Health at University:

Depending how long your terms are, some students find it easier to keep their home GP as their main surgery and then just register as a ‘visiting patient’ if needed during term time. Do whichever works for you!  

 Healthcare for international students:  

If you are from outside the UK, studying in the UK on a full-time course which lasts at least 6 months, you will have to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge to get a visa. From when your visa is issued, you will be eligible for free NHS care. Note that you may need to take proof of your course duration when registering with a GP, as well as ID such as a passport/national ID card. 

 Vaccinations:  

When you start university it’s really important that your vaccinations are up to date, whether you have health conditions or not.  

You should have had both doses of the MMR vaccine as a young child; if you didn’t, it’s advisable to get these now as measles, mumps & rubella are infectious and spread quickly at university.  

The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine prevents you getting meningitis or septicaemia, which also both spread quickly in a university setting with many people living in close proximity. You may have already had it in Years 9 or 10 at school, but if not you can ask your GP for it up until you turn 25.  

Meningitis can be incredibly dangerous; if it is not treated with antibiotics in time it can result in limb amputations, hearing or vision loss and epileptic seizures. It’s important to be able to recognise the signs in yourself & others; according to NHS advice, symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:   

A fever (temperature of 38+℃), vomiting, headaches, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it (N.B.: there isn’t always a rash), a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, seizures (fits). Symptoms may appear in any order and you may not have all of them. 

You may have heard myths and scare-stories in the media about vaccines; these stories are untrue. The reality is that vaccines are safe and also crucial to protect you from potentially fatal diseases. If you’re still worried about a vaccine or any side effects you can always discuss it with a GP, who’ll reassure you.  

 Healthcare if you have a medical condition(s):  

• It may be worth getting your current/home GP to write a letter outlining your condition(s), what treatment or medication you are currently on, and anything else relevant. This gets your new doctor up to speed so they are better placed to help you.
• If you can, take an advance supply of any medication you need so that you don’t run out if there’s a delay when you transfer to your new GP 
• If you struggle to regularly travel to the pharmacy there are growing numbers of prescription delivery services; if this sounds like it might help you, you can research it online before you start  

University healthcare support:  

Content warning: this section makes brief references to sexual assault and harassment, in the context of support services.  

 University/college nurse:  some universities and colleges have their own nurse(s), who can assess and help treat minor injuries and illnesses, as well as helping you get more specialist medical attention or aid if required.  

 University/college counsellor:  if you are struggling with your mental health, you can contact your university counsellor; you do not need to have a diagnosed condition or GP referral. They will meet to discuss your situation and potentially offer more counselling sessions, depending on their availability and an assessment of your needs. Another option is asking your GP about NHS counselling, or being seen privately.  

NHS and university counsellors are both in high demand, so it’s best to ask for help as soon as you need it, rather than waiting and allowing a condition or situation to escalate. If you need urgent help you should ring 999 or Samaritans.  

 Sexual health:  as well as healthy sex and relationships information and advice, some health centres and student unions also provide free sexual health supplies including contraceptives. Many health centres offer information and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

 Sexual Assault or Harrassment  

If you experience sexual assault or harrassment, there are many organisations who offer support. Even if you feel unable to speak with the police, try to tell someone, whether it’s a friend, relative, medical professional or trusted member of university staff. You can call your university Nightline service for anonymous advice day or night, and university halls often have staff/wardens on site 24/7.  

The NHS run Sexual Assault Referral Centres and Rape Crisis (England & Wales, Scotland) have crisis centres where you can find medical, practical and emotional support, as well as longer-term, ongoing advice. These services are free and confidential, and do not involve the police (unless you ask the centre to share your case & evidence with them).  

You can talk to a university counsellor, or advice service, who can talk you through the university’s process of making a complaint about harassment, etc..  

If for whatever reason you’d prefer support based outside of university that is absolutely fine; you can approach a GP, counsellor or charities like Rape Crisis or Victim Support. Respond offers specialised support services for people with autism or learning disabilities who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.  

 Finance:  

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (link) is designed to cover the additional costs disabled students face, but only those directly related to your course. Therefore, general costs like prescriptions or travel to appointments are not covered by it.  

However, you may be able to find alternative sources of finance, including university or college scholarships & grants specifically to cover medical costs, or from private charities. Try looking on your university’s finance page, or search online, where you can find collated lists of grants.  

The costs of treatment:

Some NHS ‘primary care’ services are free to everyone of any nationality and residency status, these include: emergency treatment at A&E, family planning services, GP appointments, treatment for some infectious diseases and compulsory psychiatric treatment. 

‘Secondary care’ e.g. follow-up appointments or consultations are free for all UK citizens and students from outside the UK (who’ve already paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of visa requirements). 

However, everyone including UK citizens have to pay for some aspects of NHS care: there are currently fees for prescriptions, dental check-ups, glasses, contact lenses, sight tests, wigs & fabric supports.  

The current prescription charge is £9.90, although if you pre-pay you can save money – a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) is currently £32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for 12 months and entitles you to unlimited prescriptions.  

You may be eligible for full or partial support covering your costs, you can check NHS-fee exemption here.   

Examples of people who are eligible for this support include: those on low incomes – if you (or your partner) receive certain welfare benefits or you meet the savings criteria (currently, this applies if you or your partner have less than £16,000 in savings, investments or property), army veterans injured in service, people with unmanaged diabetes, anyone who is pregnant or who has given birth within the last year.  

You must prove your eligibility in order to take advantage of free or reduced-cost treatment; this may mean proof of your welfare allowance, or filling out forms to get an exemption certificate.