Month: October 2026

Ask a GP: How do I get an STI test?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We understand that getting a GP (general practitioner) appointment can feel like A LOT of effort, especially if you haven’t had the chance to register with the University Health Centre yet. Sometimes, this can make Chat-GP-T an appealing option, but we want to make sure you get legitimate information from reputable sources.

So, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you and asked local GP – Dr Mark Isherwood – what the most common health questions they get asked by students this time of the year, and importantly, what they advise doing.

First things first though, if you haven’t already, get registered with a doctor’s surgery! We have guidance on how to do this here.

Now, over to Dr Mark…

I’m worried I might have an STI. Can I get tested confidentially?

Absolutely. And firstly, there’s really no need to feel embarrassed about getting tested. It’s something sexual health clinics and GPs deal with all the time.

One of the things people don’t always realise is that many STIs don’t actually cause any symptoms. Chlamydia, for example, is particularly common among younger adults, and you can have it without knowing anything is wrong. So don’t assume that because you feel fine, you definitely haven’t got an STI.

I’d particularly encourage testing if you’ve had sex without a condom, have a new partner, or are experiencing symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain when passing urine, genital sores or testicular pain.

The good news is that testing is free and confidential through the NHS. Depending on where you live, you can order a home testing kit through SH:24, which means you don’t even need to attend a clinic.

One important thing to remember is that tests can’t always detect an infection immediately after exposure. Different infections have different testing windows, so you might need to repeat a test even if the first one comes back negative.

If there’s a risk of pregnancy, emergency contraception may be an option, but timing matters, so seek advice from your GP as soon as possible. And if you think you may have been exposed to HIV, there’s medication called PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) that can significantly reduce the risk of infection. It needs to be started urgently, within 72 hours of exposure, and ideally much sooner.

Your local NHS sexual health service can advise on testing, contraception and treatment.

Sexual health might feel a bit embarrassing to talk about, but it’s just another part of looking after yourself. There’s no shame in getting tested, and it’s much better to know than to worry.

Check out our Sexual Health webpage for more information on STIs, contraception and support.

Ask a GP: Should I be this tired all the time?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We understand that getting a GP (general practitioner) appointment can feel like A LOT of effort, especially if you haven’t had the chance to register with the University Health Centre yet. Sometimes, this can make Chat-GP-T an appealing option, but we want to make sure you get legitimate information from reputable sources.

So, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you and asked local GP – Dr Mark Isherwood – what the most common health questions they get asked by students this time of the year, and importantly, what they advise doing.

First things first though, if you haven’t already, get registered with a doctor’s surgery! We have guidance on how to do this here.

Now, over to Dr Mark…

I’m tired all the time, even when I’ve had a decent night’s sleep. Is this just uni life, or should I be worried?

I see quite a few students complaining of feeling tired all the time. Some are understandably worried there’s something medically wrong, like an underactive thyroid or anaemia. Others are perhaps hoping we’ll find something straightforward, like a vitamin deficiency, that they can fix with a tablet.

And sometimes we do. But actually, more often than not, when we start digging into things, it turns out there’s a combination of things going on in their everyday lives that are having a much bigger impact than they realise.

Uni life isn’t exactly designed around getting a good night’s sleep. There’s studying, deadlines, socialising, late nights and, particularly if you’re living in shared accommodation, other people making a racket when you’re trying to sleep!

One of the things I find people really underestimate is caffeine. You might have a coffee or an energy drink at 3pm and think nothing of it. But caffeine has a half-life of around five hours, sometimes longer. So, by the time you’re trying to get to sleep at midnight, there’s potentially still a fair amount circulating in your system. Even if you manage to fall asleep, it can still affect the quality of that sleep.

Alcohol is another big one. People often tell me that a few drinks actually help them sleep, and to an extent they’re right. Alcohol can help you fall asleep more quickly. The problem is that it disrupts your sleep later in the night, so you find yourself waking up at 2 or 3am, unable to get back to sleep.

Throw in nicotine from smoking or vaping, recreational drugs, irregular bedtimes, stress and perhaps recovering from yet another bout of freshers’ flu, and it’s not particularly surprising that you’re exhausted.

And here’s the bit people don’t always want to hear…

Quite often there isn’t a magic tablet that’s going to fix everything. It’s about how you’re spending your days and nights, and doing a few things differently.

There’s only so much your body can take before it starts complaining. If you’re persistently exhausted, particularly if it’s affecting your studies, social life or ability to function normally, and if your tiredness comes with other symptoms, that’s when you need to speak to your GP, to rule out any genuine medical causes as we certainly don’t want to miss those.

