Thank you all for the reply! I'm a bit confused, what is is onshoring and why have they stopped it this year?

They brought back the visa processing from Manila back to Sheffield starting last year. I guess they still doing it now.

Ohh wouldn't this slow the process as Sheffield is further than Manila?? I'm sorry I'm a bit confused as this is my first time doing visa!

Just checked my uni's portal and saw that my CAS status was 'used' instead of 'assigned' and the date of change was today (22/08). What does this mean??

It means that the ukvi has processed your visa.

!!! That wsa fast! Do you know roughly when I can expect a decision from them or when I can collect my passport? Thank you!

Or still processing it The only way to get confirmation when they've done processing is when you get a notification via sms or email saying it has arrived and processed. Many universities seem to have online connection to UKBA SMS system which let you see your CAS status.

Hi, I was wondering what banks are best to open a UK student account with? My uni has a Santander branch on campus but I want to consider all my options first.

Also, what mobile carrier is best for a UK SIM card? I’ve heard that GiffGaff and Three are not bad. My phone has a dual sim function so I just need a UK SIM card to use there I believe.

Thanks!

This post has been edited by ConfusedWriter: Aug 24 2018, 09:44 AM

I was there for awhile only so I didn't really bother with my options. I did Santander as it was convinient and GiffGaff.

My Santander card didn't have contactless, but I did have Monzo as my main card so it doesn't really bother me.

Do pm me if anyone need a golden ticket for Monzo, I still got 2 of it.

I second eddy's comment, go with the bank that is most convenient for you. However, try to stay away from HSBC because they are very reluctant to open an account for student. Monzo is the way to go if you like traveling around Europe. (no foreign currency transaction charge)


As for mobile, giffgaff seems to be the go to for students (free giffgaff to giffgaff call and text as long as you top up every 3 months)

This post has been edited by Mr.dupe: Aug 24 2018, 08:18 PM

Hey, for all you visa applicants, would you suggest I go check at the counter if my visa is here even without the official UKVI email? This is as some of my seniors have mentioned having the passport ready at the counter but having received no email (or a very late email). O is HLs going this coming Tuesday be too optimistic (CAS changed to used on Wednesday)?

I have never done that. I suppose do it only when you are really desperate. Otherwise it would just be a waste of time.

You can get Giffgaff send you the SIM card direct to your Malaysia address before flying and activate it when you reach UK. I had problem trying to top-up though during my last trip last month. So had my daughter to top up for me while I was in border control queue at the airport.

This post has been edited by wiraone: Aug 25 2018, 08:42 AM

I thought everyone get a free Giffgaff sim card from UCAS

My son's visa application was really unlucky , was been chosen for further full documents . Hope everything ok but sure delayed .

Not necessarily. It depends on whether you have picked the option to receive promotional materials from UCAS. If you did, you can get it by mail, otherwise, tough luck

What kind of further documents did they request? What docs did you send in during the visit to VFS?

Financial document, certificates etc …..damn unlucky

Oh, yeah that is quite unlucky. Well, best thing that can be done is just submit what they requested. I imagine it will only delay your application by another full week at worst.

I think they check those documents randomly. Did they requested this documents later or was it during submission? If it was during submission and you did furnish them that time, there shouldn't be any delay.

This post has been edited by wiraone: Aug 25 2018, 09:34 PM

Thanks so much for the replies everyone!

For the SIM card, I received a free GiffGaff SIM card from UCAS. Should I use this? If I use the free SIM I’m supposed to activate it and go for whichever plan I prefer right? Or should I order one from their website (https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-plans) and get them to send it to me?

Also on an unrelated note, did any of you work part-time or intern while you were in the UK? How did you apply for your National Insurance Number?

All giffgaff's sim are the same. You will need to register on their website, then enter your unique sim code to the website to tie it to your acc. Once you activate your card by topping up £10 you can choose to either go with goodybag (plan) or pay as you go

As for NI, you will have to apply online on the gov website. You may need to go for an interview for application. (I didn't have to) it may take a few weeks to process your ni number

This post has been edited by Mr.dupe: Aug 26 2018, 01:22 AM