Your five-minute health checklist
Published: 16 September 2026
It’s worth taking five minutes to get your health sorted before the year gets busy! NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has put together a handy checklist covering all the basics - from stocking up on health essentials to registering with a GP and knowing where to go if you need support.
Stock up on the basics
Simple things such as pain relief, cold remedies and tissues can make a big difference if you develop a common illness while living away from home. Many common illnesses and injuries can be managed at home using self-care advice available through trusted resources like the NHS Inform website and the NHS 24 Online app.
Know where your nearest pharmacy is
Community pharmacies can help with a wide range of common illnesses and provide expert healthcare advice without the need for an appointment. Knowing where your nearest pharmacy is before you need it can help you access the right support quickly.
Register with a GP
Students living in Greater Glasgow and Clyde should register with a local GP practice as soon as possible after moving into their accommodation. You can find your nearest Practice and details on how to register here: GP practice | NHS Inform Many students wait until they are unwell before trying to register, which can add unnecessary stress at a time when they may already be feeling ill.
Save NHS 24 on 111 in your phone
If you need urgent medical advice when your GP practice or pharmacy is closed, NHS 24 is available by calling 111. This is also the route to access Virtual A&E. Adding the number to your phone now means it will be there when you need it most.
Know when to use A&E
Accident and Emergency departments are for life- or limb-threatening illnesses and injuries. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the range of healthcare options available, including self-care, community pharmacies, GP services, NHS 24 and Virtual A&E, helping them get the right care in the right place, often more quickly.
Check if you're eligible for the MenB vaccine
Students attending university for the first time this year are being encouraged to check whether they are eligible for the MenB vaccine. Meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia, is uncommon but can be very serious. Young people starting university, particularly those living in halls of residence or shared accommodation, can be at increased risk because of close contact with large numbers of people. The MenB vaccine is available through NHS Scotland's student vaccination programme for first-time undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25. Eligible students can receive the MenB vaccine at a drop in clinic before or shortly after starting university. You can find out more here: General Vaccinations - NHSGGC.
First published: 16 September 2026
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