An International Student's Practical Checklist for Studying in The UK

A companion checklist for students (and their parents) preparing for university in the UK - from Dr. Nithya Nahappan and Maison Medica.

This is the full version of the checklist from our MABECS pre-departure talk.

Tick things off as you go, or come back to it section by section - before you leave, once you arrive and for the long term.

1. Before you leave

HEALTH ADMIN

• Complete routine and recommended vaccinations - check with GP or a travel clinic. Keep a copy of vaccination records.

• Pack at least a 3-month supply of any regular medication, in original packaging

• Get a written medical summary from your doctor: conditions, medications, allergies

• For controlled medications (e.g. ADHD medication), bring a prescribing doctor's letters and prescription

CHOOSING YOUR HEALTHCARE PATHWAYS

• Decide how you'll access care: NHS GP registration, Private Doctor or both

  • If joining Maison Medica, complete the onboarding appointment

• Confirm your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) has been paid

• Understand what the IHS does and doesn't cover

PRACTICAL & CULTURE PREPARATION

• Note down UK emergency numbers: 999 and 111

• Learn a few simple meals; consider a rice cooker

• Pack a few home comforts for the first few weeks

• Share your university address and contact details with your family

• Register with the Malaysian High Commission

• Keep a digital backup of medical documents

Prefer someone to handle this with you?

Maison Medica connects with you and your family before anything happens

Learn about Membership

2. As Soon As You Arrive

FIRST WEEK PRIORITIES

• Register with your local NHS GP - bring passport and proof of address

• Locate your university's health and wellbeing service

• Find your nearest halal butcher or Asian supermarket

• Identify your nearest walk-in clinic or pharmacy and be aware of their opening hours

• Note the location of your nearest A&E - for genuine emergencies

SETTLING IN

• Set up a basic sleep and meal routine

• Store emergency contacts

• Set up repeat prescription ordering with your new GP

• Look into student wellbeing groups or societies

• Check in with family to confirm you've registered and settled

3. Keep Long Term

CONTACTS WORTH SAVING

• NHS111 (non-emergency) and 999 (emergency)

• Your registered GP practice

• Maison Medica - member or ad hoc

ONGOING HABITS

• Keep an up-to-date list of medications and dosage

• Keep up regular family check-ins

• Get your seasonal flu jab each autumn if eligible

• Note your NHS number once assigned; register and download the NHS App if possible

A note on why this matters

Universities have health services so it's important to know how to access them. Sometimes, students aren't there to use them. Weekends away, holidays, travelling with friends as well as unexpected urgent medical needs can create gaps. Being prepared before you need care — not just when you urgently need it — makes a huge difference.

This checklist is provided as general guidance and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. If you have a specific health condition, speak to your GP or a Maison Medica clinician before you travel.