NHS Registration: Your First Week in the UK
Register with an NHS GP within your first week of arriving in the UK. It takes 10 minutes to fill in the form and 3–5 working days to process. You do not need to be sick to register. You do not need your NHS number yet. You just need your passport, your university enrolment letter, and your UK address. Once registered, you can book appointments, get prescriptions, and access referrals to specialists — all free through the NHS.
This guide covers the practical registration process step by step. If you need background on the NHS system, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), or what is and is not covered, read our complete UK health insurance guide first.
What Is a GP and Why You Need One
A GP (General Practitioner) is your personal doctor in the UK. Think of them as the gateway to the entire NHS. You cannot see a specialist, get a referral, or access most NHS services without going through your GP first.
Here is what your GP does:
- Diagnoses and treats everyday illnesses (colds, infections, skin issues, pain)
- Refers you to specialists (dermatologists, physiotherapists, mental health services)
- Prescribes medication (you pick it up at any pharmacy)
- Manages ongoing conditions (asthma, diabetes, allergies)
- Provides vaccinations (flu jab, travel vaccines, COVID boosters)
- Issues sick notes if you need time off from university
Without a GP registration, the only NHS services you can access are A&E (emergencies), walk-in centres (minor issues), sexual health clinics, and NHS 111 (phone advice). That is not enough for a full year of studying.
Step-by-Step: How to Register With a GP
Step 1: Find a GP surgery near you
Use the official NHS search tool at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp. Enter your postcode. It shows every GP surgery in your area and whether they accept new patients.
Tips for choosing:
- Check your university first. Most UK universities have a partner GP surgery or an on-campus health centre. At UCL, students use the Ridgmount Practice on Gower Street. At the University of Manchester, the Armitage Centre has its own medical practice. Ask at your university welcome event or check the student services website.
- Pick a surgery close to where you live, not just close to campus. You may need to visit when you are unwell, and a 40-minute bus ride while sick is miserable.
- University health centres fill up fast. Register in your first week. By October (the start of term), popular practices near universities stop accepting new patients.
- Catchment areas exist. Most GP surgeries only accept patients who live within their boundary. Some have extended catchment areas for students. If you are rejected, try the next closest surgery.
Step 2: Register online or in person
Since October 2024, all GP surgeries in England must offer online registration through the national “Register with a GP surgery” service. You can also visit the surgery in person and fill in a paper form (called the PRF1 — this replaced the old GMS1 form).
What you fill in:
- Full name, date of birth, gender
- Current UK address
- Previous GP (if any — leave blank if this is your first time in the UK)
- Basic medical history (allergies, current medications, ongoing conditions)
- Emergency contact
The whole form takes about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Bring your documents
Officially, NHS England says GP surgeries cannot refuse registration because you lack documents. In practice, bringing documents makes the process faster and avoids confusion. Bring:
| Document | Why they want it | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Confirms your identity | Recommended |
| BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) | Proves your visa status and IHS payment | Recommended |
| University enrolment letter | Confirms you are a student at a local university | Recommended |
| Proof of UK address | Confirms you live within the surgery’s catchment area | Recommended |
| IHS reference number | Shows you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge | Helpful |
| Previous medical records | Helps the GP understand your health history | Optional |
Proof of address can be your accommodation contract, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a letter from your university confirming your halls of residence address.
Important: A GP surgery cannot legally refuse you just because you do not have ID or proof of address. If a receptionist tells you otherwise, politely ask to speak with the practice manager or refer to the NHS England registration guidance.
Step 4: Wait for confirmation
After submitting your form, the GP surgery processes your registration. This typically takes 3–5 working days. Some surgeries confirm by text message, others by letter. You will receive your NHS number — a unique 10-digit number that you keep for life.
If you already have an NHS number from a previous stay in the UK, tell the surgery. They will link your records.
