04 /Staying healthy

You're going to meet lots of new people when you arrive at Heriot-Watt and yes, this is one of the best things about uni but it's important you don't get ill!

Applicants under 25 are strongly advised to be vaccinated against Meningitis ACWY at least two weeks before coming to university. If you can't get vaccinated before, you can attend the University Health Centre to register with a GP and book an appointment to have the vaccination.

There have been several cases of mumps at Heriot Watt in the past so we suggest you get the MMR vaccine too and ensure you have 2 doses before moving to university or make an appointment with our Practice Nurse.

Register with a GP

Complete a GPR registration form at the University Health Centre during Freshers Week (ideally between Tuesday and Friday 10am - 4pm). You can fill in a new patient questionnaire online, but you're not fully registered until you come into the practice to sign the relevant paperwork. When you come to the surgery to register, you must bring your student ID card or letter of acceptance from the University.

For Scottish Borders students, The Braeside Health Centre will have a table in the Thread, Ground floor, Pavilion 2 on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th September for you to find out more or students can visit the Borders Health Centre in town.

It's part of the terms & conditions of living in halls that you register with a practice in your area.

There is a requirement for a Safe Disposal of Sharps (needles/lancets) procedure to be put into place for Students living in Halls of Residence. If you use this medical equipment, telephone the Health Centre on 0131 451 3010 to arrange an appointment to see the Nurse and they can explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

You never know when you'll feel ill but the last thing you want to do is register when you've caught Freshers' Flu, or even worse travel all the way back home.