Living in the UK

The UK uses pounds (£) and pence (p). You'll soon become familiar with coins including 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2, as well as £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. You may also hear informal terms such as penny, quid, fiver and tenner. While £50 notes are legal currency, some smaller shops may not accept them. 

Opening a UK bank account makes it easier to manage your money while you're studying. If your course lasts six months or more, you should be able to open an account.

Before choosing a bank, compare what different providers offer and check whether any fees apply. You must be fully registered before requesting a bank letter from the university. You can request this through AskHerts, and the letter will be emailed to you.

When applying, you may be asked to provide your bank letter and passport. Popular banks in Hatfield include HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander. Digital banks such as Monzo and Starling are also popular with students. 

Creating a budget is one of the best ways to manage your money and avoid unexpected costs while studying in the UK. Living costs can vary depending on your lifestyle and personal circumstances, so it's important to plan for your own needs. If you're bringing dependants with you, remember to research childcare costs in advance. You can find current prices for the on-campus Day Nursery online.

Take a look at our cost of living guidance and budgeting tips.

Make sure you're aware of the payment deadlines for any remaining tuition fees and that your funds reach the university by the relevant liability date. Students must pay at least 50% of their tuition fees before face-to-face registration. Missing payment deadlines could affect your access to learning materials and may result in withdrawal from your course.

Please note that the University does not accept cash payments for tuition fees or accommodation. Visit our fees and funding page for information about accepted payment methods.

If you're studying in the UK for less than six months, opening a UK bank account may be more difficult, as some banks require students to be enrolled on a course lasting longer than six months. If this applies to you, you may prefer to use a bank account from your home country, bring travellers' cheques, or arrange a prepaid Mastercard before you travel. Choosing the option that works best for you before you arrive can make managing your money much easier. 

People across the UK speak with a wide range of accents, dialects and expressions, and some may sound very different from what you're used to. Even native English speakers can find certain regional accents difficult to understand at first.

If you don't catch something, don't be afraid to ask someone to repeat themselves or explain what they mean. Most people will be happy to help.

The UK is a diverse and inclusive country, and you may come across people with different backgrounds, beliefs and lifestyles to those you're familiar with. Being open-minded and respectful of others helps everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

You may notice differences in social customs, public displays of affection, clothing choices and attitudes towards relationships. Respecting personal space, treating others with courtesy and being considerate of those around you are all important parts of everyday life in the UK.

It's also important to be aware that littering, spitting in public places, smoking in indoor public spaces, unlawful harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated and may result in fines or other action.

In order to support our community and keep everyone safe, it is mandatory that all staff and students are educated on sexual harassment and misconduct, part of condition E6.

If you're living off campus, being a considerate neighbour helps create a positive environment for everyone. Your neighbours may include families, students, working professionals and people who work different hours, so it's important to be mindful of noise, especially during the evening and overnight.

Keep the area around your home clean and tidy, dispose of rubbish correctly and check local bin collection dates. If you're planning a gathering, speak to your neighbours beforehand, provide a contact number and make sure you're familiar with the terms of your tenancy agreement.

Avoid promoting house parties publicly on social media. If unwanted guests arrive or a situation gets out of control, you can contact the police on 101 for non-emergency assistance.

The laws and regulations in the UK may be different from those in your home country, so it's important to familiarise yourself with them during your studies.

Breaking the law can have serious consequences, including fines, criminal convictions, restrictions on your immigration status or, in some cases, deportation from the UK. The University may also take disciplinary action where appropriate. You should never alter or falsify official documents, emails or records. If you believe information is incorrect, contact the organisation that issued it and request a correction.

We also recommend reading the University's policies and regulations so you understand your rights and responsibilities as a student.

The University's Student Immigration Advisors are available to provide free advice and guidance on student visas, immigration requirements and extending your stay in the UK. If you hold a student visa, it's important to understand your visa conditions and how to maintain your immigration status throughout your studies.

