The Ultimate University Healthcare and Meds Guide: Condoms to cold remedies and everything in between!

Aug 11, 2022 NHS Medications

When getting ready to go to university, either for the first time or when returning, there’s usually a university checklist. A large checklist. Bedding, pans, cutlery, lightbulbs and loo roll. Those sorts of things. Clothes get packed up, books and papers and all other study-related goodies too. We’re here to help you with the other essentials, the healthcare and medication checklist. With everything from condoms to cold relief, we have a handy guide to make sure you have what you need when you need it.

 

Making Meds Easier

When you are moving into halls or other student accommodation, there’s always a lot to organise. Once settled there are classes, deadlines, social activities and more to keep track of. Healthcare items are too important to forget about so to make it easier you can now take all of your healthcare items with you and have prescription medications delivered to your door. You just need to complete an NHS nomination form. Simply sign up and we’ll take it from there.

If you’re over 18 you have to pay for your prescriptions. Here at Simply Meds Online, we make it easy by sending you a link which you can use to have your meds shipped straight to you the same day (as long as items are in stock).

 

Help With Prescription Costs and Healthcare Items

While those over 18 years old are no longer eligible for free prescriptions due to their age (one of the downsides of hitting official adulthood) there are ways to save money. Those with exemption status, for example taking certain medications relating to diabetes, thyroid conditions and more may still be able to get free prescriptions. You can also check to see if your income enables you to apply for help with prescription costs. Form HC1 can be used to apply for help with NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, vouchers for glasses and other health care charges.

Do be aware that student loans and grants are taken into account when calculating entitlement.

If you do pay full price for prescriptions consider buying a pre-prescription certificate. Pay monthly or annually when you have more than one time a month to save money. You can find out more about NHS Prescription Prepayment Certifications here.

 

Save with Student Beans

Did you know that you can enjoy a 12% discount with us when you register with Student Beans? Register and get meds and essentials sent straight to your door with your discount included. The minimum order amount is just £12. Find out more.

 

 

Stock Up on Your Cold and Flu Remedies

The common cold can stop you in your tracks and may strike at any time of year, though is more prevalent in the cooler months. A stuffed up nose and/or runny nose (for variety), blocked and painful sinuses, headache, sore throat and more are all symptoms of this stealthy virus. Unless you want to spend your uni years in a bubble your best bet is to stock up on your preventative vitamins and minerals and make sure you have the supplies you need to weather the storm. From wipes to paracetamol, we can have your cold remedies sent directly to you.

Flu is another seasonal terror but can be more serious than a cold. They share similar symptoms but flu tends to be more severe and high fevers are common. Make sure your health and wellness kit has a thermometer included so you can monitor your temperature as well as anything else you might need when hit by flu to weather the storm. For some people, influenza can be particularly nasty so make sure you get your flu jab when it’s offered.

 

Skincare Essentials

Keeping on top of your skincare is important. Make sure that you have skin cleaning wipes and similar to hand and create a regular skincare routine.

Skincare isn’t just about what’s going on above the collar though. Many people suffer from dry skin, particularly when washing their hands a lot, eczema, skin sensitivities and more. Choose something like Cetaphil to keep your skin moisturised and protected at all times.

Talking of skin protection - Wear sunscreen! We don’t get a huge amount of sun in the UK so when we do, our skin is often caught unawares. It’s important for health and anti-ageing reasons to keep out of strong sunlight and apply a decent level of sunscreen when out and about.

 

Is Your First Aid Kit Stocked Up?

Do you have a first aid kit? Adults get bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes too. It’s important to have a fully stocked kit that you can get to at all times. Just in case. This NHS first aid list is a really handy starting point. You can buy first aid kits then add in the extras you need and replace items as they are used or go out of date. Plasters are an absolute must and staples such as Savlon, Germolene and Blistex are all things you’ll be glad you have when you need them.

