Freshers' Week advice | News and events

The local NHS is welcoming students coming to universities in Cambridge and Peterborough this summer with top health advice ahead of Freshers’ Week events.

From avoiding the dreaded ‘Freshers’ Flu’ to finding a GP practice, students have a lot to think about in the first weeks at university. Luckily there are simple things you can do to look after yourself as you kick off the academic year.

To stay well during Freshers’ Week or Welcome Week events, the NHS recommends that you make sure you’re up to date with all your vaccinations. Lots of vaccines are available for free on the NHS, and they can help protect you from infectious diseases such as meningitis, rubella, and measles. You can find a catch-up clinic near you via www.thevaccinators.co.uk. Two dedicated walk-in clinics will also be held for Anglia Ruskin University students in Cambridge and Peterborough during Welcome Week.

If you do get ill, please try to stay away from others until you feel better, so that infectious diseases don’t have as much of a chance to spread across campus.

Once you’ve found your feet, you’ll want to register with a GP practice. It’s easier than ever to register with a surgery, as many practices now offer an online registration service. Simply search “NHS register with a GP” online to find practices near you that are accepting new patients.

It’s a good idea to find a pharmacy nearby as well. Pharmacies offer a brilliant range of services, including giving advice for common illnesses and medications.

Many pharmacies also offer treatment for conditions like impetigo, earache, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) without you needing to see a GP as part of the Pharmacy First initiative; and can offer you the oral contraceptive (‘the pill’) without a prescription.

Alongside GP practices and pharmacies, there are a number of Minor Injury Units, Urgent Treatment Centres, hospitals and other services available in the area. If you’re not sure where to go with an urgent issue, just use 111 online via 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice.

Dr Fiona Head, Chief Medical Officer with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said:

“The first few weeks of university are a really exciting time. Unfortunately, it’s also a great time for common bugs and illnesses to spread, so please make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations to help avoid having your arrival at university ruined by getting poorly.

“The NHS will be here for you throughout your time at university. Please register with a GP practice and get familiar with all the different NHS services available in your area, so you know where to seek help if you need it. If you’re not sure where to go with an urgent medical issue, NHS 111 is here to help 24/7, every day of the year.”

Students can find out more about the services available in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Royston by visiting www.cpics.org.uk. Information about routine vaccinations available through the NHS is available via NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS (www.nhs.uk).