As a student sponsor, the University is required to report certain changes to UK immigration authorities. These may include failing to enrol, unauthorised absences, withdrawing from your course, completing your studies earlier than expected or suspected breaches of visa conditions.

If you're unsure about any aspect of your immigration status, seek advice as early as possible.

If you plan to drive in the UK, make sure you understand the rules before getting behind the wheel. A driving licence that is valid in your home country does not automatically allow you to drive in the UK, and different rules may apply depending on where your licence was issued.

Before driving, read the DVLA advice for driving in the UK  and familiarise yourself with the Highway Code. Understanding UK road signs, speed limits and driving regulations will help keep you and other road users safe.

The UK's rail network makes it easy to travel across the country, whether you're heading into London, exploring a new city or visiting friends.

Always buy a ticket before you travel, even for short journeys, and keep it with you until the end of your trip. Booking in advance can often help you save money, and if you're eligible, a train railcard can provide discounts on many journeys.

When stations are busy, allow passengers to leave the train before boarding and follow any queueing systems in place. Visit National Rail for journey planning, ticket information and live travel updates.

Buses are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel around Hatfield and the surrounding area.

Uno is our own bus service, which allows you to get discounted travel with your student ID. If you’re travelling regularly, you can purchase weekly or monthly tickets on the Uno Bus app for cheaper fares and quicker boarding. We also operate a free shuttle bus between the College Lane and de Havilland campuses.

When your bus approaches, signal to the driver by raising your arm. Allow passengers to leave before boarding and have your payment method ready where possible. Remember to press the bell before your stop so the driver knows you'd like to get off.

Taxis can be a convenient option if you're travelling late at night, carrying luggage or visiting somewhere not easily reached by public transport. Many taxi companies now offer mobile apps to book and track your journey. Most licensed taxis use a meter to calculate the fare, so check that it is running at the start of your journey and always use licensed taxi services where possible. 

If you’re travelling into London, the London Underground is one of the quickest ways to get around. You can use an Oyster card, contactless bank card or mobile payment device to pay for most journeys. For fares, maps and service information, visit Transport for London. 

The UK has a range of services available if you need urgent help or medical advice. Call 999 in an emergency if you need the police, fire service or an ambulance. For non-emergency health advice, call 111. If you need to contact the police about a non-urgent issue, call 101. 

Our campus security team is available 24 hours a day to help keep our campuses safe and provide support when you need it. Save the following numbers in your phone when you arrive:

• Campus Security: +44 (0)1707 281010
• On-campus emergency: +44 (0)1707 285555

You can also call the Student Wellbeing Team on +44 (0)1707 284453 or contact them by email if you need wellbeing support during your studies.

The UK is generally a safe place to live and study, but it's always a good idea to take a few simple precautions.

Keep valuables secure, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and be mindful of your belongings in busy public places. If you're heading somewhere unfamiliar, plan your journey in advance and make sure your phone is charged. When going out, especially at night, let someone know where you're going and how you plan to get home. If you move into a new property or have concerns about security, speak to your landlord about the locks and other safety measures.

You can also register valuable items with Immobilise to help police identify and return lost or stolen property.

Scams can target anyone, including students. Being aware of common scams can help you protect your money and personal information.

Always check who you're dealing with before sharing personal details or sending money. Tuition fee and accommodation payments should only be made through official University payment channels.

If something doesn't seem right, take time to verify the information before taking action and seek advice if you're unsure.

The what3words app can help emergency services locate you quickly if you're unable to describe your exact location.

The app divides the world into three-metre squares, with each square given a unique three-word address.

• College Lane main reception: ///after.reach.ranged
• De Havilland main reception: ///vision.human.loved

Tap water in the UK is safe to drink, so there's no need to buy bottled water for everyday use. You can drink water straight from the tap in your accommodation and refill a reusable bottle while you're on campus. 

You'll find a range of supermarkets and food shops close to campus, making it easy to stock up on essentials and ingredients from home.

