A blue background with Health related icons such as a brain and an apple, surrounding the words Health and Wellbeing in the center

General Health

TW: Mentions eating disorders and suicide

From registering with a GP (doctor) to accessing mental health and drug and alcohol support, we want to ensure you have information available to support your health and wellbeing.

Accessing Healthcare
Disabled Students
Mental Health Support
Eating Disorders
Drugs and Alcohol

Accessing Healthcare and the NHS
(National Health Service)

To access healthcare support during your studies, you can visit NHS services to explore the different health services available near you.

If you require prescriptions more urgently, even if you’re not yet registered with a GP, you can phone NHS 111 for support.

a student talking to a nurse sitting down in chairs

Registering with a GP (doctor)

It’s important to register with a local GP (General Practitioner), to receive healthcare (mental and physical) when you need it from the National Health Service (NHS).

If you take regular medication, you must register with a GP as soon as you get to university to avoid delays in getting your medication.

Head to the NHS website to find a local GP.

a photo of a student in an opticians wearing glasses smiling

Health Costs

You could be eligible for financial help with the cost of your dental treatment, optical treatment (eye care), and prescription charges – particularly if you must seek private treatment where some NHS practices are full. Support depends on your financial circumstances and NHS treatment status.

Information is available on the NHS website to help with health costs and prescription charges.

a photo of a student in a dentist chair

Dentists

We also recommend that students register with a local dentist so you can access dental care when you need it.

You can visit the NHS website to find local dental surgeries located near your address.

Should you require more immediate, emergency dental care you can explore available options on the NHS website.

International Students

If you’re an international student studying in the UK for more than six months, you can access the NHS. The dependents of students are also entitled to access national health services. You can register with NHS services as above. Visit the UKCISA healthcare webpage for more advice specific to international students.

Information for Disabled Students

If you have any questions about your disability and support available, please contact the University’s Disability Services Team. By registering with them, they can help you liaise with your department over any reasonable adjustments you may need. Visit the University’s disability pages to view all support available to disabled students.

The University has certain responsibilities to students under Equalities Legislation detailed at GOV.UK and you can also view useful information on Disability Rights UK. If you are struggling to get the support or reasonable adjustments you think you need or are unsure about who to talk to, please contact Guild Advice.

Mental Health Support

TW: mentions of suicide

Guild Advice

Guild Advice is a professional, independent and free advice service for UoB students, offering in-person drop-ins and online support. Our experienced advisors are always happy to help.

University’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

The University’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Service has experienced and qualified practitioners who provide a range of support.

Pause@uni

Pause@uni is a drop-in service based at the campus Wellbeing Lodge, where you can talk about anything worrying you. They offer "brief intervention" to triage your issue and refer you the best support services.

Thrive

Thrive (also at the Wellbeing Lodge) is a gardening for health charity, using gardening to bring about positive changes for people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable.

Wellbeing Officers

Each School has Wellbeing Officers, who offer practical and emotional support  if you are experiencing personal problems, particularly when these might interfere with your academic work.

UBHeard

UBHeard is a free confidential listening support service that gives immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Grounded.

Grounded. Selly Oak is an inclusive community wellbeing cafe and hub, offering, therapeutic workshops, wellbeing activities, and social events. 

Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide

Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.  

Explore all wellbeing support available at the University of Birmingham.

Eating Disorders

TW: Mentions of eating disorders

If you have (or suspect you have) an eating disorder, it is important to reach out to your GP or other NHS Services.

The NHS webpage on eating disorders can inform you on how to spot the signs, access further support, and how to help someone who you think may be struggling. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Service at the University can also help you access the support you need. BEAT provides online support groups, national helplines, directories for local eating disorder services, and message boards.

Drug and Alcohol Support

You can view comprehensive information on Drugs and Alcohol and our approach to harm reduction on our Keep Safe pages.

Alongside accessing general wellbeing services, if you are struggling with drugs and alcohol, you may benefit from services specific to addiction or recovery.

The Better Than Well programme is the first university-led Collegiate Recovery Programme (CPR) in the UK led by an addiction psychiatrist. It supports students in recovery from any form of addiction while they are studying at the University, with peer-to-peer support, social events, and weekly meetings.

Drinkaware is an independent UK charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm, helping people to make better choices. The NHS alcohol support pages may also be useful.

FRANK has honest information about drugs.

Alcohol-free Activities

If you’re looking for alcohol-free ways to socialise and enjoy yourself, you could try:

  • Hosting a games night with your friends
  • Going to the cinema
  • Trying a fun sport
  • Visiting a museum or gallery
  • Renting out bikes
  • Come dine with me – student house edition
  • Visiting your favourite local cafe

You can also view a range of sober socials activities on our website and it’s worth noting that events we deliver for students living in in University or partner accommodation are non-alcoholic.

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