XClose

Students

Home
Menu

Registering with a doctor (GP)

It is very important to register with a GP (general practitioner) whilst you are at UCL so that you can access medical care if you need it.

Doctors, also known as general practitioners (GPs), are based in surgeries or practices. They will be your first point of contact for most physical and mental health concerns.

UK students

If you are a UK student on campus and are already registered with a GP in another part of the country, we recommend that you swap your registration to a GP near you in London. This will make it easier to access health care. 

If you go home during holidays, you should still be able to make an appointment at your local GP surgery, where you will be seen as a temporary patient.

International students

If you are an international student, registering with a GP should be one of the first things you do after arriving in the UK.

How to find a GP surgery

The NHS provide a helpful search tool, which will allow you to find a GP surgery near you. Simply use your postcode to see the closest options.

How to choose the right GP surgery for you

Usually, choosing a GP surgery close to where you live is the best option. If there are several GP surgeries nearby, you may want to base your decision on reviews from other patients online. You could also speak to other students to find out about their experiences with a particular surgery. 

Specialist services

In most cases, the services provided by a GP surgery are the same or very similar. However, if you need more specialist support such as physiotherapy on a regular basis, you may want to select a GP surgery that offers this. You can find more information about the services provided by a GP surgery on their website.