Moving away from home for university, college, an apprenticeship or work? Shil Patel, a community pharmacist from Essex, explains how your local pharmacy can help with common illnesses, medicines, contraception and important vaccinations.
Starting university, college, an apprenticeship, work or moving away from home can be exciting. But it can also mean taking more responsibility for your own health for the first time.
I’m Shil Patel, a community pharmacist. One thing I would encourage you to do before you move is find out where your nearest pharmacy is.
You might be surprised by what we can help with.
1. You don’t always need a GP appointment
If you wake up with a sore throat, painful sinuses or think you have a urine infection, you might think you need to see a GP.
You can now visit your local pharmacy for an assessment or consultation for any of the conditions listed below. If appropriate, the pharmacist can also supply treatment, including medication where needed. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room, so if you would prefer not to discuss your condition at the counter, simply ask to speak with the pharmacist in private.
- sore throat
- sinusitis
- infected insect bites
- impetigo
- shingles
- uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
Age limits apply to some conditions and treatments.
Pharmacists can also recommend treatments and give guidance for everyday health issues, including:
- Coughs, colds, and flu
- Mild skin rashes, eczema, acne, and athlete’s foot
- Earwax and conjunctivitis
- Hay fever, allergies, headaches, and minor sprains or strains
- Tummy troubles like diarrhoea and constipation
If we think you need to see a GP or another health professional, we will tell you what to do next.
2. Check your vaccinations before you go
Starting university, college, an apprenticeship, work or moving into shared accommodation can mean meeting lots of new people.
Before you move, check that your vaccinations are up to date.
MenB
In 2026, the NHS is offering the MenB vaccine to some young people who may be at greater risk of meningitis.
You are eligible if you have just finished Year 13 and were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
Some people under 25 who are starting university or certain residential further education courses for the first time may also be eligible.
You need two doses of the MenB vaccine. They need to be given at least 28 days apart.
You can get the vaccine from participating community pharmacies, so try not to leave it until just before you move.
MenACWY
It is also worth checking whether you have had your MenACWY vaccine.
This vaccine helps protect against four types of meningococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including meningitis and sepsis.
MenACWY is normally offered to teenagers at school. If you missed it, you could still get it free on the NHS up to the age of 25.
Speak to your GP if you think you may have missed yours.
Flu
Flu can make anyone unwell. But some long-term health conditions can put you at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.
If you have an eligible long-term health condition, you may be able to get a free NHS flu vaccine each winter.
This can include some people with:
- diabetes
- heart conditions
- breathing conditions
- conditions that affect the immune system.
If you are aged 18 or over and eligible, you can get your NHS flu vaccination from many community pharmacies.
If you are not sure which vaccines you have had, check the NHS App or speak to your GP practice or pharmacy team.
3. Ask us about your medicines
Moving away from home may also mean taking more responsibility for your regular medicines.
If you take prescribed medicine, make sure you know:
- what you take
- when you need to take it
- how to order more
- when you are likely to run out.
You can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions if your GP practice offers this service.
Pharmacists are experts in medicines, so please ask us if you are unsure about anything.
You might want to speak to us if you:
- are worried about a side effect
- are not sure how to take your medicine
- have questions about a new medicine
- think two medicines may not work well together.
If you run out of a medicine that you are regularly prescribed, do not simply go without it. Contact NHS 111 online or by phone and they may be able to help you get an emergency supply from a pharmacy.
4. Confidential contraception support
Your community pharmacy can also help with oral contraception.
Participating pharmacies can provide the contraceptive pill through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service.
They can help you:
- start the pill for the first time
- restart it after a break
- continue taking it without needing a new prescription from a GP or nurse.
Participating pharmacies can also provide oral emergency contraception free on the NHS.
You can go directly to the pharmacy and ask for help. Your consultation will be private and confidential.
Some pharmacies also offer other sexual health services, so it is worth asking what is available near you.
5. There is no such thing as a silly question
One of the most important things to remember is that you do not need to know which NHS service you need before asking for help.
Part of our job as community pharmacists is helping you work that out.
You might come to us because you:
- have developed a rash
- are worried about a medicine
- have had a headache for a few days
- feel unwell and are not sure what to do.
Talk to us.
If it is something we can help with, we will. If you need to get help somewhere else, we can point you in the right direction.
Alongside packing your bags and getting ready for your course, apprenticeship, training or work, spend a few minutes getting your health sorted too.
Your health checklist before you move
- Download the NHS App and make sure you can log in and turn on the notifications.
- Register with a GP near where you will be living if you are moving away from home.
- Find your nearest community pharmacy and check when it is open.
- Know your medicines and make sure you have enough before you move.
- Check your vaccinations and make sure you are up to date with MenACWY. Check if you are eligible for MenB or a winter flu vaccination.
- Know where to get contraception and sexual health support if you need it, including emergency contraception.
- Know where to get mental health support if you are feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed or need someone to talk to. If you are moving away, check what support is available through your university, college, apprenticeship provider, workplace or local NHS services.
Keep a record of any allergies and the medicines you take.
Some of the links in this article are for people living in Essex. If you are moving outside Essex, you can still use the NHS website to find services near your new home, including a GP, pharmacy, dentist or urgent care service.
Your health might not be at the top of your list when you are getting ready for university or college But knowing where to get help can make things much easier when you need it.
Community pharmacy teams are easy to reach and can help with much more than many people realise.
So wherever your next chapter takes you, get to know your local pharmacy team.
We’re here to help.