What you need
Your passport, your visa or BRP, and a proof of UK address. Universities issue a bank letter with your term-time address on request; most branches accept it. Some banks also want your offer letter.
Which bank
The big high-street banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander) all open student accounts for internationals, sometimes by appointment. HSBC and Santander have the most experience with international students. App-based banks such as Monzo and Starling open accounts in minutes with a passport and a UK address and are fine for daily use, though some landlords and employers prefer a high-street bank.
Before you fly
You cannot open a full UK account from abroad, but you can set up a Wise or Revolut account to transfer money at good rates and use a card from day one. Carry £200 to £300 in cash for the first days and keep the rest in the account you used for the visa until your UK account is open. Cash of £10,000 or more must be declared at the border.
