What do I need to pay for before I arrive?

It is far easier for you if you try and pay as many of your big expenses before you arrive in the UK. Try to pay your course fees online if you can, as well as your first term/month's accommodation costs if you are staying at university provided accommodation.

However, if you are planning to stay in private accommodation then it is probably better to wait until you arrive in the UK to view properties and negotiate a contract before paying large sums of money.  
 
You will also have a number of one-off costs when you first arrive, such as course books, travel cards, society sign ups and so on. It is important to note that you may not be able to open a British bank account for the first week, and so these expenses may have to be paid with cash or your foreign bank card (if it works).