The University of Sheffield
SSiD

Obtaining a UK Bank Account

“International Students do not always find it straight forward to open a bank account in the UK as different banks have different policies and apply different conditions.”- UKCISA
To open a bank account you will need:
  • Proof of your identity (Your Passport)
  • Proof of your local (Sheffield) address (housing contract and a letter from your landlord)
  • Proof of student status (Certificate of Student Status)
Some banks require recent bank or visa statements showing your home address.
Warning: Each bank has different policies regarding the opening of bank accounts; some banks will not accept certain documents - especially housing contracts. If you find somewhere to live that is not owned or managed by the University, make sure you get a proper formal contract.

Certificate of Student Status

You can only get a Certificate of Student Status after you have registered as a student with the University. You can not register early. See Registration Timetable for the dates when you have to register.
When you have registered you can get a Certificate of Student Status (Bank) from the Student Services Information Desk (SSiD).
The Certificate of Student Status Letter contains information about:
  • Your Status as a Student e.g. Fully Registered
  • Your Home Address
  • Your Term Time Address

Before you Register

We may be able to provide you with a special letter to the bank known as the Pre-Registration Bank Letter that states:
  • Your Personal Details (Name, Date of Birth)
  • Your Course Details (Programme of Study, start and end dates)
  • Your Home Address
  • Your Term Time Address
“If you have any difficulty providing the documents listed above, ask the bank to refer your application to the person in the bank who is authorised to decide in exceptional cases.”- British Bankers Association