Health support for students
We have brought together a collection of useful information for students in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, to help you get the right healthcare when you need it and support you to stay healthy and well.
Register with a GP practice
If, like most students, you spend more weeks of the year at your university address than your family’s address, you need to register with a GP near your university as soon as possible. This will help you to access health services quickly and easily while you need it.
If you have chosen to stay registered with your own GP practice, they should continue to be your first port of call when you are unwell, rather than using local walk in services. You may be able to have a telephone or video consultation instead and they can send any prescriptions to a pharmacy near where you are.
Find a dentist
Dental problems cannot be dealt with by doctors, you need to use a local dentist.
Need help fast? - Get the right NHS care in two simple steps
We want to make it easier for you to get help when you need it quickly, for situations when it isn’t life threatening, with two simple steps. this will avoid you having to use walk-in services that might not be suitable or where you will have long wait.
Step 1: Try self care first
If your problem is minor and you haven’t been able to treat it yourself at home, try:
These services are quick, easy, and often all you need.
Step 2: Need more help?
If it’s more serious or Step 1 didn’t work
They’ll help book the right appointment for you.
If it’s a life or limb-threatening emergency, go straight to the closest emergency department or call 999.
If you go to the emergency department and it isn’t the right place for you, you may be asked to use another service instead. If it isn’t life threatening,
you are advised to use your GP practice or NHS 111 before setting out.
In a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. This service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Check your vaccines
There are several vaccinations you are advised to make sure you have had before starting university.
Meningococcal disease causes meningitis and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning) and can be very severe. The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to those in school years 9 and 10, but anyone who has missed out can still get a free jab with their GP practice until their 25th birthday.
While the MenACWY vaccine offers protection against 4 kinds of meningococcal disease, it does not protect against all forms, like MenB, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of Meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can prove lifesaving. Students should tell a health professional if they or their friends feel unwell and should know how to seek medical advice if they become concerned about their own or someone else’s health. If you are under 25 years of age and have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine please ask your GP practice about this.
HPV vaccine helps protect against genital warts and cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). It is routinely offered to those in school year 8. The vaccine provides excellent protection against most cervical cancers and some other cancers that affect both boys and girls. All girls who missed their HPV vaccination at school can still receive it for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery. This also applies to boys born after 1 September 2006.
MMR: Measles, mumps and rubella. If you have not previously had 2 doses of MMR, you can still ask your GP for the vaccine.
Flu vaccine: If you’re eligible, make sure you take up the offer of the annual flu vaccine.
Sexual health services
Students heading to university are being urged to use condoms to protect themselves and others from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Common STI symptoms include an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain when peeing; and sores around your genitals or anus.
Although STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, many can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with the brain, heart, or nerves.
Testing for STIs and HIV is free and confidential and can be carried out at your nearest sexual health service, details for which are on the NHS website.
Many sexual health services in England now offer free STI self-sampling kits for people who aren’t showing symptoms and would prefer a routine check-up in the comfort and privacy of their own home. If you notice any unusual symptoms, make sure to contact your local sexual health service and get tested.
There are vaccinations that protect against some STIs. These vaccinations are offered to eligible people when they attend sexual health services for STI testing or their routine care. These include vaccinations to protect against gonorrhoea and mpox, which are primarily offered to groups at higher risk of infection, such as gay and bisexual men reporting multiple recent partners. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are also available through sexual health services for all gay and bisexual men, as these infections can be transmitted sexually.
Mental health support
There are several NHS services that can support you in managing your mental health while at university.
It it’s urgent and you need help now:
24/7 support is available over the phone, call NHS 111, mental health option. This number is open 24 hours a day and is totally free and confidential. Click here to find out more
- You can also text 0748 063 5199 and we will aim to get back to you within four hours.
- Visit your local Neighbourhood Mental Health Café for more advice. Three of these cafes are running at at De Montfort, Loughborough and Leicester Universities.
If it’s important but not urgent
- Contact your GP practice between 8am – 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.
- Call 0330 094 5595 VitaMinds (Talking Therapy Service)
- Sign up for the Silver Silver Cloud online therapy programme that provides information and techniques to help you manage your stress and find balance in your life.
- Tellmi offers free digital mental health support, 365 days a year, for anyone aged 11+ in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Managing your existing health conditions
If you are living with a health condition, it is important you manage your condition so you stay well while at university, including taking your medication.
Digital options for using the NHS
The NHS is now able to offer patients a range of online services to provide more choice and convenience, including the NHS App, NHS 111 online and online ways to contact your GP practice and receive appointments.
Where you can, we encourage you to use digital and online methods of using NHS services.
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