But I think the slightly uncomfortable truth is that we all quite like the idea of a quick fix, when quite often, what actually helps involves making some fairly unexciting changes to what you’re doing every day. And unfortunately, that’s usually a lot harder than taking a supplement.

Ask a GP: When should I seek help if I’ve been feeling low?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We understand that getting a GP (general practitioner) appointment can feel like A LOT of effort, especially if you haven’t had the chance to register with the University Health Centre yet. Sometimes, this can make Chat-GP-T an appealing option, but we want to make sure you get legitimate information from reputable sources.

So, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you and asked local GP – Dr Mark Isherwood – what the most common health questions they get asked by students this time of the year, and importantly, what they advise doing.

First things first though, if you haven’t already, get registered with a doctor’s surgery! We have guidance on how to do this here.

Now, over to Dr Mark…

I’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed or low. How do I know when to seek help?

University can be an amazing experience, but let’s be honest, there’s also a lot to juggle between managing your studies, finances, relationships and everything else that comes with looking after yourself.

First, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s perfectly normal to have periods when you’re feeling stressed, anxious or a bit low. But I find a lot of students asking me how are they supposed to know when it’s time to ask for help?

Well, if you’re already wondering whether you should seek help, that’s often a pretty good reason to have a conversation with someone. I’d particularly encourage you to seek support if things are starting to affect your everyday life.

This can look like:

  • Missing lectures, struggling to meet deadlines or finding that your academic work is suffering.
  • Withdrawing from friends, not going out as much, or the people close to you have started expressing concern.
  • Changes in sleep and eating habits – you might find yourself sleeping badly, sleeping excessively, eating much more or much less than usual, or struggling to concentrate.

Sometimes people develop ways of coping that actually make things worse. Perhaps you’re staying up all night gaming to escape your worries, drinking more than usual, or using recreational drugs to switch off. The trouble is that these things can start to have consequences of their own, which then add to the original problem.

And one thing I particularly want to emphasise, if you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, feeling that other people would be better off without you, or wondering whether you’d be better off not being alive, please seek help promptly by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.

If you feel you might act on thoughts of harming yourself, or you’re in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. You don’t have to wait until things reach crisis point. Talking to a friend, family member or somebody you trust is a really good first step.

UWE also provides free, confidential mental health support through the Wisdom app, where you can speak to a qualified counsellor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simply download the Wisdom app and enter the UWE student access code MHA261053.

You can also arrange an appointment with UWE’s Wellbeing Service, or speak to your GP.

The important thing is that you don’t have to struggle through it on your own.

Ask a GP: Do I need a meningitis vaccine?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We understand that getting a GP (general practitioner) appointment can feel like A LOT of effort, especially if you haven’t had the chance to register with the University Health Centre yet. Sometimes, this can make Chat-GP-T an appealing option, but we want to make sure you get legitimate information from reputable sources.

So, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you and asked local GP – Dr Mark Isherwood – what the most common health questions they get asked by students this time of the year, and importantly, what they advise doing.

First things first though, if you haven’t already, get registered with a doctor’s surgery! We have guidance on how to do this here.

Now, over to Dr Mark…

I’ve heard meningitis outbreaks at universities. Do I need a vaccine?

Meningitis is uncommon, but can be life-threatening, and students are at increased risk, particularly in their first year. Meningitis can initially feel like flu, or even a bad hangover.

Symptoms include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion or a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed. But don’t wait for a rash to appear – if you suspect meningitis or meningococcal sepsis, call 999 or attend A&E immediately.

To protect against meningitis, there are two important vaccines to know about: MenACWY and MenB. They protect against different types of meningococcal bacteria, so having one doesn’t mean you’re protected against the others. To check your vaccination status you can contact your GP, or log in to the NHS app and check the vaccinations section.

Following recent outbreaks, the NHS is offering free MenB vaccination to eligible young people, including:

  • Those born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026.
  • Those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.

Eligible students usually need two doses, at least four weeks apart. The first dose must be given by 31 December 2026.

All eligible young people can book their MenB vaccine by booking online or visiting a participating pharmacy.

You can also visit our be meningitis, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) aware webpage for more info.

Your ultimate Halloween harm reduction guide

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky

Spooky season is here! Halloween should be about great memories, not A&E visits, or rough hangovers. Here’s your quick checklist to look out for yourself and your mates this weekend.

Take it easy and line your stomach

Alcohol affects your body much faster on an empty stomach. Make sure to eat a decent meal before heading out. Swap in water or soft drinks between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels steady throughout the night.

