Opening a UK Bank Account as an International Student in Chester
In this blog, Halima shares her experience, what worked for her, and the banking options most international students in Chester find helpful.
Arriving in a new country is exciting, but it also comes with many practical tasks, and one of the first things international students must do is open a UK bank account. When I moved to Chester, I remember feeling unsure about which bank to choose, what documents I needed, and whether the process would be complicated. Thankfully, after researching, asking friends, and going through the process myself, I realised it's much easier than it seems, if you know what to expect.
My Experience Opening a Lloyds Bank Account
Before arriving in Chester, I asked many international students which banks they recommended. The same names always appeared: Lloyds, Monzo, HSBC, Revolut, and Wise (mostly for sending tuition or living expenses from home). Because Moroccan banks require a physical UK bank for transfers, I decided to open two accounts: one with a physical branch (Lloyds) and one online (Monzo).
Opening my Lloyds account was very simple. I applied online first, then visited the branch located in Chester City Centre. I brought my passport, my University of Chester enrolment letter, and proof of address. A staff member guided me through completing the application on my phone, and within minutes, my account was created with no fees at all. A week later, my debit card arrived at my accommodation.
Key Features of Lloyds Bank for Students
Below is a clear breakdown of what I personally found useful about Lloyds:
| Feature | Why It Helps International Students |
|---|---|
| No monthly fees | Saves money and avoids unexpected charges |
| Strong mobile banking app | Helps track spending, managing bills, and freezing/unfreezing cards |
| Easy rent and bill payments | Reliable for housing, utilities and wages |
| In-branch support | Helpful when you are new to the UK banking system |
| FSCS protection | Your money is protected up to £85,000 |
Lloyds felt like the safest 'main bank' for me, especially when dealing with rent, part-time work payments, or anything official.
Why I Also Opened a Monzo Account
Alongside Lloyds, I opened a Monzo account because it offers flexibility and excellent budgeting tools. It takes only minutes to open, since everything is done through the app, and there are no fees.
| Monzo Advantage | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Instant notifications | Helps control day-to-day spending |
| Visual budgeting features | Great for students tracking food, travel and social expenses |
| Easy money transfers | Helpful when sharing groceries or bills with flatmates |
| No fees abroad | Perfect for travel |
| 'Pots' for saving | Lets you separate rent, travel or emergency savings |
Monzo works beautifully for everyday purchases, while Lloyds handles more official financial tasks. Together, they make money management smoother.
Sending Money from Overseas: Wise
For international students, Wise is extremely useful when receiving financial support from home or paying tuition fees. The exchange rates are fair, transfers are fast, and fees are low compared to traditional banks. It's not a bank account, but it complements your banking setup very well.
Final Thoughts
Opening a bank account in Chester is straightforward once you know the steps and choose the bank that fits your lifestyle. My combination of Lloyds + Monzo has helped me stay organised, budget effectively, and adapt to life in the UK with much more confidence.
If you're a new international student, don't hesitate to prepare your documents in advance, apply online where possible, and choose banks that make your life easier, especially during your first few months adjusting to a new environment.
Need Help Choosing a Bank?
If you have questions or need personalised guidance, you can always reach out to me on UniBuddy – just search for Halima Benaouicha. I'm always happy to support new students and share my experience as an international student living and studying in Chester.