Step 5: Download the NHS App
Once registered, download the NHS App (free, available on iOS and Android). It lets you:
- Book and cancel GP appointments
- Order repeat prescriptions
- View your medical records and test results
- Access NHS 111 online for non-emergency advice
- Show your NHS number and vaccination status
You log in with NHS login credentials, which are set up using your NHS number and email address.
Your First GP Appointment
Many GP surgeries invite new patients for a new patient health check. This is optional but recommended. Here is what happens:
What to expect
- Duration: 10–20 minutes
- Who you see: Usually a practice nurse, not a doctor
- What they check: Height, weight, blood pressure, pulse
- What they ask: Smoking status, alcohol intake, exercise habits, allergies, family medical history, current medications
- Blood test: Some surgeries do a finger-prick cholesterol test
What to bring
- A list of any medications you currently take (including the exact names and dosages)
- Your vaccination records (if you have them)
- Any medical documents from your home country (translated into English if possible)
What they will NOT do
This is not a full medical examination. They will not check your teeth, eyes, or do a full blood panel. It is a quick baseline check so the GP knows your health starting point.
Tip: If you have a specific health concern, book a separate appointment after your health check. New patient checks are for general assessment only.
Walk-In Centres vs. Registered GP
You do not always need your registered GP. The UK has several options for medical care, and knowing which to use saves you time and stress.
| Service | When to use | Registration needed? | Wait time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your registered GP | Ongoing health issues, referrals, prescriptions, sick notes | Yes | Same-day to 2 weeks | Free |
| Walk-in centre / UTC | Minor injuries, infections, rashes, sprains — when your GP is closed or full | No | 1–4 hours | Free |
| NHS 111 (phone/online) | Not sure what to do, need medical advice, out-of-hours guidance | No | 10–30 min wait | Free |
| A&E (Emergency) | Life-threatening conditions: chest pain, heavy bleeding, seizures, severe breathing problems | No | 1–8+ hours | Free |
| Pharmacy | Coughs, colds, hayfever, minor skin issues, pain relief | No | No wait | Medication cost only |
Walk-in centres and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs)
Walk-in centres and UTCs are open to everyone — you do not need to be registered with a GP. You do not need an NHS number. You can simply walk in.
They handle:
- Minor injuries (cuts, sprains, minor burns)
- Infections (ear, throat, urinary tract)
- Rashes and skin problems
- Stomach bugs and food poisoning
They do not handle:
- Specialist referrals
- Ongoing condition management
- Prescription renewals
- Dental problems (go to a dentist, not a walk-in centre)
Find your nearest UTC at nhs.uk/service-search.
Common mistake: Going to A&E for non-emergencies
A&E (Accident & Emergency) is for life-threatening situations only. If you go to A&E with a cold, a sprained ankle, or a sore throat, you will wait 4–8 hours and likely be redirected to a walk-in centre or told to see your GP.
Rule of thumb: If it can wait until tomorrow, it is not an A&E case. Call NHS 111 if you are unsure.
How to Find a GP Near Your University
Most UK universities make this easy. Here is where to look:
1. University health centre
Many universities run their own health centre or have a dedicated GP surgery on campus. Examples:
- UCL — Ridgmount Practice (Gower Street, London WC1E)
- University of Manchester — Armitage Centre Medical Practice
- University of Edinburgh — Edinburgh University Health Service (Richard Verney Health Centre)
- University of Birmingham — University of Birmingham Medical Practice (Edgbaston)
- University of Leeds — Leeds Student Medical Practice (on campus)
Check your university’s student services website. Search for “GP” or “health centre” on your university’s intranet.
2. NHS Find a GP tool
Go to nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp. Enter your halls of residence postcode. Filter for surgeries accepting new patients.
3. Ask other students
During welcome week, ask returning students or your Students’ Union. They know which surgeries are reliable and which have long appointment waits.
4. Your accommodation provider
If you live in private student halls (Unite Students, iQ Student Accommodation, etc.), the reception desk often has flyers from nearby GP surgeries. Some providers include healthcare information in their welcome pack.
