Information on how to register with the practice for GP services depends on a number of factors including; citizenship, immigration status (if relevant); including how long you will be spending in Belfast. 

Please note: If you are a student that normally resides outside the UK and Ireland you can register with the University GP practice if you are in going to be living in Belfast for three months or more. If are a student from outside the UK and Ireland and you will be living in Belfast for less than three months, you may wish to consider applying for private health insurance. 

You must be registered with the practice in order to seek medical care and have more than 3 months left on your visa. 

You can find out more about International Student Health & Healthcare including how the UK medical system works

The University Health Centre is based Elmwood Manse, 7 University Terrace, BT7 1NP and is a one-minute walk from the One Elmwood Student Centre.

Registration as an International student (EU, International, ROI and Isle of Man)?

All students hoping to register with the practice will be required to provide additional documentation to support their registration.   For international students this includes:

1. HSCR1 Registration Form (available from the Student Information Point in One Elmwood or the University Health Centre)
2. Passport
3. BRP
4. Proof of Belfast Address (see guidance below on providing your proof of address)

Please be aware that your CAS letter can be used as course duration proof, but you still need a proof of address letter.

Registration as a student from NI, England, Scotland, Wales?

All students hoping to register with the practice will be required to provide additional documentation to support their registration.   For the students above this includes:

1. HS200 Registration Form - (available from the Student Information Point in One Elmwood or the University Health Centre)
2. Passport
3. Proof of Belfast Address

The video below, from Dr. Cunningham, sets out guidance on how you can register with the University Health Centre. 

*The Health Centre require processing time for all registrations, this is dependent on volumes of registrations received and you can enquire at the time of registering. 

The current process for QUB GP Confirmation of Student Status Letters is that they can be obtained from QUB Student Registry Services via: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/srecords/YourStudentRecord/AttendanceEducationLetters/ 

Local doctors are also known as general practitioners, GPs. They look after the health of people in their community and deal with patients' different health problems.

• Once registration documents are accepted – we will not contact you to confirm your registration has been processed.
• A Health & Care Card will be sent directly from the Business Services Organisation (BSO) (these are not issued by the Practice).
• Appointments can be booked following the registration being completed.

Please note a Health and Care Card is not required for booking appointments. (their admin team are available for advice – please check our website for opening hours & contact times).   

• Living in Queen’s accommodation? A Queen’s Student Status letter is required, request this at the Student Information Point in One Elmwood, a copy will be forwarded to you electronically.

• Living in alternative student accommodation (i.e. Student Roost, Liv student)? A Queen’s Student Status letter is required, request this at the Student Information Point in One Elmwood, a copy will be forwarded electronically. You also require a letter confirming your address from your accommodation provider.

• Living in private accommodation? A Queen’s Student Status letter is required, request this at the Student Information Point in One Elmwood, a copy will be forwarded electronically.  You will also ned to provide evidence of your address – Tenancy agreement or a Utility Bill such as Gas or Electricity (excludes mobile phone)

The Admissions and Access Service has been asked by the University’s Occupational Health Service to bring the following information to your attention.

Local, EU and international students aged up to 25 years and starting university for the first time, should get the Meningitis ACWY vaccine from their GP before going to university. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine will increase protection against four Meningitis groups (A,C,W and Y).

There is an increased risk of infection with meningitis spreading when people live closely to each other such as in university halls of residence and other shared accommodation. It is therefore recommended that students receive vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting university.

Meningococcal bacteria can cause:

• meningitis (inflammation of the lining in the brain)
• septicaemia (blood poisoning) often leading to a rash of dark spots

Meningitis can cause death or long-term health problems including:

• amputation
• deafness
• epilepsy
• learning difficulties

Symptoms of meningitis:

Meningitis can affect anyone, but is common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)
• vomiting
• a headache
• a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
• a stiff neck
• discomfort or pain to the eyes due to light exposure
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)

All students who are changing their GP or who are registering with one for the first time should choose a GP in the local area when starting university.  If not already vaccinated, they can arrange to get this vaccine and other vaccines as appropriate. This should be done straight away – ideally in the first week of term – don’t leave it until later.

If you would like further information about meningitis vaccination, visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/men-acwy-vaccination-teenagers-and-students

1. Common Challenges

• Medication availability: Some ADHD medications prescribed abroad are not licensed or available in the UK.
• Controlled substances: Many ADHD medications are Class B controlled drugs in the UK — strict regulations apply.
• No direct transfer of prescriptions: UK GPs cannot accept or continue overseas prescriptions. A UK-based assessment is usually required.
• Long NHS wait times: NHS ADHD assessment pathways can take years, even for UK nationals.
• Limited private options: Private ADHD assessment and prescribing is available but costly, and not always recognised for NHS follow-up.

Before Arrival:

• Bring full medical documentation (in English if possible):
• ADHD diagnosis report
• Treatment history
• Medication details (name, dose, effectiveness)
• Check your medication’s legal status in the UK using GOV.UK guidance on controlled drugs.
• Bring a supply of your medication (up to 3 months) with:
• A letter from your prescribing doctor
• Proof it’s for personal use
• Original packaging and prescription

After Arrival

Register with a GP:

• All students should register with a local GP as soon as possible.
• Inform them of your ADHD diagnosis and bring all supporting documents.

For medication continuation:

• The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medication without a UK assessment.
• You may be referred to an NHS ADHD service, but wait times are long.
• Some students choose to pursue private ADHD assessments, which can provide quicker access to support but there is an associated cost and there may still be limitation to accessing medication.