Your health
We hope that your time at Solent University will be happy and healthy, but it is always a good idea to know what to do in case you are unwell. Please see the information below which we hope will be of use.
In an emergency, dial 999. The operator will ask which service you require (police, fire, ambulance). If you ask for an ambulance, the operator will ask you some questions about what has happened.
An ambulance will normally take you, or the sick/injured person, to the A&E (Accident and Emergency) Department. If you live in Southampton, this will be at Southampton General Hospital
All emergency treatment in A&E is free, however, if you are admitted to hospital as a result and have not paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) or are otherwise exempt you will then be liable to pay for treatment.
If you need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation you could dial 111. You will be put through to an adviser who will ask you some questions about your condition and make recommendations about the next steps you should take.
These might include making an appointment to see your GP or attending the Walk-in Centre. You can discuss any concerns you may have with the adviser.
International students who hold a valid Student visa or Dependant visa, and who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, are eligible to receive the same NHS treatment as UK residents.
In most cases, the treatment is free, although there is a charge for prescriptions (prescribed medication). NHS treatment can be provided at the doctor (GP's) surgery or at the hospital (as an in-patient or out-patient).
Students who hold a Visitor visa for short-term study are not eligible to receive non-emergency free NHS treatment and should make sure they obtain private health insurance before coming to the UK. For more information, please see NHS Choices
If you are coming to the UK for stays of more than six months, you may be required to pay an immigration health surcharge at the time of your visa application. The full amount will be paid upfront for the duration of your visa.
In line with our long-standing commitments under the Common Travel Area, Irish citizens will not be subject to the immigration health surcharge.
If you begin a course of study in the UK that is longer than six months, you need to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application.
You may be eligible for a full or partial reimbursement if all of the following are true:
- You're a full-time student in UK higher education.
- Your visa started on or after 1 January 2021.
- You have an EHIC issued in an EU country or Switzerland
- You do not work in the UK.
For more information, see the GOV.UK website.
If your stay in the UK is six months or less, you do not need to pay the immigration health surcharge. If you have a valid EU or Switzerland-issued EHIC or are a Norwegian citizen with a valid Norwegian passport, you can access medically-necessary treatment during your stay.
If you are a citizen of Iceland or Liechtenstein, you may have to pay for any NHS healthcare you receive. Any treatment you need to pay for will be charged at 150% of the national NHS rate.
You should buy insurance to cover your healthcare as you would if visiting another non-EU country.
When you arrive in Southampton and have enrolled with the University, you will need to register with a doctor so that you can be treated promptly, if you feel unwell.
In the UK a doctor who is based in a health clinic, or surgery, is also known as a GP, or General Practitioner.
If you will be living in Halls, most students choose to register with St Mary's Surgery. (see the new patients section).
There will be an opportunity to register with St Mary's Health Surgery during Welcome Week.
If you are in private accommodation, a list of other doctors willing to register students is available from the Student Hub.
Once you are registered, you can call the doctor's surgery and arrange an appointment if you feel unwell, or book an appointment online.
For further information about how the UK Medical System works, visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) webpages
If you are undergoing any medical treatment or you have had any serious illnesses in the past, please bring a doctor’s report with you in English. This should give details of your condition and any treatment/medication you may require. Failure to provide this information could cause delays and/or problems with treatment.
Contact the Student Hub for further advice.
For your own protection you should be up to date with the following immunisations:
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio
- Meningitis C
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- BCG.
NHS walk-in centres offer convenient access to a range of treatment. They are usually managed by a nurse who can treat minor illnesses and injuries.
These include:
- infection and rashes
- fractures and lacerations
- emergency contraception and advice
- stomach upsets
- cuts and bruises
- and burns and strains.
Walk-in centres are available to everyone. Patients do not need an appointment. Most centres are open 365 days a year and outside office hours.
There is a walk-in centre within the Royal South Hants Hospital, situated close to the University.
Southampton Central Minor Injuries Unit
Fanshawe Wing
Royal South Hants Hospital
Graham Road
Southampton, SO14 0YG
Tel: 023 8071 6539
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.
Find your local sexual health service
Our Student Union is part of the Get it On campaign. Read more here.
Anybody aged 18 or over in the UK is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. International students in England and the rest of the UK aged 18 or over can receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
If you have already had your vaccine in your own country, you can update your NHS records and get any top ups as and when needed.
Yes, you do. 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.
If you have a disability or medical condition for which you may need support in your studies please contact the University's Disability Service, Access Solent, to discuss support requirements.
You will need to show evidence either in the form of a medical report or doctor’s letter translated into English.
The University offers free counselling, mental health support and hypnotherapy sessions to all students.