Starting university brings plenty to organise, from unpacking and meeting flatmates to finding your first lecture. Healthcare can easily slip down the list, but knowing where to turn when you feel unwell makes settling in easier.
Registering with a local GP is particularly useful if you take regular medication or need ongoing care. Add it to your arrival checklist alongside the essentials in our guide to packing for your first term at university.
The registration process below focuses on England. If you are studying in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check your university’s healthcare guidance for local arrangements.
Why Register with a GP Near Your University?
If you spend most of the year at your university address, the NHS recommends registering with a GP nearby. A campus health centre may be convenient, with staff experienced in supporting students, although you can also choose a suitable local practice.
Having a surgery close to your accommodation makes attending appointments and managing ongoing conditions more practical. Your GP can assess health concerns, discuss treatment and arrange referrals when needed. The NHS student healthcare guide explains the main services to organise when moving away.
Register early so you have time to understand the surgery’s appointment system before you need it.
How to Find and Register with a GP
Start with your university’s website to see whether it has a campus surgery. Alternatively, use the NHS GP registration service to find practices near your term-time postcode.
Check whether the surgery accepts new patients and covers your address. Most practices in England offer online registration; paper forms are also available.
You will usually provide your name, date of birth, address and previous GP details. An NHS number can help locate your records, but you do not need one to register. You also do not need identification, proof of address or proof of immigration status.
Registration is free. Wait for confirmation from the practice, then check how to request appointments and prescriptions.
Can You Keep Your Home GP as Well?
You normally have one permanent GP registration. Registering permanently with a university practice replaces your previous registration; you do not maintain two permanent registrations for term time and holidays.
If you need care while visiting home, contact a nearby surgery about temporary treatment. Temporary GP registration can last up to three months.
For students receiving ongoing treatment, discuss the move with your existing care team before leaving. This gives you time to plan how appointments and medication will be managed between addresses.
Plan Ahead for Regular Prescriptions
If you take regular medication, speak to your current GP or pharmacist before moving. Ask what supply is appropriate to cover the transition and when you should contact your new surgery.
Keep an accessible list of your medicines, doses and allergies, along with relevant clinic letters. Tell the new practice promptly if you have prescriptions or monitoring appointments coming up.
In England, the NHS App can be used to request eligible repeat prescriptions. You can also choose a convenient pharmacy for collection. Requests still require approval, so allow time for the surgery and pharmacy to process them.
Check Your Vaccinations Before Term
Before moving into halls or shared accommodation, ask your GP to check your vaccination record.
Students should check that they have received MenACWY and two doses of MMR. MenACWY protects against four groups of meningococcal bacteria, while MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The NHS vaccination guidance explains catch-up options.
For autumn 2026, there is also a one-off MenB vaccination programme covering eligible young people, including qualifying students starting university for the first time. MenB provides different protection from MenACWY and requires two doses at least four weeks apart. Check the UK Health Security Agency’s eligibility guidance for details, including advice for international students.
What International Students Need to Know
International students can register with a GP in England, and registration itself is free. However, GP registration does not automatically establish entitlement to every NHS service without charge.
Many students pay the immigration health surcharge as part of their visa application. Certain costs may still apply, including prescription charges in England and charges for dental treatment. Read the government’s healthcare surcharge guidance and contact your university’s international support team if you are unsure about your circumstances.
Bring vaccination records and details of ongoing treatment to help your new practice understand your medical history.
Finding Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Academic pressure, homesickness and money worries can make university life difficult at times. Your university’s wellbeing or counselling service can explain the support available, while a GP can assess persistent symptoms and discuss treatment.
In England, you can often refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression without first seeing a GP.
Our guide to mental health support at university explores further options. For everyday habits as autumn approaches, Healthy Living UK also shares ideas for building a manageable morning routine.
Before your timetable fills up, confirm your GP registration, plan any repeat prescriptions and check your vaccinations. Having these arrangements in place gives you one less thing to organise when you need support.
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