 

Have Your Pain Relief Supplies to Hand

Pain is no joke, regardless of why you’re experiencing it. Whether you’re struggling with a hangover headache, sports-related injuries, menstrual pain or dealing with an ongoing condition, having the right pain medications and pain relief support to hand can make all of the difference.

Any physio will tell you that having hot and cold pain relief options available is a must after injury or for ongoing joint or similar pain. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are always nice to have to hand. Make sure that when taking medication for pain that you follow the dosage information and timings carefully. Use your phone or similar to take a note of your last pain killer dose and set an alarm for your next one so you keep on track. It’s easy to forget when you’re not feeling your best.

 

 

Sexual Health - Contraception and More

You’ve no doubt been given information by the university on safe sex. If not, pamphlets are probably coming your way soon. It’s easy to be flippant about these things but the real-life consequences of not being safe can be long-lasting. From condoms to oral contraceptives, Simply Meds Online pharmacists can send through what you need, where appropriate. Unwanted pregnancies and STIs can be avoided, as long as you are prepared and careful.

Our contraception and sexual health section is well stocked with items such as lubricants and emergency contraception as well as thrush relief for men and women, and more. Being proactive about your sexual health is an important part of staying healthy.

 

Menstruation Supplies

Everyone is different which means that everyone’s period affects them differently. Pain levels vary, energy levels can be affected and much more. It’s not uncommon for students to consider period delay in the run-up to exams and similar. When moving into Halls make sure you pack or order period supplies so that you have what you need available when you need it.

It’s important to add that period poverty is a real and important issue. Many universities offer support and have schemes in place for those struggling to afford period products such as sanitary towels. Morrisons also offer a discreet “Package for Sandy” which allows to you pick up free towels, no questions asked, from any of their branches. You can find out more about the scheme and how to access it here.

 

Allergies and Hayfever

Hayfever is an all-encompassing pain in the face. Your eyes. They itch, they stream, they are dry. And what is going on with your nose? It’s stuffed up, now it’s running, now you’re sneezing. And why on earth does it feel like you have gravel in your throat? Hayfever can range from mild to something all-encompassing which is why having supplies to hand is a must, especially if you know you can be sensitive to pollen or other allergens.

Antihistamines such as Allevia Fexofenadine can come in handy and HayMax blams are great at keeping pollen away. Top tip - Decent sunglasses can also act as an extra barrier during high-pollen days.

For other allergies and reactions, over-the-counter allergy products such as Anthisan bug bite and sting cream are worth keeping in stock.

 

 

Keep on Top of Your Dental Health

There’s nothing quite like dental pain and problems, is there? Emergency dentist appointments can be hard to come by (especially if you haven’t yet registered with a dentist near uni) and so it pays to take preventative measures. That means brush, floss, use interdental brushes (good for gums) and mouthwash to do your best to keep your teeth and gums as healthy and as great looking as possible. Make sure you have a stock of dental supplies in so you don’t get caught short.

 

Vitamins and Supplements for Energy and Balance

Being a student can be tiring. You don’t tend to get a lot of vitamin D (although in the UK - Who does get enough?). Vitamins and supplements can help with that, and more. It’s important to make sure that you optimise your health by taking care of any deficiencies and boosting those that are most needed. For example, did you know that your body can’t naturally produce Omega-3s? You can only get it from fish and nuts. So, unless you’re planning on cooking a lot of fish in your communal kitchen, something your roommates will love you for, it may be worth considering a one-a-day supplement.

You can find out more about vitamins and supplements in one of our latest blog posts.

 

Uni Health Care - In Conclusion

New duvet, check.

Pots and pans - check.

But did you remember to order your healthcare essentials? Don’t worry, Simply Meds Online can have everything you need shipped directly and can save you money too. Just make sure you create a calendar reminder or similar to make sure you know when you need to stock back up on essentials and re-order prescription medications.

This is a university checklist and a half but is not exhaustive. Everyone has their own health and wellbeing needs. We have an extensive range of items to help but if you’re not sure what the right product or prescription is, our pharmacists would be happy to help.