If you’re moving away to university, you’ll need to register with a GP near your new address. Having a local GP ensures you can access NHS care quickly and conveniently while you’re studying away from home.
You may have further questions, so we’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
I am a student and live out of your area. Do I need to register with a new GP?
Yes. Students who move away from home for university should register with a GP practice near their student accommodation. GP practices can only register patients who live within their practice boundary. If you remain living at home during your studies, you can stay registered with your current GP.
Why is it important to register with a new GP?
Registering with a GP near your university helps ensure you can access healthcare quickly and conveniently while you’re away from home.
Quicker access to care – You’ll be able to see a GP close to where you live and study, rather than travelling back home for appointments.
Continuity of care – Your medical records can be transferred electronically, allowing your new GP to access your medical history and provide ongoing care.
Access to referrals and specialist services – If you require hospital treatment, specialist care, or other NHS services, these are usually arranged through your registered GP.
Quicker access to care – You’ll be able to see a GP close to where you live and study, rather than travelling back home for appointments.
Continuity of care – Your medical records can be transferred electronically, allowing your new GP to access your medical history and provide ongoing care.
Access to referrals and specialist services – If you require hospital treatment, specialist care, or other NHS services, these are usually arranged through your registered GP.
What if I do not register with a new GP?
If you become unwell while away at university, you may be able to receive treatment as a temporary patient at a local GP practice. However, this arrangement is intended for short-term care only. For ongoing medical treatment, repeat prescriptions, routine appointments, and referrals to specialist services, you should register with a GP practice near your university.
Will I still be registered at my old GP?
No. When you register with a new GP practice, your previous practice is automatically informed and your medical records are transferred to your new GP. As a patient, you can only be permanently registered with one GP practice at a time.
Can I still see my old GP?
If you move back home and are living outside your university GP’s practice area, you can re-register with your home GP. However, many students choose to remain registered with their university GP throughout the year, particularly if they spend most of their time living and studying there. This helps maintain continuity of care and ensures easy access to healthcare when needed.
What if my student accommodation address changes?
If you move to a new address, you may be able to stay registered with your current GP practice if your new home remains within their practice boundary. However, if your new address falls outside the practice’s catchment area, you will need to register with a GP practice that covers your new location.
How do I find a GP near to my university?
1. Find a GP practice near your student accommodation – You can search on the NHS website or use a local GP finder to identify practices that cover your address.
2. Complete a registration form – Many practices allow you to register online, through the NHS App, or by completing a form directly with the practice.
3. Provide proof of address may be requested – This may include a tenancy agreement, student accommodation contract, or another document showing your term-time address.
4. Wait for your registration to be processed – Once registered, your NHS records will be transferred automatically to your new GP practice, ensuring they have access to your medical history.
2. Complete a registration form – Many practices allow you to register online, through the NHS App, or by completing a form directly with the practice.
3. Provide proof of address may be requested – This may include a tenancy agreement, student accommodation contract, or another document showing your term-time address.
4. Wait for your registration to be processed – Once registered, your NHS records will be transferred automatically to your new GP practice, ensuring they have access to your medical history.