Information for Local University and College Students

Student GP service in Belfast: register near Queen’s and Ulster Universities

Studying at Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University’s Belfast campus or Belfast Metropolitan College? If you live near our practice, registering with a local GP now can make it easier to get healthcare when you need it.

Kensington Medical Centre is at 15A Donegall Road, Belfast BT12 5JJ, close to Belfast city centre and a number of university halls and private student residences.

Check your eligibility and register with Kensington Medical Centre

Registration depends on your home address. Our practice area is generally within a three-mile radius of our Donegall Road or Finaghy sites, but our team must confirm eligibility for each address. Being listed in the accommodation table below does not automatically confirm eligibility.

Student accommodation near Kensington Medical Centre

Kensington Medical Centre is located at 15A Donegall Road, Belfast BT12 5JJ. The following residences are all within approximately a 15-minute walk of the surgery.

Distances and times are approximate Google Maps routes to Kensington Medical Centre. Actual journey times may vary. The cycling route may differ from the walking route. 

Why register with a GP when you arrive in Belfast?

Registering before you become unwell helps the practice receive the information needed to care for you, including details of regular medicines, allergies, vaccinations and long-term conditions.

Registered patients can access:

● routine GP appointments that can be booked in advance;

● urgent, on-the-day appointments according to clinical need and available capacity;

● confidential support for physical and mental health concerns;

● family planning and contraception advice;

● vaccinations and immunisations;

● support for asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and other ongoing conditions;

● repeat prescriptions and online services; and

● free interpreting and British Sign Language support when requested in advance.

Read more about appointments, clinics including family planning and vaccinations,mental health support for students in Belfastand accessible and interpreting services.

How to register as a student

1. Check that your Belfast address is within the practice area.

2. Complete the forms linked from our new patient registration page.

3. Provide the documents requested by the practice, including proof of your Belfast address and photographic identification. Bring your medical card if you have one.

4. Complete the health questionnaire with details of your medical history, medicines, allergies and vaccinations.

5. Attend a new-patient appointment with the practice nurse or pharmacist if one is offered.

If you take regular medication, register early and provide information from your previous GP or prescriber. Please bring your medicines, or a current list of them, to your new-patient appointment. Read the practice’s new-patient prescribing information and do not wait until your medication is about to run out.

International students

International students are welcome to ask about registration. Bring your passport, visa information if relevant, proof of your Belfast address and any available medical or vaccination records. Registration can depend on where you live and how long you will be staying, so please contact the practice if you are unsure.

Do you live elsewhere? Use the official Find a GP service or contact us to check whether your address is in our practice area.

Appointments, prescriptions and online access

GP consultations are by appointment and normally take place at the Donegall Road site. The practice does not offer a walk-in surgery.

● Routine appointments: book in advance by telephone or through Patient Access when an appropriate appointment is available online.

● Urgent concerns: a proportion of appointments is released on the day. Contact reception early; appointments are allocated according to need and capacity.

● Repeat medication: use Patient Access where possible or see the practice’s prescription options. Allow two full working days for practice processing, plus any time needed by your pharmacy.

● Online requests: use the online forms for non-urgent administrative and medical requests. Online forms are not monitored for emergencies.

NHS prescriptions are free in Northern Ireland.

If you are taking regular medication, supplying a medical history from your previous GP can assist us with your prescribing requirements.

What happens next?

• Once registration documents are accepted – we will not contact you to confirm your registration has been processed.
• A Health & Care Card will be sent directly from BSO (these are not issued by the Practice).
• Appointments can be booked following the registration being completed

MenACWY vaccination for new university students

If you are aged 25 or under, starting university for the first time and have not received the MenACWY vaccine, ask your GP about vaccination. Ideally, it should be given at least two weeks before university starts. The vaccine does not prevent every form of meningitis, so it remains important to know the symptoms.

Read the current Northern Ireland MenACWY guidance or ask the practice about vaccination services.

Urgent help and emergencies

Call 999 or 112 if someone is seriously ill, injured or in immediate danger.

When the practice is closed, call the Belfast GP Out of Hours service on 028 9079 6220 for an urgent problem that cannot wait until the practice reopens. This is not a walk-in service. See what to do when the surgery is closed.

For urgent mental health support and crisis contacts, use the practice’s mental health support guide.

Student GP NHS services - FAQs

Can any Belfast student register with Kensington Medical Centre?

You can apply if your home address is within the practice area. The practice generally covers a three-mile radius from its Donegall Road and Finaghy sites, but the team must confirm your individual address.

What documents do I need to register?

The practice asks for proof of your Belfast address and photographic identification. Bring your medical card if you have one, plus information about medicines, allergies, medical history and vaccinations. Check the new patient registration page for the latest requirements.

Can international students register?

International students can ask to register if they live within the practice area. Eligibility may depend on where you live and the length of your stay. Contact reception if you are unsure and bring any relevant passport, visa, address and medical information.

Can I get an urgent appointment on the same day?

The practice holds appointments for urgent, on-the-day concerns. Contact reception early. Availability is limited and the team will ask for information so your request can be assessed and directed safely.

Are prescriptions free in Northern Ireland?

Yes. NHS prescriptions dispensed in Northern Ireland are free.

Can I ask to see a male or female GP?

You can tell reception about your preference. The practice will try to help, but a particular clinician cannot always be guaranteed because availability and medical need must be considered.

What should I do if I need regular medication?

Register early, provide information from your previous GP or prescriber and do not wait until your supply is nearly finished. The practice must review prescribing requests to make sure they are safe and appropriate.

How do I contact Kensington Medical Centre?

Call 028 9032 5679 or visit Contact Us. Check the practice’s opening hours before travelling.

Check your eligibility and register with Kensington Medical Centre

FAQs - Student Health Services in Belfast

Meningitis Information

Local, EU and international students aged up to 25 years and starting university for the first time, should get the Meningitis ACWY vaccine from their GP before going to university. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine will increase protection against four Meningitis groups (A,C,W and Y).

There is an increased risk of infection with meningitis spreading when people live closely to each other such as in university halls of residence and other shared accommodation. It is therefore recommended that students receive vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting university.

Meningococcal bacteria can cause:

• meningitis (inflammation of the lining in the brain)
• septicaemia (blood poisoning) often leading to a rash of dark spots

Meningitis can cause death or long-term health problems including:

• amputation
• deafness
• epilepsy
• learning difficulties

Symptoms of meningitis:

Meningitis can affect anyone, but is common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)
• vomiting
• a headache
• a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
• a stiff neck
• discomfort or pain to the eyes due to light exposure
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)

All students who are changing their GP or who are registering with one for the first time should choose a GP in the local area when starting university.  If not already vaccinated, they can arrange to get this vaccine and other vaccines as appropriate. This should be done straight away – ideally in the first week of term – don’t leave it until later.

If you would like further information about meningitis vaccination, visit:https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/menacwy-vaccination-teenagers-and-students