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General health and wellbeing

How to register with a GP

It is important to register with a doctor as soon as you enrol at LSBU so that you can access medical care if you need it. We recommend doing this as soon as possible so that if you have an illness or a medical emergency, you won’t be delayed accessing medical care.

If you have moved to London from another part of the UK to study, it is important that you change GP surgery so you can access care locally. If you are an international student, you must be registered with a GP in the UK to access any NHS services.

Information on registering with a local GP is available on the NHS Website and will be provided to all students during Welcome Week.

Choose a doctor within walking distance of where you live and phone to check if they will take you on as a patient. If you are accepted you will be asked for your name, address, date of birth and for your medical card (if you have one).

The nearest GP to LSBU is Princess Street Surgery, which you can register with through the Nexus Health Group.

Learn more about prescriptions and the NHS.

How to register with a dentist

For dental care you will need to register with a local dentist. See the information on how to find and register with your local dentist.

Key vaccinations

If you’re a new student, getting vaccinated against meningitis and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) before starting your studies is one of the most effective ways to protect your health. University students are at an increased risk of infectious diseases due to frequent close contact with large and diverse groups of people.

MMR Vaccine

Measles is highly infectious and can cause severe illness including pneumonia and brain damage. It is spreading in London and people who attend university may be at greater risk of catching measles due to having higher number of social contacts. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and is normally offered during early childhood. Check with your parents/carers or your GP if you have had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. If you haven’t had 2 doses, you can book a free appointment with your GP to get the vaccine.

Meningitis Vaccinations

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the brain. Symptoms can include Fever, Headache, Vomiting, Muscle Pain, Diarrhoea and Convulsions. All new university students aged under 25 can access free meningitis vaccinations, including the MenACWY Vaccine and the MenB vaccine. Eligible students need two doses, starting from July 2026, ideally completed before the start of term.

Vaccinations will be available via community pharmacies, with booking links or walk-in options depending on eligibility. Common side effects are mild (e.g. soreness, fever) and short-lived. For more information about meningitis, including a symptoms checker and a mobile app, visit Meningitis now.

International Students

International students are advised to receive any recommended vaccinations in their home country before starting university. Please ask your doctor/nurse for the Men ACWY vaccine.

What happens if you’re not immunised before the start of university?

If you are entitled to free medical treatment on the NHS you may be eligible to receive the vaccinations. These are available from your local UK doctor – you should register with your local GP as soon as possible.
If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment, you can get vaccinations from a local travel clinic which you may need to pay for.

Sexual Health

Healthy relationships and positive sexual wellbeing are an important part of many students’ lives. If you’re sexually active, taking care of your sexual health helps protect both you and your partners.

SHL.UK offers a free, confidential sexual health service for people living in London, including home STI testing, access to regular contraception and emergency contraception.

Young Southwark also provide a wide range of sexual health advice and support for people under the age of 25 living or studying in Southwark.

You can also explore our FAQs for more information, advice and support on sexual health and wellbeing.

Further information

For further advice, please check our FAQs via LSBU MyAccount or contact us directly.