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Institute of Advanced Study

Information for Current WIRL-COFUND Fellows

Applying for a National Insurance Number (NINO)

To apply for a National Insurance number you must:

  • be in the UK
  • have the right to work or right to study in the UK

You can then call the National Insurance number application line to apply:

Telephone: 0800 141 2074
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

Once you have applied, you will receive a letter from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) asking you to attend a NINO interview at a local Jobcentre Plus. The letter will also inform you as to which documents you will need to bring with you to the interview to prove your identity (i.e. a passport).

All of the information above can be found on the Gov.UK website.

Applying for a Bank Account

Here are some things to consider when opening UK bank account:

  • Research the available bank accounts as early as possible.
    Spend some time looking at the bank accounts on offer to you so that you can make an informed choice once you arrive in the UK.
  • Check if you can open an account before you leave home
    Some examples of banks in the UK which offer such services include HSBC and Bank of China. Remember, other banks are available, and the University does not recommend any particular bank or bank account to you. It may be worth speaking to your local bank in your home country to see if they can offer you any services while you are in the UK, or help to book an appointment with a local branch if they also have a bank in the UK.
  • Plan how to keep your money safe
    If you are arriving in September, you may have to wait 4-6 weeks for an appointment at a local branch near the University campus when you first arrive, so consider some alternative solutions for managing your money while you wait for your appointment for a UK bank account.
    It is NOT safe to carry large amounts of cash with you, either when entering the UK, or in the first few weeks when you first arrive.
  • Make sure you know which documents you will need in order to open your chosen bank account.

    The IAS can also provide a letter (if required by the bank) confirming your details; i.e. start & end date, address etc.

    Further information on opening a bank account can be found here (please note that the same process for opening a bank account applies to students and employees who are moving from overseas).

    Purchase of IT Equipment

    Each WIRL-COFUND Fellow has a budget of around £750 to purchase a laptop / desktop computer to use for the duration of their Fellowship. The University's Financial Regulations state that IT equipment may not be retained by staff when leaving the University’s employment. The principal reason for this is that most of the University’s software licensing agreements only provide for use by current employees. This includes equipment purchased with research grant funding.

    Further Guidance on the Retention of University Owned IT equipment by Employees Leaving the University’s employment can be found here.

    Please see the ECR Resources Portal for further information and training available to all early career researchers at Warwick. This page contains information on:

    • Arriving at Warwick (including information on relocation expenses)
    • Careers
    • Networking
    • Training
    • Wellbeing


    Please see below for information on: