Register with a Doctor

All students must register with a doctor in their local area. You are strongly advised to do this as soon as possible after you arrive.

Why register?
You are required to register with a local doctor for the duration of your studies if you live on campus or in the local surrounding area. We advise you to register as soon as possible after your arrival, in case you should suddenly need medical treatment. If you wait until you become ill, then you may be disadvantaged both because your medical records will not have been transferred from your previous doctor and because you may be treated as a private patient and charged a call-out fee.
 
Paying for Prescriptions, Opticians and Dental Treatment
As a student you may be entitled to full or partial exemption (on the grounds of low income) from prescription, dental and optical charges. More information and information for International Students.
 
Students from overseas
If you are an International student on a course that lasts less than six months you will be treated as a private patient. International students on courses lasting six months or more and EEA students should be treated under the NHS, this includes your dependants. More information.
 
Illness and University
If you are ill and unable to attend University, please report your absence.
 
If you are unwell during your course and this is likely to have a detrimental effect on your work or ability to complete your work in time, or if you wish the reason for your absence to be kept confidential please contact Student Support, as we can help with personal mitigating circumstances, extensions etc.

Where to register

Colchester

On Campus
The Health Centre (NHS)
Health Centre, next to Greenwood House, behind Rayleigh Tower, Colchester Campus
Telephone: 01206 794484 (ext 3699 if dialling internally)
E-mail: hcentre (Non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address)
 
Off Campus
Find a local NHS doctor

 
NHS Walk in Centre
North Colchester Health Centre, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex CO4 5JR
Telephone: 01206 314015
Opening Hours: 7am-10pm every day
NHS Walk-in Centre

Loughton

Contact details of local GPs are available from Student Support on the ground floor at Hatfields.
Alternatively, find a local NHS doctor

Southend

Pier Medical Centre
Location: first floor of The Gateway Building
Pier Medical Centre, First Floor Health Suite, University of Essex (Southend Campus), Luker Road
Telephone: 01702 328383
 
NHS Walk in Centre
St Luke's Health Centre, Pantile Avenue, Southend-On-Sea
Telephone: 01702 611505
NHS Walk-in Centre open every day from 8am to 8pm, including all bank holidays.
Our Walk-in facility offers a range of services including health information and treatment for a range of minor illnesses and injuries without having to make an appointment.