IT’S that time of year when students across the country are preparing to head off to university.

There are a lot of things students need to prepare for when leaving home and taking measures to look after their health should be one of them.

It’s very important to register with a GP that’s local to the university, as it’s not always convenient to return home for an appointment when feeling unwell.

Registering with a new GP is easy; patients will need to provide their name, date of birth, NHS number if known and name and address of their previous GP. To help find a new GP practice visit: nhs.uk It’s also a good idea for students to make sure that they’re protected against diseases like meningitis. You may have seen articles in the press recently encouraging students to get a MenW vaccine, this is important as this strain of meningitis has become much more common in the last few years.

The disease is rare but can be life-threatening and students mixing with new people can be at risk of infection. It’s best to get the vaccine before going to university, but it can be arranged via the GP when at university.

Student life may not be known for healthy eating and early nights, but these can help to maintain good health as well as helping to concentrate on studying and exams.

There are many ways to eat healthily and it doesn’t have to be expensive, try buying a student cookbook, cook simple meals, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and try to keep fast food to a minimum.

It’s important to find a balance. If the correct preparations are made before and during time at university, it’s possible to have a great time, gain valuable life skills and obtain the education needed for the future.

DR CARL ELLSON Chief Clinical Lead, NHS South Worcestershire CCG