Register with a GP
hOW TO REGISTER
Registering with a GP, or local doctor, is crucial as soon as you know where you’ll be living during your studies. GPs offer a variety of non-emergency healthcare services, including check-ups, prescriptions, vaccinations, and referrals to specialists. You’ll need to book appointments for these services.
Click below to find a GP on the NHS website. If you’re going to be living at Academy Apartments, the postcode is M16 0UH. For One Cross Street in Spinningfields, the postcode is M3 7AG.
OTHER SERVICES
You can find local dentists on the NHS Find a Dentist website. Be aware that there is a small additional charge for NHS dental services, and not all dental procedures are covered by the NHS.
Many Opticians offer free eye tests for students and discounts on frames and lenses.
GP and Health faqS
GP stands for General Practitioner, also known as your local or family doctor.
The NHS (National Health Service) offers a variety of medical services, and registering with a GP is the first step to accessing them. Your GP will be your primary point of contact for most non-emergency healthcare needs.
You should register with a GP as soon as you know your term-time address in Manchester.
Visit the NHS website or ask your university for a list of local GP practices accepting new patients. Contact your chosen practice directly to inquire about their registration process.
GPs offer a variety of non-emergency services by appointment, including:
- Check-ups and consultations
- Prescriptions for medication
- Vaccinations
- Referrals to specialists for further treatment
For Old Trafford/ Academy Apartments: There are several nearby pharmacies, the closest being Tesco’s pharmacy, which you find at the back of the big Tesco, just a few minutes walk away. Alternatively, there are pharmacies at 77 Great Stone Road, and 60 Seymour Grove.
For One Cross Street: There are a couple of pharmacies within 10-15 minutes walk away from the accommodation. These are at 202 Chapel Street and 20-22 Mary Street.
If you get ill while you’re visiting home, you can contact your nearest GP for treatment for up to 14 days. You can also visit an NHS urgent treatment centre, speak to a pharmacist or call 111.
If you’re coming to uni for the first time, you should make sure you’ve already had your MenACWY vaccine. This prevents meningitis. If you’ve not been vaccinated, you have until your 25th birthday to ask your GP. It’s best to have it before the start of the academic year in September. This is because you’ll be at higher risk in the first weeks of term, when you’re likely to meet lots of new people.
You should also make sure you’ve had your measles, mumps and rubella vaccines before starting uni. If you’re not sure, check with your GP to see if you’re up to date.
If you’re eligible for the HPV vaccine, it’s important you’ve had 2 doses. If you missed either of your HPV vaccines at school, you can still ask your GP for this vaccine until your 25th birthday.
If you have asthma and need a steroid inhaler or tablets, you can get an annual flu vaccine. You can get this from your GP, or certain pharmacies.
In case of a medical emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance.
Yes, most international students studying in the UK can access NHS healthcare.
To be eligible, you typically need to:
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is a fee included in your visa application.
- Register with a GP: Once in the UK, you should register with a local GP practice to access primary healthcare services.
While not mandatory, some students, particularly international students, may choose to get private health insurance to cover additional services not offered by the NHS.