Register with a UK doctor

As soon as you can, register with a local doctor, known as a General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will then help you to look after your health. They can then diagnose any health issues you may have and help you get the medical care you need. If you need any vaccinations, including a second dose for COVID-19, they can also help you get the right one.

A guide to UK medical terms

When you’re moving countries, some of the terms can be confusing. Take a look at the key words below that will make life easier when you’re here with us in Birmingham.

A lot of the healthcare through the NHS is free for international students, but make sure you have travel insurance before you head to the UK. It can help to cover unexpected expenses such as medical care and other things such as lost luggage.

Look after your mental wellbeing

We want your time here to be as happy and enjoyable as possible. So here are some tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing while you’re studying with us. These services are free and available to all international students.

Speak to your doctor

If you have any concerns at all about your mental wellbeing, your local UK doctor (GP), will take the time to listen. They’ll then recommend the best options for whatever you may be struggling with. From an illness to any stress or anxiety, they can prescribe you medicine, suggest a helpline or local group who can help.

Use our counselling services

We all need someone to talk to sometimes. That’s why we have a 24/7 counselling service to help. It’s free and confidential, so friends and family won’t know that you’ve spoken to our professional staff. They can help you with counselling, therapy and getting emotional support.

Speak to friends and family

It’s normal to feel homesick at university, especially when you move abroad. Whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone. While they may no longer be local, you can still arrange regular chats with family and friends over phone or video call. They can listen and help as well.

Get support from a helpline

Here are some other people you could talk to for support, or just someone to listen:

• UBHeard - our counselling service for all students (undergraduate and postgraduate), giving you emotional and mental health support when you need it, 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Samaritans - 24/7 phone line for anyone struggling with their mental health. Call 116 123 or download their self-help app.
• SHOUT - a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone struggling to cope. Just text 85258. (Your text needs to be 160 characters or less.)

Attend a Student Mind group

Student Mind helps students experiencing mental health difficulties talk about life and university. All in a safe, supportive place. The website has lots of useful resources such as apps, phone lines and tips on how to look after your health as a UK student.

LGBT Foundation

If you’re LGBT+, you can contact the LGBT Foundation helpline on 0845 330 3030 (10am – 10pm, daily). You can also email: info@lgbt.foundation

Stonewall also offers plenty of groups for LGBT+ people looking for support.

The LGBTQ+ Association is on campus too, uniting all UoB LGBTQ+ students through social events, campaigns, and activism. You can read more about them at LinkTree and follow them on social media.

What to do in an emergency

If you have a medical emergency, such as a serious accident, serious illness or where someone’s life is at risk, call 999.

​For any urgent (but not emergency) medical advice, call the NHS on 111.