nearest GP by visiting the NHS website and searching with your postcode. It’s good to register early just in case. If you live near campus, Coventry University even has its own GP service in the Hub!

For smaller issues like colds or minor injuries, pharmacies around Coventry can help with over-the-counter meds.

Navigating University Life

University life in a new country can feel intimidating, but Coventry University is super supportive of its students. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

- Student Union (CUSU): This is where you can join societies. CUSU has clubs for just about every interest you can think of, from gaming to sports and cultural groups.

- Reslife events: If you’re staying in university accommodations, look out for Reslife events. These are set of activities and events ranging from movie nights to cooking classes to help you meet people in your halls. You can find these events on our instagram page or the Browzer!

- Student Centre Office: They can help with things like visas, academic advice, or settling into life in the UK. Don’t forget to go and do your Right to Study Check (RTS) as soon as you get to the UK, so you can enroll to your course.

Exploring Coventry

Life isn’t all about studying! Coventry has plenty to offer when you need a break. For starters:

- Coventry Cathedral: A must-see historic site.

- War Memorial Park: Great for chilling out with friends.

- Herbert Art Gallery: great for fascinating exhibitions.

Pro Tip: Try some classic British experiences—grab a Sunday roast at a local pub (whetherspoons recommended!) or have an afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches. It’s a fun way to embrace British culture!

Coventry is also perfectly located for weekend getaways. You can easily visit Birmingham, Warwick, or hop on a train to London.

Lastly...

Moving to a new country is a big step, but we will try our best to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s homesickness, adjusting to academics, or anything else, the university offers loads of support, from mental health services to academic help.

With a welcoming student community, it won’t take long before Coventry becomes your second home. Remember to get involved, ask for help when needed, and make some amazing memories!