Repeat Prescriptions for UK Students: How to Register with a GP and Order Medicines Online

If you're a student living in the UK, getting your regular medication shouldn’t be a headache. But too many students end up running out of pills because they don’t know how repeat prescriptions work-or worse, they think they need to book an appointment just to get a refill. That’s not true. With the right setup, you can order your medicines online in under five minutes, no GP visit needed. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Register with a GP as soon as you move

Before you can get a repeat prescription, you need to be registered with a GP practice. This isn’t optional. Even if you only need medication once a year, you must be on the NHS list. Many students wait until they feel sick to register. Don’t do that. By then, you might be stuck without access to your meds.

Find your nearest GP practice using the NHS website. Most practices near universities have a student-friendly registration process. Bring your passport, student ID, and proof of address (a tenancy agreement or university accommodation letter works). Some practices let you register online; others ask you to fill out a GMS1 form in person.

Once you’re registered, your GP will give you a patient number and access to their online portal. Keep this info safe. You’ll need it every time you order a prescription.

Ask for repeat prescriptions at your first appointment

When you first see your doctor for a condition like asthma, anxiety, or birth control, ask them to set up a repeat prescription. Say something like: “Can you add this to my repeat list so I don’t have to book another appointment every time I need it?”

Most GPs will agree. Repeat prescriptions are designed for long-term medications you take daily or weekly. They’re not for one-off treatments like antibiotics for a cold. If your doctor says no, ask why. Sometimes it’s because they want to check your progress every few months. That’s normal. But if they refuse without reason, ask to speak to the practice manager.

Set up online prescription ordering

Once you’re registered, you need to activate your online account. Most GP practices use one of three systems: NHS App, Patient Access, or MyGP. Your practice will tell you which one they use.

Here’s how to sign up:

1. Go to your GP’s website and look for “Online Services” or “Prescriptions”
2. Click “Register” and enter your details (name, date of birth, NHS number)
3. You’ll get a letter with a unique code in the mail-this takes 3-5 working days
4. Use the code to log in and create a password

After that, you can log in anytime from your phone or laptop. You’ll see a list of all your repeat medicines. Just tap “Request” next to the ones you need. Most practices process requests within 48 hours. You’ll get a text or email when it’s ready.

Choose how you collect your prescription

Once your prescription is ready, you have three options:

• Collect from your GP practice - Usually takes 2-3 days. Good if you’re nearby.
• Collect from a pharmacy - Most students pick this. You can nominate any pharmacy near campus or home. Just tell your GP which one you want to use. They’ll send your prescription there automatically.
• Home delivery - Some pharmacies offer free delivery for students. Check with your local pharmacy. Boots, Superdrug, and independent pharmacies often do this.

Pro tip: Nominate your nearest pharmacy as your default. That way, if you forget to order in time, you can still walk in and get your meds without delay.

Don’t wait until you’re out

Students often run out of pills because they think, “I’ll order it next week.” But prescriptions aren’t instant. Even online requests take 2-3 days. Some pharmacies need an extra day to prepare.

Set a reminder on your phone: every 28 days, check your medicine supply. If you’re down to 7 days’ worth, order a new one. Most repeat prescriptions are issued for 28 or 56 days. Mark your calendar or use the NHS App’s built-in reminders.

Also, check your prescription list regularly. If your doctor changed your dosage or stopped a medicine, your online list should reflect that. If you see something wrong, call the practice right away. Don’t assume it’s a glitch.

What if you’re away from campus?

If you’re home for holidays or on a trip, you can still get your meds. Just nominate a pharmacy near your family’s house. Or, if you’re traveling within the UK, you can get an emergency supply from any pharmacy if you’ve run out. Bring your prescription card or the name of your medicine and your GP’s details. Pharmacists can call your practice to confirm.

But don’t rely on emergency supplies. They’re not meant to replace repeat prescriptions. Always plan ahead.

Emergency situations: what not to do

If you’re out of medication and it’s a weekend or after hours, don’t go to A&E unless it’s a medical emergency. Running out of your anxiety or blood pressure medicine isn’t an emergency-it’s a logistics issue.

Instead:

• Call NHS 111. They can connect you to an out-of-hours pharmacy that can supply you.
• Use the NHS App to find 24-hour pharmacies near you.
• If you’re in student housing, ask your hall manager-they often have a list of local pharmacies that help students.

Never buy prescription medicine online from random websites. Fake sites sell counterfeit pills. The NHS and UK pharmacies are the only safe sources.

What if your GP won’t give you a repeat prescription?

Sometimes, GPs refuse repeat prescriptions because:

• You haven’t had a check-up in over a year
• They want to review your dosage
• You’ve missed appointments

If this happens, don’t panic. Call the practice and ask for a phone or video review. Many GPs now offer 10-minute telehealth check-ups just to renew prescriptions. Bring your current medicine bottle to the call so they can see what you’re taking.

If you’re still stuck, ask for a referral to a pharmacist-led repeat prescribing service. These are becoming common in the UK. Pharmacists can assess your condition and approve renewals for stable conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression.

Costs and exemptions

In England, prescription charges are £9.90 per item (as of 2025). But most students don’t pay this.

You’re automatically exempt if you:

• Are under 18
• Are 18-25 and in full-time education
• Have a medical exemption certificate (for conditions like epilepsy or diabetes)

If you’re eligible, you’ll need to fill out an FP92A form at your GP’s office. Keep it with your student ID. When you collect your prescription, show both. You won’t be charged.

If you’re not exempt, consider a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). A 3-month PPC costs £32.05. A 12-month one is £114.50. If you need more than 3 prescriptions in 3 months, it pays for itself.

What to do if you lose your prescription card

Your NHS prescription card (or exemption certificate) is small and easy to misplace. If you lose it:

• Call your GP and ask for a replacement
• Or, if you’re registered with the NHS App, you can show your digital card on your phone
• Pharmacists can look you up by your NHS number if you can’t find the card

Just make sure you know your NHS number. It’s on every letter from the NHS and in your NHS App profile.

Final tips for staying on top of your meds

• Use the NHS App-it syncs with your GP and pharmacy, sends reminders, and lets you track your prescriptions.
• Keep a list of your medicines in your phone notes: name, dosage, why you take it, and your GP’s number.
• Don’t skip doses because you’re busy. Missing pills can make your condition worse and lead to more doctor visits.
• If you’re worried about side effects, talk to your pharmacist. They’re trained to explain how medicines work.

Managing your health as a student isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. Once you’ve got your GP registered and your online system set up, repeat prescriptions become automatic. No more panic runs to the pharmacy. No more missed classes because you ran out of pills. You’ve got this.