Popular supermarkets within walking distance include Asda and Aldi, alongside specialist stores such as Nagoya Oriental. The on-campus shop also sells a range of everyday essentials.

Most shops, cafés and food outlets on campus are cashless, so you'll need a UK bank card or a mobile payment method to make purchases.

The UK's food scene is shaped by cultures from around the world, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to try new cuisines as well as find familiar favourites. Whether you're eating on campus, visiting local restaurants or ordering a takeaway, there are options to suit a range of tastes and budgets.

Explore our guide to discover local foodie favourites, cafés, restaurants and places to eat across Hertfordshire.

If you already have a phone, choosing a SIM-only or pay-as-you-go plan is often the most affordable option and can help you manage your budget. If you're thinking about taking out a monthly phone contract that includes a new handset, you can apply online or visit a phone shop. Some providers may carry out a credit check before approving your application. 

There are plenty of mobile providers to choose from in the UK, with plans to suit different budgets and data needs. Major networks include O2, EE, Three and Vodafone, while providers such as GiffGaff, ID Mobile, Smarty, VOXI and Ecotalk often offer flexible and affordable options for students.

Some providers offer contract-free plans or may not require a credit check, making them a popular choice for students who are new to the UK. Take some time to compare coverage, data allowances and costs before deciding which provider is right for you.

Getting connected when you arrive couldn't be easier. You can collect a free GiffGaff or Lebara SIM card from the Welcome Desks on campus during your first few weeks at Herts.

Lebara will also be available at the International Information Fair during Start of Term events, where you can find out more about their plans and services.

If you have any questions, please contact the Herts Community team for more information.

Many international students choose to work alongside their studies to gain experience, develop new skills and earn extra income while living in the UK.

If you have a Student Route visa, you can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term time. Students studying below degree level, including International Foundation and English Language courses, can normally work up to 10 hours a week. If you entered the UK on a Student Visitor Visa, you cannot undertake paid or unpaid work. Your eVisa will confirm the number of hours you are permitted to work.

Make sure you understand your visa conditions before accepting any employment.

A part-time job can be a great way to build confidence, gain workplace experience and meet new people. However, it's important to make sure your studies remain your priority.

Before taking on work, think about how you'll balance your job alongside lectures, assignments, revision and your personal wellbeing. Finding the right balance will help you make the most of both your studies and your student experience.

Many undergraduate courses offer the opportunity to complete a work placement as part of your degree. Placements and internships can help you gain valuable industry experience, develop professional skills and build your CV before graduation.

If your placement forms part of your degree programme, students on a Student Route visa can usually work full-time during the placement period. Check the details of your course and visa conditions before starting any placement.

Some banks require you to be studying a course that lasts more than six months, so if you’re on a short course or are an exchange student it's worth checking the bank’s requirements before you arrive.

Once you're fully registered, you can request a bank letter through the Ask Herts. Your letter will be emailed to you and can be used to support your bank account application.

Not automatically.  Whether you can drive in the UK depends on which country issued your licence and how long you plan to stay. Before driving, read the DVLA advice for driving in the UK.

You can collect a free GiffGaff or Lebara SIM card from the Welcome Desks on campus when you arrive. Lebara will also be available at the International Information Fair during Start of Term events.

Yes. If you live on campus or in the local area, you can register with the on-campus medical centre to access healthcare during your studies. 

The University operates a free shuttle bus service between campuses. You can also use our Uno bus services to travel around Hatfield and the surrounding area. 

Most Uno bus services travelling from campus stop near Hatfield station. If you're unsure which bus to take, ask the driver before boarding.

The UK experiences all four seasons, and the weather can change quickly throughout the year. Autumn and winter are often cold and wet, while spring and summer can bring warmer temperatures and sunshine. Packing layers and a waterproof jacket will help you stay comfortable throughout the year.

You can check the latest forecast on the BBC weather website.