Moving to uni is exciting, new independence and new people. But one of the things most students don’t think about until it’s too late is the medical side of moving out: the small but important things you’ll wish you had at 11pm when you suddenly feel unwell or realise the pharmacy is closed.
After my first month at university (highlighting my surprise cold and one accidental burn from cooking pasta), I learned very quickly what should’ve been in my drawer from day one. So here’s a practical, student-tested guide to what medication and personal first aid products you should bring and what to sort out once you arrive.
- Sign up with a university GP as soon as you arrive
This is one of those things that everyone tells you to do, and most of us push it down the to-do list until we actually need a doctor. Don’t be that person.
Registering with the local university GP means:
- You can get prescriptions without going home
- You can access urgent care more quickly
- You avoid delays when you’re genuinely unwell
If you don’t sign up, you may end up having to wait until you go home to refill your prescriptions or even trying to stock up before you leave, which isn’t always ideal or legally possible. Some prescription medicines can only be dispensed at set intervals, so it’s better to be properly registered and avoid the stress altogether.
- Know what medication you’re allowed to bring
Before packing anything prescription-based, make sure:
- It’s legal to bring into the UK (if you’re travelling from abroad)
- You have it in its original packaging
- You have a copy of your prescription or doctor’s note
Some controlled medicines have restrictions, and carrying large quantities without documentation can cause problems at the airport or even within the UK.
If your medication falls under UK “controlled drug” categories (like some ADHD medication, anxiety medication, or strong painkillers), check the government guidance to see whether you need a personal licence for bringing more than a 3-month supply.
For over-the-counter items, you’re fine, but still label everything clearly.
- Your uni First Aid + medication starter pack
Here’s a list of things that genuinely make uni life easier. You don’t need to buy everything at once, but having the basics will save you midnight stress, especially when the inevitable Freshers' Flu hits.
Everyday Medicines
- Paracetamol – for headaches, mild pain, fevers
- Ibuprofen – for inflammation, muscle aches, period pain (avoid if you can’t take NSAIDs)
- Antihistamines (like cetirizine or loratadine) – for allergies or unexpected reactions
- Cold & flu tablets – trust me, Freshers’ Flu is real
- Throat lozenges – lifesavers during winter
- Rehydration salts – helpful after illness or a rough night out
Prescription essentials
If you take regular medication:
- Bring at least one month’s supply when you move in
- Register with the university GP immediately so you can transfer your prescription
- Keep everything in labelled containers and follow legal guidelines if travelling
Never share prescription medication, not only is it unsafe, but it also counts as illegal distribution.
First Aid basics
- Plasters (different sizes)
- Antiseptic cream
- Bandages or gauze
- Micropore tape
- A digital thermometer
- Tweezers (for splinters or eyebrow emergencies)
- Burn gel or aloe vera (kitchens are dangerous places)
Other useful health items
- Heat patches or a hot water bottle for cramps
- A small ice pack
- Eyewash or saline solution
- Hand sanitiser
- SPF (yes, even in the UK)
- Make space for your personal health needs
Your first-aid kit should reflect you. Think about things you tend to need at home:
- Are you prone to migraines? Bring your usual remedy.
- Period products? Stock a variety for those unpredictable days.
- Skin conditions? Pack your prescribed creams.
- Asthma or allergies? Keep inhalers and EpiPens accessible.
Uni can be stressful, and stress can trigger symptoms you didn’t expect. Having your familiar products on hand is comforting.
- Don’t forget about pharmacies and repeat prescriptions
Once you’re registered with a local GP, it becomes much easier to:
- Request repeat prescriptions online
- Pick up medication from a nearby pharmacy
- Get advice from pharmacists (they can help with way more than people realise)
Keep note of:
- Your nearest pharmacy
- Their opening hours
- Whether they offer late-night or weekend services
This saves you from wandering around with a fever trying to find paracetamol at 8pm.
