Healthcare

Crisis Support

The UK emergency services number is 999. Call 999 immediately when there is a life-threatening medical emergency, a serious accident, or a crime in progress.

If you are seriously injured or have a life-threatening medical emergency, you can also go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department – the UK equivalent of an Emergency Room or casualty.

Samaritans provides a confidential, and non-judgmental space to talk when you are struggling to cope. You can call them for free anytime at 116 123 from any phone in the UK or Ireland at any time on 116 123 (free, 24/7), or text SHOUT to 85258 for free text-based support. Find more mental health support here.

NHS access for student visa holders

As a student studying in the UK on a student visa (formerly Tier 4), you will have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) on broadly the same basis as a UK resident, including GP appointments, hospital treatment, mental health services, and emergency care, at no additional cost at the point of use. 

If studying for six months or fewer

If you are only studying in the UK for six months or fewer and you do not have pre-settled or settled status, you will not have access to NHS services and must pay for any NHS treatment you use. In this situation, you are strongly advised to arrange private medical insurance before you travel. 

If you have medical insurance in your home country, check whether your existing plan can be extended to cover your stay in the UK. If not, compare options from UK health insurers before you arrive. 

How to register with a GP

Do not wait until you are unwell to register with a GP. Get set up as soon as you arrive in the UK, so you are in the system if you need it. Once registered, you can book appointments, request prescriptions, and access referrals to specialists through your GP or via the NHS App. 

A GP (General Practitioner) is a local doctor who is your first point of contact for all health concerns. Follow these steps to register: 

  1. Find your nearest surgery. Use the NHS Find a GP tool. Enter your postcode and it will show surgeries near you and whether they are currently accepting new patients. 
  2. Check with your university before registering. Many universities have a partner GP surgery or an on-campus health centre, registration may be built into your enrolment process. Your student services team will be able to advise.  
  3. Register online or in person. Most surgeries allow you to register via their website or the NHS App. Some may ask you to come in during opening hours. 
  4. Have the following to hand: Your passport; your IHS number from your visa application; proof of your UK address (tenancy agreement or a letter from your university); your university enrolment letter. 
  5. Receive your NHS number. Once registered, you will be given an NHS number. Keep this safe, as it is used for all your healthcare interactions in the UK. Note that this is different from a National Insurance (NI) number, which is used for employment and tax purposes only. 

 

Dentists and opticians

Dentists: NHS dental and optical care is available but not entirely free. NHS dental treatment is charged at a fixed rate; find charges here.  To find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, use the NHS Find a Dentist tool.

Opticians: NHS eye tests are free for full-time students under 19, but most adult students will need to pay for both eye tests and glasses unless they meet specific eligibility criteria. Consider budgeting for these costs. 

 

Mental healthcare

A range of mental health support is available to you as a student in the UK. Do not hesitate to reach out. These services are confidential and you don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help.

  • Most universities offer free and confidential counselling services for students. Contact your student services team to find out what is available at your institution.
  • Your GP should be your first point of contact for any mental health concerns. They can offer support directly, prescribe medication where appropriate, or refer you to specialist services.
  • NHS Talking Therapies: This is a free NHS service offering counselling and therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for anxiety and depression. You can self-refer without needing to go through your GP first. You must be 18 or over (or 16 in some areas) and registered with a GP.

Medication and prescriptions

If you need to take a particular medication regularly:

  • Bring an adequate supply of your regular prescription medication to cover your first few weeks, as it may take time to register with a GP and transfer your prescription to the UK.
  • Bring a letter from your home doctor listing your medications, ideally in English, including dosages and the generic (non-brand) names of any drugs.
  • Check UK customs rules before travelling. Some medications legal in your home country are controlled substances in the UK. If in doubt, check with the UK Home Office.
  • Non-prescription medicines: Common over-the-counter medications such as pain relief, antihistamines, and cold remedies are widely available without a prescription. Unlike in many countries, these can be bought directly in supermarkets as well as in pharmacies such as Boots or Superdrug 

 

Vaccinations

International students under 25 entering university for the first time in autumn 2026 may be eligible for a free MenB (meningococcal B) vaccination programme. You are encouraged to receive your first dose in your home country before travelling, where possible. Two doses, given at least 28 days apart, are needed for full protection.

When you arrive in the UK, register with a local GP as soon as possible to discuss any vaccinations you may need. Find out more about the MenB programme.

 

Gyms and exercise classes

Staying active is a great way to look after both your physical and mental wellbeing. London has a wide range of options to suit different budgets. 

  • University exercise classes: Check whether your institution has its own gym or sports facilities. Student membership is often significantly cheaper than commercial gyms, and some universities include access in their student fees. 
  • Budget commercial gyms: Chains such as PureGym and The Gym Group operate across London with no-contract memberships typically starting from around £20–£25 per month. They are well-equipped and usually open 24 hours, making them convenient around a student timetable. 
  • Better Gym: Better is a not-for-profit leisure provider that runs many of London’s council-operated leisure centres. They offer a discounted Everyone Active or Better membership for students and low-income users. It’s worth checking what Better services are available in your local borough. 
  • Free and outdoor options: London’s parks are free to use. Parkrun organises free 5km runs every Saturday morning in parks across the city – find your nearest at parkrun.org.uk. Many parks also have free outdoor gym equipment. Swimming in some of London’s outdoor lidos is also popular in warmer months. 
  • Women’s-only activities: Many London leisure centres offer women-only exercise classes, creating comfortable and inclusive spaces for all. These classes are available across borough-run leisure centres and may include swimming, gym access, and classes like yoga or pilates. They are sometimes led by female instructors or have added privacy. Check your local leisure centre or council website for times and availability.

Sports clubs and societies

Most London universities have a wide range of sports societies and clubs, catering to all abilities, from beginners to competitive athletes. These may include:

  • Team sports like football, basketball, rugby, cricket
  • Individual sports like tennis, badminton, athletics
  • Fitness-focused groups: running clubs, yoga, dance, martial arts
  • Recreational or social sports for those looking to stay active without competing

Clubs and sports societies are usually organised through the Students’ Union or university sports department. Sports societies are generally very flexible and welcoming to students with different schedules and abilities. You do not always need prior experience, and many clubs offer:

  • Beginner-friendly sessions
  • Pay-as-you-go or low-cost memberships
  • Flexible training times that fit around academic commitments
  • This makes them a good option for international students balancing study and part-time work. 

Facilities and access 

London universities often provide access to on-campus gyms, sports halls, and fitness classes. To join a sports society:

  • Visit your university Students’ Union website or attend the Freshers’ Fair
  • Explore the list of available clubs and their training schedules
  • Contact the club directly or attend a trial session
  • Check membership costs and any required equipment 
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