University of Exeter and the South West Country

4 days!  Only 4 days now and it seems like such a long wait.  I've had some trouble getting my deposit and such over for my house...the landlord is really nice and letting me pay it upon arrival.

I was a little scared I wouldn't have a place to live.

I've got to open a bank account and turn my dollars to pounds. 

??Does anyone know what it takes and how long to open a bank account?

??Does anyone know what it takes and how long to open a bank account?

For an international student, it's pretty easy.  Just your passport and a "bank letter" from your uni (ask your international office, they'll know what you're talking about.)  I opened one at Natwest with those two things, and the account was open for deposits within 3 days (and got my debit card about a week later.)

That's just for you, though- not sure how it would work for your wife.  She'll probably need proof of address in the form of a utility bill or similar to open a bank account.

I'm here! My wife and our cats aren't yet, and I won't be moving into the new apartment until Thursday, but I'm in Exeter. Getting here was hellish--two flights, over 80 pounds of luggage to schlep through the train stations, and low-grade food poisoning--but I made it.

For an international student, it's pretty easy.  Just your passport and a "bank letter" from your uni (ask your international office, they'll know what you're talking about.)  I opened one at Natwest with those two things, and the account was open for deposits within 3 days (and got my debit card about a week later.)

That's just for you, though- not sure how it would work for your wife.  She'll probably need proof of address in the form of a utility bill or similar to open a bank account.

You might only be able to open a basic bank account though, so just cash in the bank and a card to withdraw it from an ATM.  But your uni might have specific advice or arrangements with certain banks that let you open a current (i.e. checking) account.

I'm here! My wife and our cats aren't yet, and I won't be moving into the new apartment until Thursday, but I'm in Exeter. Getting here was hellish--two flights, over 80 pounds of luggage to schlep through the train stations, and low-grade food poisoning--but I made it.

Welcome! (I'm in Exeter, too)

Thank goodness we're here!!!  It's taken a while to get internet at the house.  I hope it doesn't flunk out on us again.

Thanks to all of those who gave such great advice and helped me get here.  I wouldn't be here without it.

Those of you here...maybe we get a pint sometime!

Cheers