Accommodation

Staying Healthy

By BzBarlow 01 Nov 2020

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.

a group of people standing in front of a building

Register with a GP

You will receive a registration form when you collect your keys to register with the University Health Centre. 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 is the most convenient GP surgery. You 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 so it's best to do it as soon as possible so you're not having to worry about if you do get ill.