Pre-Departure Digital Kit (1 week before flight)
For EU Citizens
European students have a much easier transition thanks to community agreements. Their digital kit is based on native European services and roaming.
Connectivity (eSIM / SIM):
- Solution: They can use their own home subscription in the first weeks thanks to the EU "Roam Like at Home" policy.
- For the long term: They can order a local eSIM a week before (e.g. [VOXI](https://www.voxi.co.uk/) in the UK) directly using their current European bank card.
Digital Banking:
- Solution: They can open a multi-currency digital account online on platforms like Revolut or Wise.
- Advantage: They can top up their account instantly via free SEPA bank transfer and add the card directly to Apple Pay / Google Wallet before the flight.
- The Digital Vault (Cloud Documents):
- Mandatory documents on your phone: ID Card or Passport, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), Acceptance Letter from the university and Verified Accommodation Contract (e.g. from Unite Students, Yugo...etc).
For Non-EU Citizens (For International Students - Asia, Africa, America etc.)
For students from outside Europe, the restrictions are major. They cannot buy local European cards remotely without a European ID and cannot open traditional bank accounts before having their visa and physical address validated. Their kit is 100% focused on global platforms.
Connectivity (Temporary Travel eSIM):
- Solution: They need to buy a global data eSIM a week in advance from their home country.
- Recommended platforms:
1. Choose Nomad – Best for Value: If you want large internet packages (e.g. 20GB) at the best prices, quickly configured via QR code before the flight.
2. Choose Holafly – Best for Heavy Users: If you want 100% unlimited internet to stay on video calls or streaming in the first weeks, without worrying about gigabytes.
3. Choose Airalo – Best for Flexibility: The largest global coverage, ideal if you want very small packages only for the first 2-3 days (e.g. 1GB–3GB).
[Airalo](https://www.airalo.com/) (for flexible country packages) or [Holafly](https://esim.holafly.com/) (for completely unlimited internet in the first few weeks).
- Note to them: This eSIM is for internet only (Data Only). They will only change it to a local number (e.g. Vodafone, Orange, EE) after they arrive in Europe and receive their residency documents.
Digital Banking:
- The solution: Specialized international accounts like Wise International Account
- Note to them: Their credit cards from their home country (e.g. India, Nigeria) may have huge conversion fees or be blocked by European anti-fraud systems. A Wise account set up in advance is vital.
The Digital Vault (Cloud Documents):
- Mandatory documents on your phone: Physical passport, Approved student visa (boarding ticket depends on it), Proof of financial funds (Bank Statements sent to the embassy), Full international private health insurance (not EHIC) and official letter of accommodation confirmation from secure operators such as iQ Student Accommodation, United Students, Yugo, etc.
For EU Citizens
Connectivity
Connectivity (eSIM / SIM):
- Solution: They can use their own home subscription in the first weeks thanks to the EU "Roam Like at Home" policy.
- For the long term: They can order a local eSIM a week before VOXI in the UK directly using their current European bank card.
Digital Banking
- Solution: They can open a multi-currency digital account online on platforms like Revolut or Wise.
- Advantage: They can top up their account instantly via free SEPA bank transfer and add the card directly to Apple Pay / Google Wallet before the flight.
Important Tip for EU Students
You don’t need to wait until you arrive in the UK to get a British bank account. Open a Wise or Revolut account today while you are still at home. Open a GBP Balance inside the app, and it will instantly give you a UK Sort Code and Account Number. You can use these exact details to pay your student accommodation via Direct Debit or receive your future UK salary!
For Non-EU Citizens (For International Students - Asia, Africa, America etc.)
Connectivity (Temporary Travel eSIM)
- Solution: They need to buy a global data eSIM a week in advance from their home country.
- Recommended platforms:
1. Choose Nomad – Best for Value: If you want large internet packages (e.g. 20GB) at the best prices, quickly configured via QR code before the flight.
2. Choose Holafly – Best for Heavy Users: If you want 100% unlimited internet to stay on video calls or streaming in the first weeks, without worrying about gigabytes.
3. Choose Airalo – Best for Flexibility: The largest global coverage, ideal if you want very small packages only for the first 2-3 days (e.g. 1GB–3GB).
- Note to them: This eSIM is for internet only (Data Only). They will only change it to a local number (e.g. Vodafone, Orange, Telia, Elisa etc.) after they arrive in Europe and receive their residency documents.
Digital Banking
- The solution: Specialized international accounts like Wise International Account
- Note to them: Their credit cards from their home country (e.g. India, Nigeria) may have huge conversion fees or be blocked by European anti-fraud systems. A Wise account set up in advance is vital.
The Digital Vault (Cloud Documents):
- Mandatory documents on your phone: Physical passport, Approved student visa (boarding ticket depends on it), Proof of financial funds (Bank Statements sent to the embassy), Full international private health insurance (not EHIC) and official letter of accommodation confirmation from secure operators such as iQ Student Accommodation, United Students, Yugo, etc.
