Get the MenACWY vaccine
Overseas students under 25 must get the MenACWY vaccine before arriving in St Andrews. New university students are at higher risk of infection from meningitis and septicaemia, and the MenACWY vaccine protects against several meningococcal bacterial groups. You should contact your home healthcare professional to get the vaccine.
Get the MMR vaccine
You should also have had the full double dose of MMR vaccine to protect from measles, mumps and rubella regardless of your age. If you have not had both doses, then you should contact your health practitioner to arrange this before leaving to come to St Andrews. If you are unable to access this vaccine, you may be able to access it from a doctor in St Andrews, but there is a very limited stock for new students and you will be charged for the service.
Prepare medications
If you are an international student, you should check if your medication is registered and licensed for use in the UK before you arrive. If your medication is not permitted in the UK, you should get advice from your doctor at home about what alternatives you could access.
If you require more prescribed medication once you are in St Andrews you will need to arrange an appointment with one of the doctors at the medical practice first so you must ensure you are fully registered. The medical practice will need medical evidence which confirms why you are on the medication, what medication you are on and the dosage. Without this information, any medication will not be given. Do not wait until you are nearly out of your medication as there can be a delay obtaining certain medication. It is strongly recommended that an appointment is made to meet with a doctor at least a month before your medication runs out.
Find out about registering for a practice in St Andrews.