By Holly Taylor, Third Year, English
Moving to Bristol is such an exciting time! There’s so much to make the most of whilst you’re here – and trust me, it flies by. But somewhere between your first night out and taking all the meds you stocked up on in the first week, there’s one non-negotiable admin task you shouldn’t ignore: sorting out your healthcare.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden outburst of the inevitable Freshers' Flu, need your routine prescription, or want to stay in check with your sexual health, here is your guide to navigating healthcare as a University of Bristol student.
Step 1: Register with a GP
Please do this once you’ve moved and settled into your new accommodation. Do not wait until you're ill. The University of Bristol Students' Health Service (SHS), located on St Michael’s Hill, is probably the go-to option for students. You can register online via the SHS, which takes under 10 minutes.
Make sure to check your catchment area! Whilst most student halls and private accommodations fall within the SHS boundaries, it is important to check when you fill out the form. If you’re outside the boundary, register with your local GP. For example, Metal Works accommodation is located rather far out from the centre locations, but Bedminster Family Practice is just around the corner.
When registering somewhere new, your details will be transferred over to your new surgery. The NHS app is the best place to reorder prescriptions, check appointment times and access messages from your GP.
2. Sexual Health: Zero Judgment and 100% Free
Whether you’re entering a new relationship, had a bit of a scare, or just want peace of mind, Bristol has fantastic, completely confidential resources. You don’t need to sit around in a waiting room to get tested.
- Free Postal Test Kits: Yuno Sexual Health (the local NHS sexual health service for Bristol) provides free STI test kits that are delivered straight to your door. They arrive in plain, discreet packaging.
- At the SHS: You can also pick up free self-test kits directly from the Students’ Health Service waiting room on campus.
What to do if a test comes back positive?
Firstly, please don't panic! Most common STIs like Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea are treated quickly and easily with a short course of antibiotics.
- Free Treatment: If your postal kit or clinic test comes back positive, the clinic will contact you discreetly and arrange free treatment through a local clinic or pharmacy.
- Partner Notification: Clinics can help you notify recent partners anonymously if you’d prefer not to send the text yourself.
- Emergency Care: Need emergency contraception? Free morning-after pills are available at the Students' Health Service, local sexual health clinics, and many local pharmacies. If you need PrEP (HIV prevention) or PEP (taken within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure), places like Yuno Sexual Health provides these free of charge.
Where should I go when…?
Navigating the NHS for the first time can feel confusing. Here is a quick cheat sheet for when things crop up:
What I hope you take away from this
Taking five minutes today to register with any GP service, whether that be the Students' Health Service on campus or a local practice near your new accommodation, will save you hours of hassle when you’re unwell later into the term. Toss a few extra plasters and some paracetamol and ibuprofen in your bags, keep your options in mind, and go enjoy Freshers Week!
Juniper Gardner
For more health information, please take a look at the University of Bristol's health centre page.
Featured image: Epigram / Ed Deacon
Are you registered with the Students' Health Service?
