Sexual Health Services for UK Students: What You Need to Know

When it comes to sexual health services, free, confidential healthcare support for sexual wellbeing, including STI testing, contraception, and advice. Also known as sexual health clinics, these services are a core part of the NHS and available to every student in the UK, no matter your age, gender, or immigration status. You don’t need to be registered with a GP to use them, and you don’t need to pay a penny.

Many students assume sexual health means just getting tested for STIs—but it’s more than that. It includes free contraception, birth control options like pills, condoms, IUDs, and injections provided at no cost, sexual health advice, personalized guidance on safe sex, consent, and relationships, and even mental health support around sexual identity or past experiences. These services are designed to be non-judgmental, quick, and private. You can walk in without an appointment at most clinics, and your information stays locked down—no one, not even your university or parents, will know you visited unless you tell them.

Most universities in the UK have on-campus sexual health hubs or partnerships with local NHS clinics. If you’re in London, Manchester, Glasgow, or Cardiff, you’ll find walk-in clinics near student housing. Even if you’re in a smaller town, there’s usually a clinic within 10 miles. You can get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and more with a simple urine sample or swab—no needles needed for most tests. Condoms are handed out for free, and if you need the morning-after pill, you can get it same-day without a prescription.

What most students don’t realize is that you can also talk about things like low libido, painful sex, or anxiety around intimacy. These aren’t "taboo" topics—they’re medical concerns, and the staff are trained to help. You’re not alone. Over 60% of UK students have used sexual health services by their second year, according to NHS student health surveys. And the best part? You don’t need to wait until something goes wrong. Regular check-ups, even when you feel fine, keep you protected and informed.

Some students worry about being judged for being sexually active. Others fear their parents will find out. But these services exist because the NHS knows students need safe, simple access—no shame, no paperwork, no hassle. Whether you’re just starting out, in a new relationship, or simply want to stay informed, sexual health services are there for you. And with rising rates of STIs among young adults, staying proactive isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Below, you’ll find real guides from other students on how to find your nearest clinic, what to expect during a visit, how to talk to a partner about testing, and how to use NHS services without stress. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re lived experiences, written by people who’ve been there. You’ve got this.