It will be credited to your account quickly and there will not be a handling charge. Cheques are not such a good idea as they can take several weeks to clear. You can arrange for money to be sent by wire via an organisation such as American Express or Thomas Cook. This will be quick but also expensive. In an emergency, you can withdraw cash from your credit card account.
Interest is charged on a daily basis.
Immediate money on arrival You should bring sufficient funds when you first arrive, as it may be a few days before you can open an account, or even longer to withdraw cash. Financial aid, grants etc. You should discuss arrangements for getting access to money from financial aid, grants etc. Make sure that you have signed any necessary authority to allow finance staff to transfer money to you, perhaps via your parents' account. As your financial assistance may not be received until sometime after the start of the semester, make allowances for that when budgeting and if appropriate, consider the possibility of a loan to cover you until your funds are available.