Registering with a GP

Register with a GP (doctor) here as soon as possible so that support is easily available when you need it. You will still be able to see your GP at home during the holidays, they will be able to see you as an emergency patient or as a visitor.

The University’s Health Centre is located in Maxwell Building on the 3^rd floor. The centre is open during term time Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and from 9:00am to 1:00pm out of term time. You can register with this practice here or with any other NHS practice closer to where you live.

You can find your local GP practice on the NHS website.

Full time students under the age of 18 do not have to pay prescription charges. If you are over 18 and on a low income you may be able to get help with healthcare costs, you just need to complete a HC1 claim form which is available from your Doctor's Surgery or the askUS Advice Desk in University House. You can find out more about the low income scheme on the NHS website.

Dentists

Taking care of your teeth and your oral hygiene are extremely important. Neglecting your teeth could prove painful and costly in the future.

You should register with a local dentist and ask if they take NHS patients, as many dentists do not. NHS dentists still charge for dental care but prices are considerably cheaper than private dentists. You can find which dentist in your local area are currently taking NHS patients on the NHS website.

Please note free dental treatment for serious emergencies is available from supervised dental students at the Manchester Dental Hospital on the corner of Bridgeford Street and Higher Cambridge Street. You can phone them on 0161 393 7730.

Eye Care

Poor vision can seriously affect your potential to learn so it is important to get your eyes checked. All students under 19 are entitled to a free NHS funded eye test. If you are 19 and on a low income you may still be eligible for a free eye test. All you need to do is complete a HC1 form (see above in Registering with a GP).

You can get your eyes tested at any local opticians. You can find the nearest one on the NHS website.

Alcohol

We want you to enjoy your time whilst at University. However, if you are drinking alcohol it is important to know the facts so you can drink (and enjoy yourself) safely.

There are so many stories around alcohol and drinking it is often hard to know what to believe. Being informed about the facts is the best way to make sure that you drink safely. The NHS website has a lot of information about alcohol and the effects it has on your body.

The Drink Aware website has more information about drinking alcohol, binge drinking and the effects of alcohol.

There are also a number of mobile apps to help you track your drinking habits visit:

• Drinks Tracker - this free NHS app lets you anonymously and objectively feedback on your alcohol use and compares your drinking against people across the globe.
• Spruce - this free iPhone and iPad app helps you cut down on your drinking and helps you to understand your drinking behaviour better.
• DrinkCoach - this paid-for app helps you track, regulate and cut down on you alcohol intake.
• Down Your Drink - this website helps you make decision on your drinking by offering easy to follow information and resources

Finally, if you think you have a problem drinking, you can get advice and support from Alcoholics Anonymous by visiting their website or by calling their free national helpline on 0800 9177 650.

Drugs

Drugs affect the brain which in turn affects the mood of the person taking them. There are different types of drugs which affect users in different ways.

Drugs can be broadly divided into three categories based on their main effects. They may act solely as stimulants, depressants or hallucinogens. Quite a few drugs show two of these effects at the same time, and are then described as stimulant hallucinogens.

Most drugs are illegal to possess in the UK, and if a student is discovered with illegal drugs whilst on campus, the University report them to the police and subject them to the Student Disciplinary Procedure. This could result in expulsion from University and possibly fines and charges by the police.

The Talk to FRANK website has a complete A-Z of drugs and their effects, as well as support for anyone with a drug problem, and advice if you're worried about someone you feel has a drug problem. You can also phone them 0300 123 6600.

The University’s askUS website also has more information.

Healthy Eating

As a student there are lots of things such as homesickness, a heavy workload, excessive partying, cooking for yourself or being in charge of cooking your own food for the first time which could affect your eating habits.

You may believe that as a student you can't afford to eat healthy and nutritious food. This isn't true. Making your own regular balanced meals can be the cheapest and healthiest way to eat.

You can find out more about healthy eating on the askUS website and on the NHS website.

Keeping Fit

Here at Salford, there are lots of opportunities to exercise and to get fit.

The University Sports Centre has a 25 metre, 5 lane, deck level swimming pool complete with sauna and spa. There is also badminton, basketball and netball courts alongside a five-a-side football pitch. It also offers classes such as Fitsteps, Zumba, Metafit, Studio Cycling, Boxfit, Abs Blast, Body Conditioning, Yoga and Pilates.

The Union also has a range of sport clubs and societies from which you may be able find to find a form of exercise that suits you. Activities include dance, performing arts, Lishi Tai Chi, pole fitness, rambling, sky dive and many more. You can find a complete list of clubs and societies, as well as how to join them, on our Find a Club page.

If you are not sure which activity is for you, why not try the Union’s Give Sport A Go programme. This is a programme of pay as you go, non-committment sport sessions allowing you to try out our activities.

Remember, exercise releases endorphins (or 'happy chemicals') in your brain that make you feel good, help you relax and lower stress. The NHS Fitness pages provide more information about the benefits of exercise!