Looking after your health is essential to your wellbeing and your studies. Whether you need routine medical care, mental health support, or urgent advice, there are services available to support you while studying at Regent College London (RCL).
Read the government advice on medical care
This guidance explains more about getting medical care as a student.
Registering with a GP
A GP (General Practitioner) is your main point of contact for medical care in the UK. You should register with a local GP as soon as you arrive or change address, even if you are currently well.
GPs can help with general illness, prescriptions, mental health support, and referrals to specialist services.
A GP can help with:
- General medical concerns and illnesses
- Prescriptions and repeat medication
- Mental health support
- Referrals to specialist services for risk management and surgery
- Long-term health conditions and disabilities
How to register with a GP
When you contact a local practice, they will ask you to complete a registration form.
Be prepared to provide a few key documents to finalise your registration:
- Student ID
- Proof of address (such as a utility bill, tenancy agreement, or bank statement)
- NHS number (if you already have one from a previous UK healthcare registration)
We strongly recommend that you register with a GP during your first few weeks at RCL.
NHS care for international students
If you are an international student and have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you can access NHS services in the same way as UK residents.
Read the government guidance on IHS
This guidance explains more about how the immigration health surcharge works.
Urgent medical advice (non-emergency)
If you need urgent medical help but it is not an emergency, you can contact NHS 111 at any time, even if you are not registered with a GP. A trained practitioner will assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service. Visit the NHS 111 website for more information.
In an emergency
For serious or life-threatening health emergencies, call the ambulance service on 999 immediately.
Need more help?
Book a wellbeing appointment or email wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk if your health concerns are impacting your learning experience, or if you need further advice.
If you need support on campus, contact campus support.