Registering for NHS Dental Care
Dental care in the UK is separate from your GP registration. Registering with a GP does not give you access to a dentist. You must find and register with an NHS dental practice separately.
How NHS dental works
Unlike GPs, dental practices in the UK do not have a permanent “registration” system. You are not assigned to a dentist for life. Each time you contact a dental practice, they decide whether they can accept you as an NHS patient.
Finding an NHS dentist
- Search online: Use nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist. Enter your postcode and check which practices accept new NHS patients.
- Call NHS 111: If you cannot find a practice accepting patients, call 111. They can direct you to your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), which manages dental services in your area.
- University dental schools: If your university has a dental school (King’s College London, University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, University of Bristol, Newcastle University), you can get treatment from supervised dental students at reduced cost.
The reality: NHS dentists are hard to find
This is one of the biggest frustrations in the UK. Many NHS dental practices have closed their lists to new patients. In some areas, waiting lists are 6–12+ months. This is not unique to international students — UK residents face the same problem.
What NHS dental treatment costs (England, 2026)
| Band | Cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Check-up, X-rays, scale and polish |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | Fillings, root canal, extractions |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | Crowns, dentures, bridges |
In Scotland, NHS dental check-ups are free. In Wales, they are free if you are under 25.
What to do if you cannot find an NHS dentist
- Private dental: A check-up costs £50–£150 privately. More expensive, but available immediately.
- Dental insurance: Plans from Denplan, Simplyhealth, or Bupa cost £10–£25/month and cover routine check-ups and basic treatment.
- University dental hospitals: Cheaper than private, but you are treated by students under supervision. Treatment takes longer.
- NHS Low Income Scheme: If you qualify for an HC2 certificate, NHS dental treatment is free.
Start looking for a dentist in your first week. Even if you do not need treatment now, getting on a list early means you will have access when you do need it.
For a detailed breakdown of dental coverage options, see our complete UK health insurance guide.
Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland: Registration Differences
The NHS operates slightly differently in each UK nation. Registration works the same way everywhere, but what you pay after registration varies.
| Feature | England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP registration process | Same | Same | Same | Same |
| Prescriptions | £9.90/item | Free | Free | Free |
| Dental check-ups | £27.90 | Free | Free if under 25 | Charges apply |
| Eye tests | Not free | Free | Free if under 25 | Free every 2 years |
If you study in Scotland, you get the best deal. Free prescriptions, free dental check-ups, and free eye tests — for everyone, including international students.
In Scotland, register with a GP through NHS Inform. The process is identical to England but uses a different website.
8 Common Mistakes International Students Make
1. Not registering with a GP at all
Some students think “I’m healthy, I don’t need a doctor.” Then they get a chest infection in November and have no GP. They end up in A&E waiting 5 hours for something that needed a 10-minute GP visit. Register in week one, even if you feel perfectly fine.
2. Waiting until they are sick
GP registration takes 3–5 working days. If you fall ill on day two and have not registered, you cannot see your GP. You will be stuck calling NHS 111 or sitting in a walk-in centre.
3. Going to A&E for non-emergencies
A&E is for emergencies: broken bones, severe bleeding, chest pain, loss of consciousness. It is not for a fever, earache, or stomach bug. Use NHS 111, a walk-in centre, or your GP instead.
4. Forgetting to register with a dentist
GP registration does not cover dental. Many students only think about dental care when they have a toothache — and then discover there are no NHS dentists accepting patients. Register with a dentist in your first month.
5. Not downloading the NHS App
The NHS App lets you book appointments without calling. Calling a GP surgery at 8 AM and being on hold for 20 minutes is frustrating. The app lets you book online in 30 seconds.
6. Losing their NHS number
Your NHS number is your key to the entire healthcare system. Save it in your phone, email it to yourself, and write it down somewhere safe. You will need it for appointments, prescriptions, and the NHS App.
