First Week in UK for Indian Students (2026): BRP, GP Registration & Complete Checklist

You land in the UK after months of planning. Your accommodation is sorted, your university campus looks exciting, and your Freshers’ Week group chats are already buzzing. It feels like the hard part is over.

But here’s something most Indian students realise only after arriving. The first week in the UK is more than just settling in, as during this period, you should be completing the essential formalities that help you live, study, and work smoothly.

If you delay these steps, you might face issues opening a bank account, registering at university, or even accessing healthcare. That is why your first week in the UK matters more than you think.

Here’s a simple, practical guide that walks you through everything you should do in your first week in the UK in 2026, step by step, from BRP or eVisa and GP registration to campus formalities and to everything you must complete in your first week in the UK in 2026.

If you are still preparing to leave India, you may also find our What to Pack for the UK for Indian Students guide helpful before your departure.

Why Your First Week in the UK Matters

Your first week is when everything officially begins. You confirm your immigration status, complete university registration, set up your finances, and register for healthcare. These tasks might not feel urgent when you arrive, but completing them early makes your life much easier.

Once you finish these formalities, you can focus on making friends, attending classes, and enjoying your new student life in the UK.

Let’s start with the most important task.

1. Check Your Immigration Status: eVisa and BRP

One of the first things you should do after arriving in the UK is check your immigration status. Previously, international students received a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card after arrival. However, the UK has now moved to eVisas, which are digital records of your immigration status.

According to UK Visas and Immigration, all BRPs have now expired and are being replaced by eVisas. If you previously received a BRP, you should create a UKVI account to access your e-visa.

Your eVisa becomes your official proof of the following:

• Your immigration status
• Your visa duration
• Your work rights
• Your right to rent accommodation

It’s also important to keep your expired BRP card safe. Even though it has expired, you may still be able to use it temporarily to generate share codes for work or rent.

However, you should remember one important point. You cannot travel internationally using an expired BRP.

If your BRP is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately through the UK government website. Not reporting it can lead to fines or complications. This step should be your priority once you arrive.

If you are still in the visa stage, you may want to read our UK Student Visa Guide for Indian Students to avoid common mistakes before arrival.

2. Complete University Enrolment

After checking your immigration status, the next step is completing your university enrolment. Most universities send instructions before you arrive, but you usually need to complete the final steps on campus.

During enrolment, your university will verify your documents and activate your student profile. You will usually submit your passport, visa or eVisa and confirm your UK address. Once enrolled, you will receive:

• Student ID card 
• University email access 
• Timetable 
• Library access 
• Campus services 

Until enrolment is completed, you may not be able to attend lectures or access university systems. That’s why it’s best to complete this process within your first few days.

Many universities organise enrolment during Welcome Week, so try to complete it as early as possible.

3. Register with a GP (Healthcare Registration)

Registering with a doctor might not seem urgent when you arrive, especially if you are feeling healthy. But this is one of the most important steps for international students.

In the UK, doctors are called General Practitioners or GPs. Once registered, you can access healthcare services through the National Health Service.

You already paid the Immigration Health Surcharge when applying for your visa, which means you can access NHS healthcare during your stay.

Registering early helps you:

• Access medical care quickly
• Get prescriptions
• Receive mental health support
• Obtain medical evidence for academic extensions

To register, you usually need your

• passport, 
• visa or eVisa, 
• UK address, and 
• contact number. 

Some GP practices may also ask for your medical history.

You can find your nearest GP practice through the official NHS website. After selecting a GP, you can either register online or visit the practice in person.

It’s best to register during your first week, even if you do not need medical care immediately. It will save you time later.

4. Get a UK SIM Card

Getting a UK SIM card is one of the simplest but most useful things you can do in your first week. It is one of the easiest ways to settle quickly. You will need a UK number for:

• Bank account opening 
• GP registration 
• University communication 
• Job applications

Popular UK network providers include:

• Vodafone
• EE
• O2
• Three UK
• giffgaff
• Lebara

Many Indian students receive a free Lebara SIM during the visa process. If you already have one, you can activate it after arrival.

