When beginning university or college in a new city, there are several things to sort out before you get started.
Accommodation and induction often take precedence, and healthcare is often overlooked. But if you’re a student who’ll be living in Glasgow or the surrounding areas, your local pharmacy can help with far more than you might expect, and often a lot quicker than you think.
Ready to learn more? Here’s what students in Scotland need to know.
How to See a Pharmacist Without a GP Appointment
A common question students ask us is whether they need to be registered with a GP before they can get help. Many assume the answer is yes, but it’s actually no. Thanks to NHS Pharmacy First, you can visit any Bannerman’s branch and speak to a prescribing pharmacist about various common conditions, be that a sore throat or impetigo.
Generally, an appointment isn’t necessary, but booking ahead is a good option if you want to ensure a visit at a specific time. As long as you’ve been living in Scotland for at least three months, this service is available to you, whether you are a home or international student.
Do International Students Qualify for Pharmacy Care?
Yes, in most cases. If you’re studying and living in Scotland and paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application, you’re entitled to NHS care on broadly the same basis as a UK resident. That includes Pharmacy First consultations, prescriptions, and advice, even before you’ve registered with a GP surgery.
Why Registering With a Pharmacy Is Worth Doing Early
Registering with a pharmacy is different from registering with a GP, and it’s worth doing in your first few weeks at university. It’s free, takes a few minutes, and means your pharmacist has a record of your treatment history, so future advice is more accurate and more personal to you.
It also means you’re set up for services like prescription collection and delivery, which matter more than you’d think once deadlines and part-time jobs start eating into your time.
Emergency Contraception and Confidential Advice
Emergency contraception is available at any Bannerman’s branch without an appointment, and it’s treated with full confidentiality. A pharmacist will talk you through your options, what to expect, and answer any questions privately.
This is available whether or not you’re registered with a GP, and options remain available for purchase even if you’re not covered by the NHS route.
Getting Your Vaccinations Sorted as a Student
Student life means shared kitchens, packed lecture halls, and halls of residence, all environments where illness spreads fast. Alongside your annual flu jab, Bannerman’s offer several vaccinations that are particularly relevant to students, including HPV, chicken pox, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccination, which protects against serious infections including pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
If you’re not sure what you’re due, or what’s recommended for your age group, ask in branch or get in touch to book.
Prescription Collection and Delivery for Busy Timetables
Between lectures, part-time work, and everything else, getting to a pharmacy during opening hours isn’t always realistic. Bannerman’s offers a 24/7 click and collect service, which can also collect your prescription directly from your GP surgery and have it ready at your nearest branch. Some branches also have outdoor collection points if you’d rather skip going inside altogether.
If you’re registered with us, delivery is free, and we can liaise directly with your GP to keep repeat prescriptions on schedule, so you’re not left without medication mid-term.
Other Support Available to Students
Pharmacists can also help with:
- Stopping smoking, through NRT or Opiate Replacement Therapy guidance
- Weight management support for students working towards personal goals
- Signposting for mental health, including pointing you towards university counselling services or NHS 24 if you’re struggling
Prescriptions are completely free in Scotland regardless of your income or student status, and if a pharmacist thinks you need further assessment, they can refer you to a GP or another service directly.
Find Your Nearest Branch
Whether it’s a nagging cough before exams or a UTI at 8 pm on a Sunday, your local pharmacy is often the quickest way to get seen. Find your nearest Bannerman’s branch and register today to get set up before you need us.
