MEDICAL CARE

If, like most students, you spend more weeks of the year at your term-time address than your home address, you may need to register with a GP near your college as soon as possible. 

That way you can receive emergency care if you need it, and access health services quickly and easily while you're at college. 

This is especially important if you have an ongoing health condition, particularly one that needs medication, such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy.  

You can choose to register with any local GP. 

OTHER AVAILABLE HEALTH SERVICES

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is an NHS service provided by your local community pharmacy. 

If you have a minor illness, you can always ask your local pharmacist for medical advice and support. 

You do not usually need an appointment and you can go to any pharmacy.

Your local pharmacist or a trained member of the pharmacy team will give you advice and provide medicine if needed. They may need to refer you to another healthcare professional such as your GP practice, dentist, optometrist or another NHS service if they feel your condition needs further investigation or more specialist care.

GETTING ILL DURING THE HOLIDAYS

If you become unwell or need other medical treatment when you're at home or not staying near your registered GP, you can contact your nearest practice to ask for treatment. 

You can only register with a GP practice if you're staying in the area for more than 3 months. If you're not, you may still be treated, but as a Temporary Resident. For more information on being treated as a Temporary Resident please contact your nearest GP practice.

You can also visit an NHS walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. These can provide treatment for minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, minor burns, sprains, or broken bones. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediate life-threatening problems. If you think you need to visit an MIU, you should call NHS 24 on 111. NHS 24 will direct you to the best care for your needs. 

If you have a dental problem you should, in the first instance always contact the dental practice that you normally attend.

Not all treatment is free, even under the NHS. Some patients may be eligible for free or reduced dental costs depending on their circumstances. 

Find an NHS dentist. 

Get help with dental costs. 

Dental emergencies need to be assessed and treated quickly to avoid the risk of permanent damage.

If you're registered with a dentist and think you have a dental emergency, phone your dental practice. They'll be able to tell you whether you should:

• be seen by your dentist

• go to a local hospital for care

If you're not registered with a dentist, contact the emergency contact for your region.

If you have a dental emergency during out of hours ( Monday to Thursday, 6.00 pm to 8.00 am and 6.00 pm on Friday to 8.00 am on Monday) phone 111.

MENACWY VACCINATION

Students are now routinely offered a vaccination to prevent meningitis W disease.  

The MenACWY vaccine protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia: meningococcal (Men) A, C, W, and Y diseases. It replaces the separate MenC vaccine. 

The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to all young people who are around 14 years of age. 

Due to the success of the MenACWY programme offered to all 14-18 year olds in Scotland during 2015/16, the majority of Scottish entrants to college will have already been immunised. 

All young adults in Scotland aged up to 25 years who missed the opportunity to get the vaccine should contact their health board, who'll advise them if it’s clinically appropriate for their particular circumstances.

Unvaccinated students coming from other parts of the UK to study in Scotland should make sure they get the vaccine before they travel to Scotland as there’s no guarantee that the MenACWY vaccine will be available.

MUMPS VACCINATION

Colleges also advise students to be immunised against mumps before starting their studies. 

The MMR vaccine (for measles, mumps and rubella) is part of the routine NHS childhood immunisation schedule. This means most young people who've grown up in Scotland will have had two doses of it in childhood. 

Young people who haven’t had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine as a child should contact their local health board about getting their free MMR vaccine.

If you're unsure if you've had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, phone your GP surgery to check you've had both doses.

Your GP will check your records and be able to advise if it is clinically appropriate for you to receive an MMR vaccine.

FLU JAB

Get an annual flu vaccination if you have asthma and take inhaled steroids. You should also get a flu vaccination if you have a serious long-term condition such as kidney disease. Consult your GP during the autumn to see if you should receive that year's vaccination. 

Even if you don't plan to be sexually active while you're a student, it's good to be prepared. Find out about the different methods of contraception, how to use it, where to get it and which is right for you. 

Contraception and condoms are free to everyone from any GP (it doesn't have to be your own) or family planning clinic.  

Condoms are also available in the Students' Association to pick up. If there is no stock, please contact a member of staff.  

Find your local sexual health service. 

Book an Appointment.

Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes, so you'll greatly increase your chances of avoiding your GP's waiting room by taking care of yourself in the first place. 

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. 

Remember to: 

• Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day 

• Buy wholemeal bread and pasta instead of white  

• Keep fast food to a minimum 

Eating well doesn't have to cost a lot and is often cheaper than takeaways. Taking the time to cook simple meals instead of eating out or buying ready meals is also healthier. 

Buy a student cookbook for affordable healthy recipe ideas. Parent Club and Let’s Get Cooking have a range of healthy recipes and video tutorials to help you plan and prepare your meals.

Read more about healthy eating on a budget.