• There are a few things you need to do BEFORE YOU COME TO COLLEGE.
• For those in College Halls, it is a REQUIREMENT of your conditions of residence that you are registered with a local GP Your warden will want to see confirmation of this from us.
• It is highly recommended that all students register with a doctor whilst at university:

• Even if you do not usually need to see your doctor. Most people are ill at some point whilst at College. If you register now we will be able to be prepared for the time you need us. We can only provide a limited service to those who only come to us when they are ill.
• If you have a chronic condition you will need to register with a doctor to receive ongoing care and medication. If you are then unwell with this illness we will already know your history.
• If you are on medication you will need to register to obtain more before you run out.
• Knowing our population also helps us plan our services to provide what YOU need.

Many people consider staying with their current GP, who may have known them for years. This is particularly the case when “home” is in London - people think they can just pop home if they are ill. It is highly recommended that you do not do this. Why?

• you will be at college most of the year
• if you just want some advice you may not be able to find the time to travel home (term time is busy!)
• if you are unwell you may not want to travel
• neither IC or RCM officially recognise other GPs for the purposes of formal medical certification of illness/applications for medical places in Halls etc
• Your home GP will not be able to provide you emergency out-of-hours (24hr) care unless you are actually living in their area at the time
• We will not be able to provide you emergency out-of-hours (24hr) care unless you have already registered with us

In short:

• all first year undergraduate students (as they live on the South Kensington site)
• any student living in Halls (except some at Clayponds residences)
• most other students. Details, and the long answer, can be found here

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

1. Visit our registration pages and download the appropriate forms to register:

a. First year undergraduates should click here (There are 5 forms)
b. Other students should use this page to work out whether they are eligible to register, and follow the appropriate link to register or join.


Those in Halls will find paper copies of the forms on their beds when they arrive – this is only in case you have forgotten to bring them – there is no need to complete the forms twice.

2. Complete the forms carefully. Ask your parents to help! Consider asking your home GP for details.
3. Check you have had the appropriate student vaccinations.

ON YOUR FIRST DAY IN COLLEGE
4. You need to bring the forms to the Health Centre so that we can register you. If you come to our registration day this will be a quick and easy process.