Your money and finances
Money support
Living in London as a student can be expensive. Through our cost-of-living initiatives we aim to keep costs for you as low as possible. If you need extra support, we're here to help.
Get a student bank account
It's important to have a UK bank account while you are studying here to be able to pay for your bills and everyday things, get paid by employers, and keep your money safe.
Home students
If you’re a UK student you may want to check out what new student bank accounts you have access to.
International students
Check out useful information on how to open UK bank accounts in our guide to moving to the UK.
It will take a few weeks after arriving in the UK to open your new bank account. Make sure you have another source of money for your first few weeks in London, such as cash or a debit/credit card from your home country with low international fees.
If you continue to use the debit or credit card from your home bank you may have to pay overseas bank charges. Find some good advice about the best student bank accounts.
How to open a bank account
To open a bank account, you'll need to visit a bank branch.
Make sure you have with you:
- Your passport.
- Your visa. View your e-visa and get a share code.
- Proof of your address in your home country. Banks will accept an offer letter from UAL.
- Proof of your UK address, such as your housing contract or utility bills.
- A 'bank letter' from UAL proving your status as a UAL student.
If you have any questions about opening a bank account in the UK, contact our Student Advice Service.
Council tax exemption
If you're living in student accommodation, you don't need to worry about council tax.
If you're not in student accommodation, most students are exempt from paying council tax. However, if your programme is part time or shorter than 30 weeks, please contact the Student Advice Service to seek guidance.
To claim your exemption, you’ll have to prove to your local council that you're a student.
Student discounts
-
Students sitting at the Tate Britain entrance. © Alys Tomlinson. Student discounts
A page dedicated to highlighting all of the student discounts available to you whilst studying at UAL.
-
Image Copyright: Alys Tomlinson Get Adobe Express for free and Adobe Creative Cloud for under £42!
UAL students can get a personal Adobe CC subscription for £42.
-
Image: Student Art Pass Get a year of art and opportunities with the Student Art Pass
For just £10 a year, a Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget with free entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK, and 50% off major exhibitions.
-
Image courtesy of UAL IT software and discounts
Information for students about UAL IT Services, discounts and software.
