Your First Week in the UK as a Nepali Student: eVisa, Bank Account, GP and Council Tax
eVisa share codes, student banking, GP registration and the council tax exemption — the first-week UK checklist for Nepali students.
By Nepalese Events Australia Editorial
Published: 2026-10-01T08:20:00.000000Z
Category: Students
The UK's first-week admin is digital-first now — which makes it faster but also easier to miss a step. Here's the order that works.
Step one: your eVisa is your identity
The UK has phased out physical BRP cards — your immigration status lives in your eVisa/UKVI account. Set it up before you fly if possible, keep the login secure, and learn the share code mechanism immediately: employers, landlords and universities all verify your status by asking you to generate a code through GOV.UK's prove-right-to-work service. This one webpage is the key that unlocks jobs and housing.
Step two: a bank account
Traditional banks want proof of address — awkward in week one. The practical route most students take: open an app-d account first (Monzo, Starling — passport and eVisa verification, card in days), then open a high-street student account once your enrolment letter and tenancy agreement exist. Ask specifically about the international student account — most majors have one with no monthly fee.
Step three: register with a GP
Your visa's Immigration Health Surcharge already paid for NHS access — but it's worthless until you register with a local GP surgery. Registration is free, takes one form plus proof of address, and is the front door to everything from prescriptions to referrals. Do it before you're sick; surgeries have catchment areas and some fill up. Keep your IHS reference number somewhere safe.
Step four: the council tax secret
Full-time students are exempt from council tax — but the exemption isn't automatic in every council. When you move into private housing, the bill arrives addressed to you; you must actively claim the student exemption with your council using your enrolment letter. Students who ignore the envelope end up fielding court summons over a tax they never owed. Flat-shares mixing students and non-students get a discounted rather than zero bill.
The rest of the week
• Railcard: the 16–25 or 26–30 railcard pays for itself in a month if you travel by train.
• Work prep: apply for your National Insurance number now — employers will ask.
• Driving: your Nepali licence works for 12 months — start the conversion early if you need a car.
Community-wise, the UK's established diaspora means Nepali societies exist at most universities — and the UK Dashain calendar shows how organised it is. the Nepal–London time gap for family calls and the GBP→NPR rate for remittances.
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