If you are in the UK for less than 6 months, you may find it more convenient to keep your money in an account in your home country. You can use options like travellers cheques, credit cards, bank transfers and cash points to access your money.
For reasons of security, it is not feasible for you to open an account in the UK before you arrive. After you arrive in England, you have to collect the required documents, visit any of the banks like HSBC, NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds TSB and open an account. It may take a few weeks before your account is ready to be used. In other words, after arriving in the UK, it may take about a month for your account to be opened. Due to money laundering and terrorist fear, the banks do not readily allow you to open an account. You will have to prove decisively about who are you and furnish the relevant identifying documents. The website www.ukstudentlife.com/Life/Money.htm gives enough information about opening an account.
For reasons of security, it is not feasible for you to open an account in the UK before you arrive. After you arrive in England, you have to collect the required documents, visit any of the banks like HSBC, NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds TSB and open an account. It may take a few weeks before your account is ready to be used. In other words, after arriving in the UK, it may take about a month for your account to be opened. Due to money laundering and terrorist fear, the banks do not readily allow you to open an account. You will have to prove decisively about who are you and furnish the relevant identifying documents. The website www.ukstudentlife.com/Life/Money.htm gives enough information about opening an account.
