Who can help me with a minor illness?

Pharmacies offer appointments, with medication available if required, for six conditions that affect university students:

• Sore throat (over 5s)

• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (Women 16-64)

• Sinusitis (over 12s)

• Infected insect bites (over 1s)

• Impetigo (over 1s)

• Shingles (over 18s)

GP practices are busy and an appointment is not always necessary. When you're a student and ill with any of the conditions listed, by going straight to a local pharmacy, you can have a consultation with a trained clinical professional and receive advice and even medication if it is needed, meaning that you could be on the road to recovery as soon as possible. The majority of community pharmacies in Surrey offer the Pharmacy First service. For more information on where your local pharmacy is and how to book an appointment please visit the NHS website.

If you are unwell, but do not require immediate attention, you can also contact your doctor, or use the NHS 111 service for advice. You can either call them directly on 111, or receive online advice for your symptoms on their website.

You can also access a whole range of medical assistance through the University's Student Assistance Programme and wellbeing services  including free, confidential, 24/7 support from our partners Health Assured through their helpline (0800 028 3766). Health Assured is a Student Assistance Programme designed to help you deal with personal or student-related problems. The problems could be affecting your home life, education, health, and general wellbeing. Whatever issues you face in your student life - the confidential helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year. They offer a variety of services including medical information from trained nurses.