Student Support - Health
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Getting Medical Care as a Student
The National Health Service (NHS) give 5 health tips for students. Read the whole thing here.
1. Register with a GP
- It's really important that you register with a local GP as soon as you know your term-time address so that you can receive medical treatment when you need it.
- Visit the NHS Find a GP page to find details of your local GP service and information about how to register.
2. Register with a Dentist
- Register with an NHS dentist - you will need to pay a contribution towards the cost of your care but this is generally cheaper than paying for a private dentist.
- Visit the NHS Find a Dentist page to find details of your local dentist and information about how to register.
3. Check your Vaccinations
- As a student you may be eligible for routine vaccinations. Look at the NHS guidance to consider which vaccines you may need.
- NHS advice to students is that you should have the MenACWY vaccine (which protects against serious infections like meningitis) and 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (as there are outbreaks of mumps and measles at universities).
- People aged 16 and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Find out more on the NHS website.
- You may be eligible for a flu vaccine. Find out more on the NHS website.
4. Get contraception
- Even if you do not plan to be sexually active while studying, it's good to be prepared.
- Contraception and condoms are free for everyone from any GP – it does not have to be your own – or family planning clinic.
- Find your local sexual health service
5. Rest and eat healthy food
- You'll greatly increase your chances of keeping healthy by taking care of yourself.
- Student life may not be renowned for early nights and healthy eating, but getting enough sleep and eating well will mean you have a better chance of staying healthy.
- You'll feel more energetic and be better equipped to cope with studying and exams.
- Find out how to eat well.