Most student plans range from £10 to £20 per month, which usually includes calls, texts, and mobile data. Not sure which SIM to choose? Read our UK SIM Cards Guide for Students to compare networks.

5. Open a UK Bank Account

Opening a UK bank account helps you manage money easily and avoid international transaction fees. It also becomes necessary if you plan to work part-time.

Many international students prefer traditional banks, such as the following:

• Barclays
• HSBC
• Lloyds Bank
• Santander UK
• NatWest

You can also consider digital banks such as the following:

• Monzo
• Revolut
• Starling Bank

To open a bank account, you usually need your passport, proof of address, student letter, and e-visa.

It’s a good idea to open your account within your first week.

If you are unsure which bank to choose, check our Opening a Bank Account in the UK for Indian Students guide.

6. Apply for National Insurance (NI) Number

If you plan to work part-time during your studies, you will need a National Insurance number. This number allows you to work legally and receive your salary.

It usually takes a few weeks to arrive, so applying early helps you avoid delays when job opportunities come up.

7. Download Essential Apps for Your First Week

Your first week becomes much easier when you download a few helpful apps.

For navigation, many students use:

• Citymapper
• Google Maps

For student discounts, you can download:

• UNiDAYS
• Student Beans

These apps help you save money on shopping, food, travel, and more.

You may also want to read our UK Cost of Living for Students 2026 guide to plan your monthly budget.

Your First Week Timeline

Your first week can feel busy, but if you spread tasks across a few days, everything becomes manageable.

To make things easier, here’s a simple plan for your first week.

By the end of the week, you will have completed all essential formalities.

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First Week Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid

Many students make small mistakes during their first week. Avoid these to settle faster.

• Delaying GP registration 
• Not checking eVisa details 
• Waiting too long to open a bank account 
• Not getting a UK SIM early 
• Missing enrolment deadlines 

Completing these tasks early helps you avoid unnecessary stress.

Final Thoughts

Your first week in the UK is all about setting up your life. Once you complete these essential steps, everything becomes easier. You can focus on your studies, meet new people, and enjoy your experience.

Take it one step at a time. By the end of your first week, you will already feel more settled and confident in your new home.

Recommended Reads 

You may also find these helpful:

• Cost of Living in the UK for Students
• What to Pack for the UK
• How to Write a Scholarship Essay That Gets Selected
• How to Get a CAS Letter for a UK Student Visa
• How To Apply for UK Student Visa 2026: Guide for Indians 
• UK Visa Financial Requirements Guide for Indian Students  

FAQs

Do I still get a BRP in 2026?

In 2026, most new student visa holders will not get a physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card because BRPs have been replaced by a digital e-visa system.

How soon should I register with a GP?

You should register with a GP (doctor) near your university as soon as possible, ideally within your first week in the UK. Registering with a GP early means you can access NHS services quickly if you fall ill, need repeat prescriptions, or have any ongoing health conditions. If you wait until you are unwell to register with a GP, the process can feel more stressful, so doing it in your first week is the safest and most convenient option.

Can I open a bank account without a BRP?

Yes, you can usually open a UK bank account without a BRP by using your eVisa status and your university documents as proof. Many banks are now familiar with the eVisa system, so they accept an online immigration status check (share code), your passport, and a university enrolment or address letter instead of a physical BRP. Check each bank’s requirements before you go, but in 2026, you should not rely on having a BRP to open a student bank account.

Do I need a UK SIM immediately?

Getting a UK SIM as soon as you arrive is a very good idea, and in practice, you will need a UK phone number almost immediately. Many services, including banking, delivery apps, university portals, two-factor authentication, and sometimes even your GP practice, use SMS codes or calls to a UK mobile number. Having a UK SIM in your first few days makes it much easier to set up your bank account, register with a GP, receive university updates, and stay connected with friends and flatmates.