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General information:
o Water- All tap water in Britain is drinkable unless otherwise indicated (e.g. on trains)

o Remember to eat healthily especially now that you are living by yourself and students often skip meals as a result of busy schedule and idea of cooking for yourself may seem troublesome to some students too. Alternatively, you may probably enjoy the relaxation of making and eating a meal with a friend.

o Students often drink a great deal of coffee everyday and especially during exam periods. Fruit juice makes a good alternative if coffee does not suit you.

o Regular exercise is also very important. There are many sporting activities available in University. Don't be tempted to study for long periods completely on your own, as your health would suffer if you see little each day beyond the four walls of your room or laboratory. Some sociable activities or just regular exercises such as swimming, cycling, jogging, or just going for a walk would help you to enjoy life more and will actually improve your academic work.

Health Care
You should register with a General Practitioner (GP) clinic close to your accommodation, soon after your arrival in the UK. The University has its own medical practice. To find out more about the University Medical Practice and to view the Practice boundary, please visit its website at http://www.theump.co.uk. To register with the University Medical Practice, you must live within the area of the University.

If you do not register with the University Medical Practice, you can register with any GP surgery in the area surrounding the University. Some GP surgeries already have many patients and may not be able to take on any more. If you are unable to register with your local GP surgery, ask them to recommend another surgery close by, or try another GP surgery on the list. To find your nearest doctor please visit the NHS
website at http://www.nhsdirect...ults/index.aspx

For GP's, you will need to book an appointment in advance usually a week before, if you have an emergency, you can either call on the day itself or visit the hospital A & E department. Nearest Hospital is the Selly Oak Hospital as Queen Elizabeth Hospital does not have an A & E department.

Dental care
Once you are in the UK, you should try to have your teeth checked by a dentist at least once a year. You can ask for a list of local dentists who give NHS treatment from Academic and Student Administration or the International Office. The University has its own Dental Practice, which will treat all University of Birmingham students as NHS patients.

With other dental practices, you will need to be registered with a doctor in order to qualify for NHS dental treatment (where the Government subsidises the cost of treatment); otherwise you will have to pay the full cost. Once you have registered with a doctor, you will receive a medical card by post, which will include your NHS number. You should contact your dentist and ask if they accept NHS patients (some only accept private patients). If you are accepted you will use your NHS number when booking an appointment and appointments also need to be book in advance unless emergency cases.

To find your nearest dentist visit the NHS website at
http://www.nhsdirect...ults/index.aspx

Opticians
If you need to see an optician, you can go to any Opticians. You will normally have to pay a minimum charge for an eye test on the NHS unless you are in full-time study or under 19. If the test shows you need glasses or contact lenses, the optician will give you a prescription. Some Optical Shop do offer free eyes test for all customer so long as you buy the frames and lenses from them.

Cost of Treatment
If your course of study is for six months or more, you and your dependants will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay. This includes free treatment in NHS hospitals. Treatment is also free with any GP that you register as a patient. GPís and hospitals usually do not provide medicine unlesswill require to obtain medicine in pharmacy most of the time.

Non EEA nationals studying in the UK for less than six months and any accompanying family members will not be entitled to free NHS hospital treatment, except in emergencies. GPís may agree to treat you for free, but this will usually be limited to urgent treatment that cannot be delayed until you return home. You will have to pay for any other treatment as a private patient. It is therefore very important that you take out medical insurance for the duration of your visit to the UK. If you do not have insurance, private treatment could prove very expensive.

You may also be able to claim for help towards health costs on the grounds of low income. Ask your GP surgery for a HC1 form, or request a form online: http://www.ppa.org.uk (do a search for HC1 form). Health benefits are not classed as 'public funds'. Your immigration status will not be affected if you claim and receive any help with health costs.