7. Not knowing about NHS 111
Many international students do not know that 111 exists. It is a free 24/7 helpline for non-emergency medical advice. If you are unsure whether you need A&E, a walk-in centre, or can wait for your GP — call 111.
8. Assuming dental is free
The IHS gives you access to free GP and hospital care. Dental is not free in England (though check-ups are free in Scotland and for under-25s in Wales). Budget for dental costs or get a dental insurance plan.
Quick Reference: NHS Phone Numbers
| Number | Service | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | Emergency ambulance, fire, police | Life-threatening emergencies only |
| 111 | NHS non-emergency advice | Not sure what to do, need medical guidance |
| 116 123 | Samaritans (mental health crisis) | Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis — 24/7, free |
Save all three numbers in your phone on day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register with a GP if I do not have proof of address yet?
Yes. NHS England guidance is clear: GP surgeries cannot refuse registration because you lack proof of address. You can register with just your name, date of birth, and current address (even a temporary one like a friend’s sofa). In practice, having a document with your address makes the process smoother, but it is not legally required. If a surgery refuses, ask to speak with the practice manager.
How long does GP registration take?
The form itself takes about 10 minutes. Processing takes 3–5 working days. After that, you can book appointments and receive your NHS number. Some surgeries are faster (same day), some slower (up to 2 weeks) depending on their workload.
Can I register with a GP that is far from where I live?
Yes, but with conditions. Since 2015, GP surgeries in England can accept patients from outside their catchment area (“out-of-area registration”). However, they are not required to. Most surgeries prefer patients who live nearby because home visits are part of GP care. If you register far away, you may not be eligible for home visits.
What if the GP surgery says they are not accepting new patients?
Try the next closest surgery. Use the NHS search tool to find alternatives. If no surgery in your area is accepting patients, contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) — they have a duty to find you a GP. You can also call NHS England on 0300 311 22 33.
Do I need to re-register if I move to a different city?
Yes. If you move to a new area (for example, after first year when you move from halls to a private flat in a different postcode), you should register with a new GP near your new address. Your medical records transfer automatically between surgeries.
Can I see a GP before my registration is confirmed?
If you need urgent care before your registration is processed, you have options. Walk-in centres and Urgent Treatment Centres do not require registration. NHS 111 is available to everyone. Your new GP surgery may also offer a temporary appointment if you explain that your registration is still processing.
Is the new patient health check mandatory?
No. It is offered to all new patients, but you can decline. However, we recommend attending. It takes 10–20 minutes and gives the surgery a baseline of your health. If you have any ongoing conditions, this is your chance to get them on record.
How do I book a GP appointment after registering?
You have three options: (1) use the NHS App to book online, (2) call the surgery directly (most open phone lines at 8 AM), or (3) visit the surgery in person to book at reception. The NHS App is the easiest — no queues, no hold music.
What if I need a doctor urgently but my GP has no appointments?
Call NHS 111 for advice. They can direct you to an out-of-hours GP service, a walk-in centre, or an Urgent Treatment Centre. For true emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E.
Can my university help me register with a GP?
Yes. Most universities offer support during welcome week. Student services staff can tell you which GP surgeries are nearby, which ones accept students, and sometimes even arrange group registration sessions. Some universities have their own health centre where registration is built into the enrolment process.
Related Articles
- Student Health Insurance in the UK: NHS, IHS & What You Actually Need — Complete guide to the IHS, what the NHS covers, and when you need private insurance
- How to Choose Health Insurance as an International Student — Step-by-step framework for evaluating insurance in any country
- 5 Things Every International Student Should Know About Health Insurance — Essential basics before you arrive
Your NHS Checklist: First Week in the UK
Your healthcare in the UK starts with one simple step: registering with a GP. Do it in your first week and you are covered for your entire stay. Add a dentist, download the NHS App, and save the emergency numbers. That is everything you need.
Want to compare supplementary insurance plans for dental, optical, or faster specialist access? Use our insurance comparison tool to find the right coverage for your budget and study destination.
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