Whether you are moving into halls or a shared house in Selly Oak, these simple steps will help you stay well through your first term. Our campus branch in the University Centre, behind Costa Coffee and opposite the Co-op, is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
1. Register with a GP near campus
Do it in your first week, not when you are already ill. Registering locally means you can get appointments, repeat prescriptions and referrals quickly. Varsity Bournbrook Medical Practice is based with our Bristol Road branch.
2. Check your meningitis vaccinations
Students living in shared accommodation are at higher risk of meningitis. The NHS offers the MenACWY vaccine free to first year students up to age 25 through their GP, so check you have had it. MenACWY does not protect against meningococcal group B, so you may also want the MenB vaccination, which you can book with us.
Know the signs of meningitis and sepsis: a high temperature, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, confusion, and a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it. Call 999 straight away if you are worried about yourself or a friend.
3. Be ready for freshers' flu
Freshers' flu is usually a mix of cold viruses picked up in a busy new environment, plus late nights. Keep paracetamol, throat lozenges and tissues in your room, drink plenty of water and rest when you can. A painful sore throat may be treated under NHS Pharmacy First.
4. Sort your regular medicines
If you take regular medication, nominate Selly Pharmacy for electronic prescriptions, then order your repeats online and choose collection from our campus branch.
5. Look after your sexual health
Free NHS contraception and emergency contraception consultations are available at our Bristol Road pharmacy. Umbrella, Birmingham's NHS sexual health service, offers free testing.
6. Planning trips abroad?
Study abroad, placements and holidays can all need vaccinations. Book a travel health consultation 6 to 8 weeks before you go. Healthcare students may also need hepatitis B vaccination before placements.
7. Know where to get help
- For advice on minor illnesses, pop into either of our pharmacies.
- For urgent medical advice, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
- If you are struggling with your mental health, the University's wellbeing services can help, and you can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option.
- In an emergency, always call 999.
Finally, join Selly Rewards to earn points every time you shop with us, at both branches.
Questions? Pop into our Bristol Road pharmacy or Selly Pharmacy in Campus, call 0121 472 0155, WhatsApp 07425 614023 or email hello@sellypharmacy.co.uk.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional.