Student Bank Accounts

A hand inserts a bank card into a cash machine.

When joining the University, you may want to think about the possibility of either opening a UK bank account or switching your current account to a Student Bank Account. Often, student bank accounts come with many perks that are not available on traditional current or saver accounts.

Although the University can't recommend a specific bank/financial institution to you, we can certainly provide you the guidance of where to look.

When choosing a bank account, you will want to look at what perks come with your specific account. We recommend that you look at as many providers as possible and weigh up what you are using your account for and the benefits to you.

For example, if you are transferring money from overseas territories, you may find a certain account and provider better for your needs. However, if you're looking for things like an interest free overdraft other providers may be better for you.

Opening a Bank Account

Once you have selected the bank/financial institution you would like to open an account with, we recommend you check their website to see if they have a digital registration process, as many do. Alternatively, we recommend popping in to your local branch and asking any of the helpful staff for assistance in opening a bank account or switching your account type.

Each bank will have its own individual requirements to open a bank account although it’s highly likely that as part of the registration process, you may be asked to provide proof of your student status, proof of address and of course proof of identification. In some cases, this may be just a copy of your campus card, in others, it could be your course offer letter, your bank letter or if you're an international student, they may ask to see a copy of your CAS and any other pertinent immigration documents such as your passport.

If you require a bank letter, you will be able to produce this via the Self Service on e:Vision:

Log in to eVision and select your programme of studies,
Select 'Print Supporting Letter',
Select Bank Letter from the drop-down,
Preview your letter following the on-screen instructions,
Once your letter is generated and you see this in your Web Browser, use your Web Browser to print,
Go to the File menu on your Web Browser,
Press Print & Select Adobe PDF from your printer list (you may also want to adjust the fit of the print from 'shrink to fit' to '100%)

You can then send the PDF document to the bank/financial institution of your choice.

Please note, that we do not provide bank letters addressed to specific bank/financial institutions and although we have your registered address details on the bank letter, this will not act as a legal confirmation of your address. If you are required to show proof of your address we recommend you supply your tenancy agreement/accommodation contract.