When you arrive in a new country, it can be easy to concentrate only on your studies and forget about taking care of your health. Problems can be made worse by adjusting to a different climate, unfamiliar food and the emotional strains of being away from home. Below are are few things to bear in mind to help to stay healthy while in Britain and what to do should you become ill.

How do I prepare for the British weather?

The British weather is extremely unpredictable, but generally the period from November to February is very cold. The climate can be harsh, and the wet weather will make it seem even colder. A good way of keeping warm is by 'layering' your clothes. That is wearing t-shirts or shirts under woollen jumpers, with a warm jacket or coat over the top, depending on how cold it is. A waterproof coat or macintosh and strong shoes are useful in the rain. An umbrella is essential!

Most of these things may be cheaper to buy in Britain, so check first with your institution on the comparative costs. Try to ensure that the rooms you live and work in are warm enough, and that you have plenty of bedding at night. Not all buildings have double glazing or central heating, and dampness can make you feel colder. On the other hand, be careful not to keep your room too hot, as gas and electricity can be expensive - and it will feel even colder when you do go out!

What do I do if I fall ill?

If your course of study is for six months or more, you can get free health care from the British medical scheme called the National Health Service (or NHS), right from the beginning of your stay, on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK. Your spouse and children under the age of sixteen, or nineteen if still at school, will also be entitled to NHS treatment. If you are from a country with which the UK has a reciprocal health agreement you will be covered even if your course is less than six months, but only if the need for your treatment arose while you were visiting Britain. You are entitled to free treatment in NHS hospitals and you may register as a patient with an NHS General Practitioner (GP). If your course is for less than six months, you are advised to take out health insurance from a reputable company, to cover yourself and your dependants.

How do I register with a Doctor or General Practitioner?

When you arrive at your place of study you should register with a doctor as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are ill. If your college has its own health centre, you may be able to register there. Otherwise, you should register with any doctor close to where you live. A list of local doctors will be available from the post office. To register, you will need to visit the doctor's receptionist during consulting hours, taking a letter from your college as proof that you are a student. You should ask to be added to the list of NHS patients. Most doctor's surgeries have female as well as male doctors, and if you prefer you can ask to be put on a woman doctor's list.

To avoid paying the full (private) cost of treatment make sure the doctor knows you want treatment from the NHS. If the doctor accepts you as a patient, you will be sent a medical card through the post which will include your national health service number. Don't lose this! If the doctor cannot accept you, try elsewhere or contact the local Family Practitioner Committee, whose address can be obtained from the post office or doctor. Under the NHS, consultations with doctors are free. Ask whether or not you have to make an appointment to see the doctor, and remember to be on time for any appointment you make. Normally a doctor will only agree to visit you at home in emergencies, when you are confined to bed.

Can I get free medicine?

Under the NHS you will be asked to pay something towards the cost of prescriptions. Some of these and other medicines can be bought from the pharmacy counter at chemists. In some cases, the medicine prescribed by the doctor may be available without a prescription from the chemist for less than the standard prescription charge, so always check first with the pharmacist. Some medicines are only available on a doctor's prescription.

You are, however, automatically entitled to free prescriptions if you are under nineteen and studying full-time, if you are pregnant, or if you have had a baby within the last twelve months. You may also be able to get free prescriptions on the grounds of low income, in which case, you should complete a form AG1.

What should I do if there is an accident or an emergency?

In the event of an accident you should telephone 999 for immediate assistance. Your call is free, and you will be asked whether you require the fire brigade, police or ambulance service. When you have described the emergency and given the address, wait until help arrives.

What treatment is available in hospitals?

Casualty treatment in a hospital following an accident is provided free; but not all hospitals provide this kind of service. Hospitals also provide specialist treatment, and treatment for which any kind of extended stay is necessary. Your doctor will refer you if it is necessary.

What if I need to go to the dentist?

You should try to have your teeth checked by a dentist at least once a year. You can find lists of dentists who give NHS treatment at local main post offices. You need to be registered with a doctor in order to qualify for NHS dental treatment, otherwise you will have to pay the full cost. Check first whether the dentist accepts NHS patients, as some dentists will only accept private patients. Once accepted, you will need to give the dentist the NHS number on your medical card. There is a charge for all dental treatment. The dentist will ask you to sign a dental estimation of the treatment's cost, of which you will have to pay a maximum of £300 during any course of treatment. If you think you are eligible for a refund on the basis of low income, complete Form AG1 and AG5 within a month of the date on your receipt.

Will I have to pay for eye treatment?

You will have to pay a minimum charge for an eye test on the NHS unless you are under nineteen and in full-time study. If the test shows you need glasses or contact lenses, the optician will give you a prescription. The cost of frames and lenses varies considerably, so check with several opticians before buying. You can apply for help with the cost of your glasses on the basis of low income in the same way as for medical and dental treatment. If you have already paid for the glasses, you cannot apply for a refund afterwards.