News

The NHS has released a guide to health services for new students joining universities across Kent and Medway.

The booklet contains top tips on looking after yourself while living away from home for the first time, including how to register with a GP practice and dentist, details on essential vaccinations and where to find urgent care and mental health services.

If you are heading to university this year, you should:

• Keep a supply of medicine at your accommodation, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, indigestion treatment and antihistamine
• Register with a GP practice and NHS dentist as soon as possible
• Find out where to go for help if you are ill or injured
• Check you are up to date with your vaccinations
• Get contraception
• Make sure you get plenty of rest and eat healthy food.

Dr Kate Langford, chief medical officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Moving away for university is a huge step and it's important to look after your health while you are away from home.

“I would encourage new students to download our handy guide or pick up a hard copy, which is packed with essential information about keeping well at university.”

Pick up a free copy at your university's freshers' event or download it at  www.StopThinkChoose.co.uk