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Moving to a new area

Once you've started university or you've moved to a new area, you should register as a National Health Service (NHS) patient with a new GP practice near to where you are living as soon as possible. Most universities have a student health centre on site, or you may want to find your own. Normally, you'll need to fill in a form (GMS1) at the surgery of the practice you would like to register with.

If you're staying in an area for a short period - for more than 24 hours but less than 3 months - you can apply to a local GP practice to be treated as a NHS patient as a temporary resident. You won't be moving permanently to this practice, but details of any treatment you have will be passed to your own practice and added to your medical records.

Registering with a new GP practice

When you move to a new practice, it's useful if you can take along your NHS medical card. This has details of your current practice and your NHS number on it, which will make it easier for you to register. Your NHS number ensures that your new practice will be sent your medical records quickly.

If you don't have a NHS card, you can get your NHS number from your current practice. It's a good idea to write this down along with their name and address. Keep this sort of information safe because you'll need it whenever you move practices.

Once you've registered with your new practice, you should be invited to the surgery for an initial consultation where you will be asked questions about your health and lifestyle. You can also make appointments to see a doctor or nurse at the practice when you need treatment for illnesses and other medical conditions.

If you have any difficulties in registering with a practice or getting treatment as a temporary resident, then you should approach the local Primary Care Trust (PCT) for further help and advice. It is possible for a PCT to find you a local GP practice and put your name on its list of NHS patients.

• Contact your local Primary Care Trust Opens new window
• Check-ups, appointments and emergencies

Finding a dentist

As well as a doctor, you'll also have to make an appointment to see a local dentist. Before you make an appointment, ask about the type of services they provide.

There are three types of dentist surgery that you can choose from:

You can get free NHS dental treatment if you're under 18.

Your local Primary Care Trust will be able to help you find a dentist that accepts NHS patients, or you can search for other NHS dentists online.

• Find your nearest NHS dentist Opens new window

Private practices

Although everyone is entitled to treatment from the National Health Service (NHS), some people choose to pay for private health treatment, or get it from work as a company benefit.

Some doctors and dentists will only accept patients with private health insurance, or people willing to pay every time they need treatment. Before you register, make sure you know what sort of practice they are.

You may also want to ask for a list of costs for the most common treatments so you can compare a number of practices in your area.