Out together, home together

It’s easy to get separated in crowded, dark venues, so look out for each other and make sure no one is left walking home alone. A good way to make sure this happens is to get your phone fully charged before your night out or double-check night bus schedules before you leave.

Check out Bristol Safe Space at Night – run by friendly volunteers from 10pm to 4am in the city centre, it’s a safe, welcoming spot if you ever need a hand—whether that’s charging your phone, picking up period products, or just taking a breather.

Research the Risk, Reduce the Harm

If you or your friends choose to use substances, keeping basic harm reduction practices in mind can significantly reduce risk:

  • Check your substances: illicit drugs can contain unexpected and potentially dangerous adulterants or mis-sold compounds. Using a reagent testing kit allows you to test for unknown agents before making a decision.
  • You can collect a home testing kit at Bower Ashton on Thursday 29 October from 11:00 – 15:00, or visit The Loop’s drug checking service at the Bristol Drugs Project on Saturday 31 October (12:00-20:00) for comprehensive analysis and confidential advice.
  • Start Low and Go Slow: potency can vary wildly. Wait to gauge the effects before considering taking more.
  • Avoid mixing: combining different substances—including alcohol, prescription medication, and illicit drugs—unpredictably increases strain on your body and mind. Check out Drugsand.Me to understand the risks of using more than one substance at a time.
  • Know the signs of an emergency: unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, extreme overheating, or confusion require immediate attention. Bristol is a Harm Reduction City, and our nightlife venues are fully onboard—never hesitate to call 999 or alert venue staff and first aiders. Medical help always comes first: no judgment, no trouble.

Don’t be a creep

Spiking is a serious, illegal act of harm committed by perpetrators—never the fault of the person targeted. Venue staff, security, and local support teams take any attempt to contaminate drinks seriously.

  • If you suspect spiking: report it immediately to bar or venue staff, security, or a welfare officer so they can intervene, support the person affected, and address the perpetrator.
  • Protective tools available: anti-spiking covers and test strips are available at venue bars and in our toolkits as an extra layer of reassurance.

Look out for your mates

If someone in your group starts feeling unwell, anxious, or overly intoxicated, take them to a quiet, well-lit space, offer water if appropriate, and seek help from venue welfare staff or emergency services if you’re concerned.

Grab your harm reduction toolkit next Friday

Want to make sure you’re fully prepared for the weekend? We’ve got you covered. Come along to the Students’ Union Bar (Union 2) on Frenchay Campus next Friday (30 October) between 12:00 and 14:00 to pick up your free harm reduction toolkit.

What’s in the kit?

  • Drink anti-spiking devices: pop the device in the top of your bottle or glass.
  • Unit cups for pre-drinks: know how much you’ve drunk before you head into town.
  • Harm reduction guides: resources on substance effects, mixing risks, and emergency first aid.

Pop by our table, grab your free kit, chat with the team, and equip yourself for a safe, fun Halloween weekend!

Need advice or support?

Remember, student support services and the UWE Drug and Alcohol Service are always here for confidential, non-judgmental advice and support.

    Recipe for a good mental health chat

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    If you’re someone who struggles with your mental health then it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

    Recent research by Student Minds revealed that one in four students have a diagnosed mental health issue, and 30 per cent said their mental health had got worse since starting university.

    It’s not hard to see why that might be the case. Living away from home for the first time. Trying to make new friends. Juggling socialising, studying and earning money. The pressure of assessments.

    All of these things can mean you might find yourself struggling more than usual.

    Obviously some mental health issues require sustained, professional support, and it’s important that you reach out for the help you need – there’s a whole range of support services available to you here at UWE Bristol. For many of us, there are simple, every day things we can do to ease stresses and anxieties, and one of the most important is just opening up and talking about how you’re feeling.

    For World Mental Health Day, we’re using the opportunity to encourage everyone to take the time to chat with a friend or someone you feel close to. Check in with them, find out how they’re really doing and give both of you the opportunity to open up about your feelings.

    So, what is the recipe for a really good chat?

