International Student Welcome Tour

Designed for international students arriving in Coventry for the first time. Get practical help with immediate tasks: opening a UK bank account, setting up a mobile phone, registering with a GP, and finding accommodation support. Meet other international students and learn how to navigate UK culture, transport, and services. Conducted in English with materials in multiple languages. Best for International students and families. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 5-20. You meet at International student office. Key highlights: Practical help with bank account opening, Mobile phone and SIM setup assistance, GP registration guidance for healthcare access.

Price: £10

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 5-20

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: International students and families

Best time: Weekdays 9am-5pm. Best in first two weeks of September (new term start) and January. Tours run weekly year-round. Book within one week of arrival for maximum benefit.

Meeting point: International student office

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

09:00 Welcome and registration at International Student Office - Meet other arriving international students. Collect welcome pack with essentials checklist.

09:20 Bank account opening session - Learn which UK banks accept international students, required documents, and online account setup. Visit a local branch or learn mobile banking apps.

10:00 Mobile phone and SIM card setup - Visit phone shops and compare UK networks. Get help activating a SIM with passport details.

10:40 GP registration and NHS orientation - Find your nearest GP practice, understand how to register, and learn about NHS services for free healthcare.

11:20 Accommodation support and transport orientation - Get help with ongoing housing needs. Learn the bus pass system, train services, and walking routes to campus.

11:50 Cultural integration tips and Q&A - Discussion of UK customs, tipping, supermarket etiquette, and making friends at university.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at International student office.

• Practical help with bank account opening
• Mobile phone and SIM setup assistance
• GP registration guidance for healthcare access
• Accommodation and transport orientation
• Meet other international students and build a network
• Welcome pack with contact info and checklists
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible route. All service locations accessible. Lifts and level access at banks and GP surgeries. Audio assistance available. Request in advance.

What is included: 2.5-hour guided orientation walk, Welcome pack with essentials checklist, Bank, phone, and GP information sheets, Transport and accommodation resources, Contact details for support services, Refreshments (tea and light snacks).

Not included: Bank account or phone contract opening fees, Mobile phone or SIM card purchase, Insurance or medical appointments, Meals beyond light refreshments. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Passport (required for bank and phone accounts), Proof of address (accommodation confirmation email), Valid email address, List of medications if taking any, Phone number of emergency contact, Comfortable walking shoes. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekdays 9am-5pm. Best in first two weeks of September (new term start) and January. Tours run weekly year-round. Book within one week of arrival for maximum benefit..

Tip: Includes welcome pack

Tip: Available in multiple languages

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible route. All service locations accessible. Lifts and level access at banks and GP surgeries. Audio assistance available. Request in advance..

Operator: Global Students Coventry

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Herbert Art Gallery & Museum (12 min walk)
• Coventry Cathedral (15 min walk)
• Warwick Arts Centre (8 min walk)

This activity is run by Global Students Coventry.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before. Non-refundable within 48 hours. Groups of 5+ book dedicated sessions..

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible route. All service locations accessible. Lifts and level access at banks and GP surgeries. Audio assistance available. Request in advance..

Best time to go: Weekdays 9am-5pm. Best in first two weeks of September (new term start) and January. Tours run weekly year-round. Book within one week of arrival for maximum benefit..

Do I need a bank account before arriving in the UK?

No. The tour takes you through opening a UK bank account on arrival, typically taking 20-30 minutes with required documents. Most international students open accounts in their first week. You'll need your passport and accommodation proof. Online accounts often open faster than in-branch.

Which UK mobile networks are best for international students?

EE, Vodafone, and O2 are the main networks. The tour compares data limits, roaming, and student discounts. SIM-only contracts start from £10-20 monthly. Your guide helps you choose based on home country and calling needs.

How do I register with a GP for free NHS healthcare?

Your nearest GP practise handles registration in 5-10 minutes with passport and UK address. The tour shows you where your campus GP is. Registration is free and covers GP visits, prescriptions (capped at £9.90), and emergency care.