10 Student Health Problems – When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

10 Common Student Health Problems: When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

Starting university is exciting—but living away from home can make getting sick more stressful. This guide covers 10 common student health problems, how to manage them, and when you should see a doctor.

This is general advice. If you’re unsure or feel very unwell, always seek medical help.

We will now describe 10 common student health problems – and when to worry, and when you may need to see a doctor.

1. Colds, Sore Throats and Coughs (URTI)

Very common in halls and shared housing. Usually viral.

• Symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache
• What helps: Rest, fluids, paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen
• Antibiotics: Not needed

See a doctor if: Symptoms worsen, last over 7 days, or a cough lasts 3+ weeks.

2. Diarrhoea and Vomiting (Gastroenteritis)

Often due to food poisoning or viruses like norovirus.

• What helps: Small frequent drinks, avoid solid food, oral rehydration, loperamide

See a doctor if: Symptoms last more than 3 days, worsen, or you can’t keep fluids down.

3. COVID-19

Now behaves like other respiratory viruses but spreads quickly among students.

• Symptoms: Cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, loss of smell
• Diagnosis: Lateral flow or PCR test (most people do not need now)

See a doctor if: Symptoms worsen or persist beyond 3 weeks.

4. Cystitis (Urinary Tract Infection)

Very common in women, especially after sex. Usually bacterial.

• Symptoms: Burning urine, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain
• Treatment: Fluids; antibiotics if symptoms last >48 hours

See a doctor if: Symptoms persist, recur, or if a man develops a UTI.

5. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis (there is often pus coming from the eye)

Highly contagious eye infection. Bacterial, viral, allergic or chemical

• Symptoms: Red, sticky, itchy eyes (vision usually normal)
• Treatment: Eye drops from a pharmacist (go there)

Urgent help if: Vision loss, severe pain, or symptoms persist >1 week.

6. Glandular Fever (Mononucleosis)

Common in teens and students; spread via saliva.

• Symptoms: Severe fatigue, sore throat, fever, muscle aches
• Treatment: Rest, fluids, paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen

See a doctor if: Symptoms worsen or last over 3 weeks.

7. Meningitis (Medical Emergency)

Serious infection of the brain lining. Often bacterial.

• Warning signs: Fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, rash that doesn’t fade when pressed

🚨 Go to A&E immediately if suspected—do not wait.

8. Measles

Rare but still occurs, especially if unvaccinated. Viral.

• Symptoms: Fever, cough, red eyes, spreading rash
• See a doctor: Same day GP or Urgent Treatment Centre.

9. Mumps

Can occur even if vaccinated. Viral.

• Symptoms: Painful swelling in front of the ears, fever
• See a doctor: Same day GP or Urgent Treatment Centre.

10. Chickenpox

More severe in adults than children. Viral.

• Symptoms: Itchy blistering rash, fever
• Treatment: Calamine lotion, paracetamol

See a doctor: Same day GP or Urgent Treatment Centre.

Other Common Student Health Issues

Flu-like Illness

Very common in first term due to new exposures. Rest, fluids, and self-care usually suffice.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Often symptomless.

• Prevention: Condoms every time
• Testing: Sexual health clinic or GP if concerned

Minor Injuries (Burns, Sprains, Cuts)

• Burns: Cool under running water for 20 minutes
• Sprains: Rest, ice, elevation
• Cuts: Clean, apply pressure

Go to A&E if wounds are deep, infected, or won’t stop bleeding.

Rashes and Nosebleeds

Most are minor, but non-blanching rash, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty need urgent care.

Where Should Students Go for Help?

• GP (local or university-based) – first stop for most issues
• Urgent Treatment Centre / Walk-In Clinic – no appointment needed
• A&E – only for serious or life-threatening problems
• NHS 111 – advice when unsure

Key Takeaways

Most student illnesses are mild and settle on their own.

Rest, hydrate, and listen to your body—but never ignore red flags.

When in doubt, get checked. The NHS is there to help.