Register with GP UK: Your Essential Guide to Student Healthcare

When you move to the UK for university, one of the first things you should do is register with a GP, a general practitioner who provides free primary healthcare through the NHS. Also known as booking with a family doctor, this step isn’t optional—it’s how you access free consultations, prescriptions, mental health support, and emergency referrals without paying out of pocket. Most students don’t realize that even if you’re from outside the UK, you’re still entitled to free NHS care as long as you’re enrolled in a course lasting more than six months.

Registering with a GP isn’t just about getting sick treated—it’s about having a medical home. Your GP keeps your records, coordinates specialist care, and can even help with things like contraception, sexual health testing, and mental health referrals. If you’ve ever wondered why your friend got a free flu shot or a prescription for anxiety meds without paying a penny, it’s because they registered with a GP. Not everyone knows this, but NHS GP services, the free primary care system available to UK residents is one of the most underused benefits students have.

You might hear people talk about walk-in centres or private clinics, but those are for urgent issues—not ongoing care. If you need repeat medication, a referral to a physiotherapist, or help managing a long-term condition like asthma or depression, your GP is the only one who can help properly. And yes, you can register even if you live in student housing, even if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay, and even if you’re not a UK citizen. All you need is proof of address (a tenancy agreement or university letter works) and your passport or ID. Some surgeries might ask for your student visa or enrolment letter, but they can’t refuse you based on nationality.

Don’t wait until you’re sick to register. Many students show up at the GP only after a week of fever or panic attacks—and then wonder why they got a long wait. By registering early, you build a relationship with your doctor, get quicker appointments, and avoid being turned away from clinics that only serve local residents. Plus, if you need a fit note for missed classes or a letter for your landlord about health issues, your GP can provide it instantly.

And here’s something most guides leave out: you can change your GP. If the surgery near campus is always full, or the receptionist is rude, or you just feel uncomfortable—you’re allowed to switch. You don’t need a reason. Just find another one nearby, fill out a simple form, and your records will transfer automatically. There’s no penalty, no paperwork nightmare, no waiting period.

What you’ll find below are real student experiences and practical guides on how to get the most out of your GP registration. From how to find a surgery that accepts new patients, to what to say when you’re nervous about asking for help, to how to get mental health support without a long wait—we’ve covered it. You’ll also see how this connects to other student health needs: from NHS dental bands to sexual health clinics, from managing seasonal depression to knowing when to skip the GP and head to a walk-in centre. This isn’t just about filling out a form. It’s about making sure you stay healthy, supported, and in control of your wellbeing while studying in the UK.