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General health and wellbeing

How to register with a GP

We strongly advise students to register with a doctor as soon as you enrol so that you can obtain immediate medical advice and assistance if you fall ill or have an accident.

Information on registering with a local GP is available on the NHS website and provided during Welcome Week. The closest GP surgery to the Southwark Campus is Princess Street Surgery.

If you’re unsure, here’s some advice about talking to your GP.

How to register with a dentist

For dental care you’ll need to register with a local dentist. Search the NHS website for local NHS dentists.

For further advice, please contact us via LSBU MyAccount or Contact Us | London South Bank University (lsbu.ac.uk)

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 higher risk of catching these infections diseases due to coming into contact with a large number of people.

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 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 get immunised in their home country before the start of 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 doctor 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

Many adults choose to have sexual relationships, and it's important to do this in a healthy way that's fun and safe for everyone involved.

If you are having sex, we’d recommended checking out SHL.UK. It’s a discreet sexual health service for Londoners where you can get home STI testing plus regular and emergency contraception.

Find more sexual health advice and support on our FAQs.