Moving to Belfast: An International Student’s Arrival Checklist

Arriving in a new country is exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. This checklist covers what most international students wish they had sorted earlier.

Before you fly

• Passport, visa or share code, and your university offer letter — keep digital and paper copies.
• Accommodation confirmation from your provider, with the address and check-in instructions.
• Guarantor documents if your provider requires them — requirements differ by provider, and we explain what applies to your chosen room.
• A small amount of cash in pounds for the first days.
• Any prescription medicines with the prescription itself.

Your first week in Belfast

1. Get a UK SIM or eSIM so you have data from day one.
2. Open a student bank account — bring your passport, proof of study and proof of address (your accommodation confirmation usually works).
3. Register with a GP (doctor) near your accommodation — do not wait until you are ill.
4. Collect your student card and set up your university accounts.
5. Learn your bus routes — Translink's Metro and Glider services cover the city, and student fare options are available.

What to pack vs buy here

Bring documents, medicines, chargers with UK adapters and one warm waterproof layer. Buy bedding, kitchen bits and umbrellas after you arrive — they are cheap locally and save luggage space. Many purpose-built student buildings also let you order a bedding or kitchen pack before arrival.

Weather honesty

Belfast winters are mild but wet and dark by late afternoon. A proper waterproof coat beats an umbrella on windy days — locals will tell you the same.

Settling in

Homesickness in the first weeks is normal. Say yes to society taster sessions, keep your family updated with a weekly call, and remember our team is on WhatsApp if anything about your accommodation is confusing — support does not stop when you get your keys. That is the "arrival" part of how our service works.