Tuesday September 9th 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
As students in Scotland begin the new academic year at college and university, NHS 24 provides guidance on maintaining health and steps to take if they become unwell. NHS 24 recommends preparing in advance by registering with local health services and becoming familiar with how to access reliable health information.
“New home, new people, new routines – there can be lot of things to learn when you start at college or uni. We want students to know that looking after their health doesn’t need to be complicated,” says Dr Siama Latif, Associate Medical Director at NHS 24.
“One of the most important things students can do when arriving at university is to register with a local GP right away. Too often, people only look for help when they’re already unwell, and not registering can mean unnecessary delays in getting care. Don’t wait until you are struggling, take this simple, proactive step and can cut out the delays when you might need a prescription, mental health support, or urgent medical advice.”
In addition, NHS 24 also recommends using trusted digital resources like NHS inform to get information and tips on how to manage minor illnesses and injuries. NHS inform provides clear self-care guidance, symptom checkers, and advice on when and where to seek further help.
“You can look after your health confidently and independently – NHS inform gives you expert information at your fingertips. If you are feeling unwell, need advice, or aren’t sure where to turn, NHS inform is a great place to get the info you need quickly,” continues Dr Latif.
“NHS experts regularly review, and update NHS inform with current advice. It includes a wealth of health information including symptom checkers for common illnesses, mental health resources, and provides information on services, such as GPs, pharmacies, and sexual health clinics – all specific to patients in Scotland.”
For more information students can visit https://nhsinform.scot/studenthealth and follow NHS 24 on social media for updates and health tips throughout the academic year.
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