To comply with visa regulations it is necessary that all students under the age of 18 attending boarding school, a pathway college or university appoint a guardian that is resident in the UK to care for them. Many schools insist that students have a guardian until they complete their education even once they are over the age of 18.

College Guardians has a team covering the UK and depending on where your child is at school or college will determine who their local contact is.

We are unable to get directly involved in applying for visa, however we can suggest a number of agencies that you can work with.

This will depend on your visa, please ask if you are unsure

Yes – we suggest a pay as you go sim card and can help with the best coverage depending on where in the UK you are living.

To open a bank account in the UK, you will need a letter from the college or school where you are studying.

If you are studying at a pathway college or university, ask for this from the student services team. They will also be able to suggest which bank to contact, although they will not recommend one over another.

Many students choose not to open a UK account but use a card from their home country. If you are going to do this, make sure you know if there will be any costs involved.

Yes – if you are at boarding school the staff at school should help you do this.
If you are at a pathway college or university, they will either give you a link to register or you will need to find a surgery close to your accommodation and go in person to register. You do not have to pay to register with an NHS doctor.

This will depend on the level of service that you choose for your child, in the majority of cases your child will be visited at least once a term, but generally more often than this.