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We want you to feel your best so you can make the most of your time at Heriot-Watt!
Physical Health
We strongly recommend you register with a doctor.
If you live on campus or in the Edinburgh area you can register with Riccarton General Practice and Dentist on campus or with a GP and dentist closer to your accommodation if you so choose. If you live off-campus outside of Ediniburgh, you should register with a GP and dentist local to you.
If you live in Galashiels you can register with Braeside Practice; Eildon Practice; Ellwyn Practice; and Waverly Practice in the Galashiels Health Centre (next to ASDA car park). The emergency dentist travels around the borders, and you need to book on the day as it’s for emergency treatments. If you need them, call 0845 300 0930.
In an Emergency
In an emergency, dial 999. You should also alert Campus Security as soon as possible; not only are they trained first aiders but they are needed to direct emergency services to your location. Pick up any red phone on campus, which will dial them automatically; dial 2222 from any phone on campus; or tap either “Emergency” or "First Aid” on the SafeZone to bring security to your location.
Mental Health
Mental health is something that can affect us all, and it's okay to talk about it. Anxiety and stress are common amongst students. We support university campaigns to promote and raise awareness of positive mental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to pop in for a chat. We can also direct you to other services if you'd like.
Remember you can talk with your doctor about mental health as well as physical health.
Sexual Health
We take safe sex seriously. The C:Card service is a confidential, NHS run service providing free condoms. Pop into the Advice Hub and we will provide you with your very own C:Card.
Bring it to us and you’ll then have free access to our varied selection of condoms.
There's more information on using condoms from the NHS here.
It is recommended that you get tested for Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI’s) every time you have sex with a new partner, or if you have any reason to believe you may have contracted something. Remember, not all STI’s show symptoms so it’s always best to check and be safe.
Lothian Sexual Health can be found at Chalmers Sexual Health Centre, 2A Chalmers Street, Edinburgh, EH39ES and provide a variety of services and advice, including STI tests.
The Galashiels Health Centre can offer sexual health advice if you are living in Galashiels.
Don’t be embarrassed to get tested – it’s what sensible people do.
Sanitary products
We can offer free sanitary products no questions asked, just come along to the Advice Hub in the Hugh Nesbit building at the bottom of the main building staircase opposite The Shop.
Sanitary products are also avaliable at the Reslife Hub, at Chrstina Miller West Reception Area, and may be avaliable in ladies' and accessible (gender neutral) toilets in the Academic, Social spaces and in the public area in Residences, depending on availability.
Sleep
Sleep is very important for many things, including mental health and your ability to study well, so make sure to check out our guide on sleep wellness.
Useful Links