    • Find a space where you’re comfortable. Don’t pick a time when you’re both busy or rushed, or where there’s loads of people around who might be half listening. Sit down somewhere calm and quiet, and when you’ve got the time to really have a proper chat without interruptions.
    • Start with “how are you reaaally feeling?” We all know how easy it is to just go into autopilot and tell people you’re fine, when someone asks how things are going. You need to make sure the other person knows that you want to dig a bit deeper than that and give them the opportunity to properly open up.
    • Be open and listen. For the chat to be worthwhile, both of you need to be ready to open up and also listen to each other. Why not look up tips on active listening if this is something that you’ve struggled with.
    • Acknowledge each other’s feelings and don’t judge. Shame or fear of judgement can be one of the many reasons why people don’t feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Make sure the person sharing with you knows that they’re in a safe space.
    • Don’t always try and solve the problem, sometimes people just need support. Very often people just want someone to really listen to what they’re saying. That’s all you need to do. However, if the conversation causes you to feel concerned about someone’s wellbeing or safety, then don’t hesitate to seek support. If you have urgent concerns about the welfare of a student or you need support yourself, then you should contact the 24/7 Serious Concerns Line.

    So, in the spirit of World Mental Health Day, why not check in with a friend and take the time to sit down for a proper chat.

    – Student Communications Team

    My career top tip

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    by Nathan

    Exploring career options can feel like trying to explore a deep, dark and unfathomable cave. Vast and sprawling with gloomy, twisting tunnels and an intimidating maw for an entrance. That’s how I felt before I became a Careers Peer Coach. This was the torch I needed to provide light on job searching, careers planning and graduate schemes. I hope to share some tips to help guide your own journey into the cave of careers.

    Spelunking (the sport of walking and climbing in caves) starts with a plan, and the earlier the better. Begin looking inwards, at what you want for your career. What are the current things you want to achieve this year? Maybe you want to secure a place on a graduate scheme, or an internship. Perhaps you’re considering your options of further study. It might be more immediate, as it was with me, you’re looking for a part-time job to gain some money.

    Next, it’s time to figure out how to get it. That means exploring that cavernous world of careers. On the hunt for any sparkling gems that are exactly what you want.

    Cavers need the proper equipment to explore the subterrain, to be safe and efficient. For those of us conducting careers exploration, we need the proper equipment too. That equipment comes in the form of the UWE Career Toolkit. If you’re looking for a tip or a trick to get you heading in the right direction, then there really isn’t a better place I can point you to than the Career Toolkit.

    This is a nifty little web page that acts as guiding rope and as excavating pick for when you’ve found those hidden gems. On there are sections about work experience, placements, CVs and interviews, postgraduate options, international routes, the list is near endless.

    If I could share one of those hidden gems it would be the PDF list found under the ‘Jobs & work experience by degree or occupation’ tab within the ‘Job-searching’ tile. These are a fantastic list of career options by study area that are worth a look. They contain advice on searching for jobs as well as links to employers who have provided graduate places or internships before. Take each tool out as needed and you won’t get lost.

    Hopefully with the Career Toolkit in your pocket, you’ll be feeling confident and able to step into your own cave of careers and find your own sparkling solutions.

    My career top tip

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    by Beatrice

    As a second-year postgraduate studying career development, I started mapping out my direction during my very first term. I knew I wanted to support students through coaching and mentoring in higher education. Because I got clear on that early, I kept a regular eye on the vacancies section in the UWE Careers Toolkit. When the Peer Coach role came up in March, I was ready to jump on it.

    To build my confidence and practical skills, I also threw myself into hands-on experience: volunteering with Future Quest at UWE on widening participation activities, and working with an NGO to mentor a Year 12 student through their UCAS process. Combining campus outreach with external volunteering gave me a safe space to test theory in the real world, discover my strengths, and clearly pinpoint my blind spots.

    Another resource in the Careers Toolkit that made a huge difference is free access to LinkedIn Learning. Whenever I wanted to build specific professional skills, such as coaching frameworks, psychology, or data analysis, I treated those courses as zero-pressure “tasters.” They’re a brilliant way to explore new fields, discover what you actually enjoy doing and earn digital certificates to back up your CV and LinkedIn profile.

    If you want to make the most of this academic year without burning out, here are three practical tips that kept me on track:

    Invest one hour a week in “future you”: treat career exploration like a scheduled module. Set aside one quiet window a week to browse UWE vacancies, update a CV draft, or watch a quick LinkedIn Learning module.

    Prioritize by impact, not just deadlines: academic work will always expand to fill your day if you let it. Use a digital calendar or planner to protect specific slots for volunteering, work experience, and rest so your personal development does not get pushed aside.

    Test the waters early: you do not need your whole life mapped out right now. Try a micro-volunteering role, join an NGO initiative, or take an introductory course to see if an area suits you before making big commitments.

    Your degree gives you the qualification, but early action gives you the confidence. Log into the Careers Toolkit this week, pick one small goal, and give yourself a head start.