1. OPENING A UK BANK ACCOUNT
All information is taken from the KCL International Advice on Opening a UK bank account leaflet – copies are available for you to take away.

2. Why open a UK Account Advantages: it’s cheaper!
If you get a job, your employer will want to pay your money directly into a UK account
You cannot set up direct debits (eg for a telephone contract) from an overseas account
You will receive bank statements – useful for visa renewals, CRB checks
If you are using a non-UK bank card you will be charged every time you withdraw money from cash machines
If you have a student visa you will be required to send bank statements to the Home Office if you apply to extend your leave. The Home Office specifies that funds should be in pounds sterling, so it is better to have a UK bank account so that you can meet this requirement.

3. What sort of account?
A Basic bank account allows you to pay money in and take money out
Usually provided with an ATM card to withdraw money at cash point
No Credit or overdraft facilities

4. Where to find ATMs/Cashpoints
On shopping streets – usually outside banks, post offices; outside supermarkets
Locally, in King’s College Hospital
In smaller shops and stations – check if you will be charged; there will be a message on screen, before the transaction
In most high street banks there will be a cashpoint / ATM inside. At Denmark Hill station – you will be charged £1.50 per withdrawal.

5. How to open a bank account?
Proof of identity
Tenancy agreement if you are NOT living in College accommodation
Utility bills showing your name – you will not have these if you have only just arrived in the UK
Formal letter from KCL confirming your student status; start and end dates of your course; confirmation of both your overseas and UK address.
This letter is slightly different from the confirmation of student status that you received at campus registration. Please complete a Letter Request form and include the name and address of your bank of choice.

6. Which to choose
Do your own research – find a bank that suits your needs
A-Z of Financial Terms explains some of the acronyms and terms used in British Banking – available to take away
Show A-Z of Financial terms – make sure copies are available for students to take away

7. Local banks in Camberwell
HSBC, 23 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8RP
Barclays, 1-3 Butterfly Walk, Camberwell, London SE5 8RW
NatWest,70 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8TT
Lloyds TSB, 25 Camberwell Green, London SE5 7AB
Santander, 34 Denmark Hill, London SE5

8. More information KCL Student Information & Advice www.kcl.ac.uk/advice
The Compass
The Financial Services Authority:
IoP Student support adviser: