Student Support

Medical Services

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Local emergency services (in the UK, 999) should always be the first point of contact in case of life-threatening injuries or safety concerns. Beyond these, the staff at Syracuse London are trained to help students navigate local services for general health and well-being. We also offer at least one free doctor’s appointment for students via the DocTap service as part of our semester program.

 

DocTap Services

DocTap allows students to book a same-day doctor’s appointment online. The first appointment is covered by Syracuse London via students’ program fee. If the doctor prescribes medication, this can be collected at a variety of nearby pharmacies. The cost of the prescription will be the student’s responsibility, though may be claimable with personal insurance.

The DocTap physician may also refer individuals to a specialist – general practitioners are the ‘doorkeepers’ to more focused carers like psychiatricts as part of the UK healthcare system. The Program Office Staff can help students in navigating this.

Syracuse London students will receive an email from DocTap at the beginning of their semester abroad with instructions about how to register.

For more information and to book an important, visit the DocTap website: https://doctap.co.uk/.

General Services
  • Pharmacies
    Chemists (or pharmacists) in Europe are able to dispense basic prescriptions and offer advice on minor ailments. They are a great – and will generally be the cheapest – first stop for colds, allergies, and minor burns, etc. Boots is one of the most common throughout the UK. Pharmacies close to Faraday House include:

    • Zen Pharmacy
      150 Southampton Row
      London, WC1B 5AN
      020 7837 7143
    • Boots
      129-133 Kingsway
      London WC2B 6PP
      020 7242 8897
    • Superdrug
      18 High Holborn
      London WC1V 6BZ
      020 7404 3684
    • Holborn Pharmacy
      88 Southampton Row
      London WC1B 4BB
      020 7405 2825
  • Dentists
    It’s no one’s favourite place, but if you need dental care while in the UK, some options close to Syracuse London are:

Mental Health & Support

Syracuse University takes the health and safety of our students very seriously – this means their physical security, of course, but also their mental wellbeing.

Studying abroad offers a plethora of experiences for everyone; however, sometimes being so far away from loved ones, and in places that are so very different from the norm, can evoke some unexpected emotions.

This includes incidents that happen while you’re abroad, of course, but also wider issues from your personal and professional, academic and extracurricular lives. Relationship violence, family dynamics, and behaviour patterns are all things that will impact you, your wellbeing and happiness, and your academic performance. We actively strive to reduce the social stigma that often surrounds mental health – this includes offering a wide array of services and including these topics in our programming.

If you would like to discuss anything you have witnessed, experienced, or been a part of, please speak with a member of the Student Support Office.

You are also encouraged to make use of the various services offered by the clinics listed on this page – which include a wide array of both physical and emotional supports. Among them:

  • The Samaritans
    Confidential support is available 24/7 for those experiencing despair, distress, or suicidal feelings.

Urgent Care
  • Urgent Healthcare Advice: 111
    NHS 111 is a free number available through the UK, 24/7. Its operators direct callers to the right local service with worries about urgent healthcare needs. DocTap should be used for less immediate concerns.
  • Emergency Services: 999
    NHS 999 is the British ‘911’ and should be the first point of call for truly life-threatening accidents and emergencies. Be prepared to confirm location and circumstances, and whether police, fire, or ambulance services are required.
  • Accident & Emergency (A&E, the British ‘ER’)
    Nearby Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments can be searched on www.nhs.uk. The A&E service is not free to non-British nationals, and payment will be required (after care) if people are admitted as a hospital inpatient. This is a service that should only be used in the case of true emergencies. If in doubt, call 111.

    • The nearest hospital to Syracuse London is:
      University College Hospital (UCLH)
      235 Euston Road
      London NW1 2BU
  • Urgent Care Clinics
    The Princess Grace Hospital operates a private walk-in centre offering urgent care for a variety of conditions, including acute medical conditions such as respiratory and chest complaints, traumatic injuries (fractures, sprains, and strains), etc. Individuals will need to pay out-of-pocket for this service; again, personal insurance may cover some or all of the costs.

Sexual Health & Assult

Three important things to know:

  1. Gender-based violence is never acceptable and never the victim’s fault.
  2. The ‘morning after pill’ is readily available in the UK, and
  3. Abortion is legal.

Please contact one of the clinics or advisory services below for more details.

  • The Sexual Health Line: 0800 567 123
    This is a free and confidential telephone service that offers advice about HIV, AIDS, sexual health, STIs/STDs, local services, clinics, and support services. It is open 24 hours and is a great first point of call to be directed to the best option for your circumstances.
  • The Jefferiss Wing Centre for Sexual Health
    This is a walk-in sexual health clinic located within St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. It is a free, confidential service. No appointment is necessary, though you can eserve a slot by texting “slot” to +44 7786 202545.

  • The British Pregnancy Advisory Service
    If you are in need of pregnancy advice, the BPAS provides counselling for unplanned pregnancy and abortion treatment. They can also offer emergency contraception (such as the morning after pill) and free pregnancy testing.

  • The Rape Crisis Group
    This charity provides an online resource for victims of sexual violence, as well as a freephone helpline.