International Students
iQ Life welcomes everyone. With over half of our residents coming from overseas, we know what it takes to give international students their best year yet. Uni is all about discovery and we know that our international student community helps make iQ an incredible place to live and make more of the moments that matter for everyone. We’ve created spaces that are easy to call home and listened to what little and big things you need to settle in quickly.
Support when you need it
Moving to a new city can be daunting - moving to a new country is a whole new level of challenge. Our teams are here to support you with anything you need to know about your big move, both before and after you join us. We’ve created online guides to your future iQ home, with contact details, things to do and more to help you know your way around the city.
Before you arrive in the UK
When applying for a UK student visa, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
When applying for a UK student visa, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
1. Valid Passport - ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK
2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - provided by your UK university or college
3. Bank Statement - or other financial documents showing you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses
4. Proof of English Proficiency - such as IELTS score sheets
5. Tuberculosis Test Certificate - applicable to students from certain countries
We recommend starting your preparations early and carefully checking the required documents to avoid any delays in your visa application.
The main mobile operators in the UK include:
- EE
- O2
- Three
- Vodafone
After arriving in the UK, you’ll need to purchase a local SIM card to send calls and messages. There are other options available, each with different plans, so it’s worth looking around to find something that suits you. A lot of providers also offer student discounts, so be sure to ask about them when purchasing.
Useful apps for life in the UK
The following mobile apps will be very useful for living in the UK:
- Citymapper & Google Maps to help you plan public transport routes
- Uber and Bolt for quick taxi services
- Deliveroo, Just Eat & UberEats for food delivery
- Student Beans and UNiDAYS for student discounts
Don’t forget to download the iQ app to help you during your stay. You’ll be able to pay rent, rebook for next year and can even grab exclusive offers only available to residents.
Everything you need onsite
Your room should feel like your happy place at uni, so you’ll have your own bed, study desk and chair plus plenty of storage to feel at home. Our onsite spaces help you to study and socialise with others just outside your door, and our close-to-uni locations mean you’re never far from where you need to be in the city.
Your bills and wifi are on us, so you can easily connect with your friends and family back home at any time. Our buildings are designed to be safe, with CCTV, secure entry systems and 24-hour staff presence to welcome you home.
Partners
iQ Student Accommodation collaborates with several well-known brands and service platforms to provide added convenience for students:
UniKitOut
Order your bedding, bathroom, and kitchen essentials from UniKitOut and have everything waiting for you upon arrival, or to top-up throughout the year. Use the discount code IQ10 at checkout to save 10% on your first order
Hungry Panda
Join the iQ Chinese Students Social Club on WeChat and enjoy 20% off Hungry Panda in London.
iQ Feel Good
Shout, Student Minds, and Headspace - your wellbeing matters, so we’ve made sure help is always on hand with online services available 24/7
Be part of an international community
Of course, one of the most exciting things about studying abroad is meeting new people. iQ Life encourages you to get involved with regular social events onsite – from pizza and movie nights to quizzes and festive celebrations – and there’ll always be a great welcome party soon after you move in.
iQ Clubs
Our iQ Clubs make it even easier for you to meet other people with similar interests. Each month, our BookClub, GamersClub and SupperClub have giveaways and events to make sure you’re keeping in touch with your passions while you’re studying.
If you’re a Chinese resident, our Chinese Student Social Club could help you meet others in our community across the country, so you can celebrate big moments as an iQ family.
You can also apply to become an iQ Resident Ambassador, participating in, organising and planning events at iQ and showing others why iQ Life is worth living. At the end of your term, you’ll receive an internship certificate and remuneration. Interested students can contact us through our WeChat official account.
Contact iQ on Chinese Social Media
Want to know more about life at iQ?
To get more of an idea of what your best year yet could look like, take a look at iQ Life or check out our Reading Room.
Reading Room
University scholarships for international students
Find guidance on university scholarships for international students in the UK, including eligibility requirements, application processes and important deadlines.
International students driving in the UK
Essential tips for international students driving in the United Kingdom. Discover licencing requirements, road rules, and practical advice for smooth driving in the UK.
Moving to a new city alone as a student
Get advice and essential tips on how to relocate to a new city as a student - from making friends to exploring your new home. Kickstart your adventure with confidence.