It's important to look after your health when moving away from home. This includes registering with a new GP and finding your local sexual health service.
It's important to look after your health when moving away from home. This includes registering with a new GP and finding your local sexual health service.
Our 5 health top tips for new students
Register with a local GP
If like most students, you spend more weeks of the year at your university address than at your family's address, you need to register with a GP near your university as soon as possible.
You can choose to register with any local GP. The health centre attached to your university is likely to be the most convenient, and the doctors working there will be experienced in the health needs of students.
You can register with Royal Holloway’s GP surgery here. Alternatively, if you don’t live on our Egham campus, you can find your local GP surgery.
Getting ill during the holidays
If you become unwell or need other medical treatment when you're at home or not staying near your university GP, you can contact your nearest practice to ask for treatment. You can receive emergency treatment for 14 days. After that, you will have to register as a temporary resident or permanent patient. Find out how to register as a temporary resident with a GP.
If you have an urgent care need use NHS111 first. This service can be found online on the NHSApp or by calling 111.
Register with a dentist
Dental problems cannot be dealt with by doctors, so make sure you register with a local dentist.
Not all treatment is free, even under the NHS. You may be able to apply for help with health costs, including prescriptions and dental care. Get help with dental costs and find an NHS dentist.
These are some of Egham’s local dental surgeries:
mydentist Egham
Stoneylands Dental Practice
Crown House Dental Practice
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. The SU Advice Centre waiting room has a stock of condoms and STI self-test kits you can grab and go without talking to anyone.
Find your local sexual health service so you know where they are if you need them.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
As a higher education student living in England, you can apply for a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.
The support you get depends on your individual needs and not on income. If you find it difficult to navigate healthcare services, you can contact the SU Advice Centre with any questions.