Pharmacy First Care on Campus: Fast Help When You Need It
When you are juggling lectures, work, and life on campus, feeling unwell can throw everything off. Pharmacy First care gives you a quick way to get trusted health advice and treatment without waiting for a GP appointment. It is designed for everyday illnesses that are annoying and uncomfortable, but not usually serious.
For students and staff, especially in the middle of winter when colds and flu are everywhere, that speed really matters. Instead of worrying about where to go or how long you will wait, you can walk into a local pharmacy and get help the same day. Pharmacy First turns your nearby pharmacy into a first stop for many health worries, so you can get back to your studies, your work, and your social life sooner.
How Pharmacy First Works for Students and Staff
Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets you speak directly with a pharmacist about common conditions. It is free at the point of use, and you do not need to see a GP first. For many minor illnesses, the pharmacist can give advice, recommend over-the-counter medicines, or supply treatment under the scheme where appropriate.
Common problems that Pharmacy First can help with include:
• Sore throats and ear infections
• Sinus problems and coughs
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in some patients
• Mild skin infections and impetigo
• Insect bites and stings
The process is simple. You come into the pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist. If needed, you will be invited into a private consultation room, away from the counter. The pharmacist will ask questions about your symptoms, your general health, and any medicines you already take. After this quick assessment, they may:
• Offer self-care advice and suggest suitable medicines
• Provide treatment where the service allows
• Refer you to a GP, NHS 111, or urgent care if something more serious is suspected
For students who are far from home, or staff trying to fit care around work, Pharmacy First keeps things straightforward. It cuts long waits, supports you through stressful times like exams, and helps you feel more confident about where to turn when you are not feeling your best.
Everyday Pharmacy Services That Make Uni Life Easier
Alongside Pharmacy First, your local pharmacy offers a wide range of everyday pharmacy services that keep life on campus running more smoothly. Instead of travelling across town or trying to fit in distant appointments, many needs can be handled within a short walk from lecture halls or offices.
Key services usually include:
• NHS and private prescriptions
• Electronic prescriptions from your GP surgery
• Emergency contraception and sexual health support
• Over-the-counter medicines for pain, colds, stomach upsets and allergies
• Friendly self-care advice for minor symptoms
For anyone living with an ongoing condition, a good relationship with a pharmacist can make a big difference. Regular support is often needed for:
• Asthma and inhaler technique
• Hay fever and other allergies
• Skin issues like acne or eczema
• Recurring migraines or headaches
• Mental health medicines and routine checks, where appropriate
These pharmacy services help you keep on top of repeat prescriptions, last-minute health needs, or those quick questions you might not feel are worth a full GP visit. Being able to sort things out without leaving campus saves time, reduces stress, and gives you more energy for study and work.
Seasonal Health Support in Brighton’s Winter Term
Winter around Brighton and Falmer can feel long, damp, and tiring, especially when you are sharing housing, using busy lecture theatres, and spending late nights in the library. Cold and flu viruses spread easily in these close spaces, and many people are run down by deadlines and disrupted sleep.
A campus pharmacy can help you stay prepared by offering:
• Support with flu vaccination when available
• Cough, cold and flu relief options
• Sore throat checks and advice on managing symptoms
• Guidance on when to seek further medical help
Practical steps you can take with pharmacy support include:
• Asking which medicines can safely be taken together before you mix cold remedies and painkillers
• Getting advice on simple ways to ease blocked noses, sore throats or chesty coughs
• Talking about tiredness and sleep issues, especially during revision periods
Staying well is not just about medicines. A chat with a pharmacist can also cover basic lifestyle tips such as staying hydrated, eating regular meals, and pacing your study time so your body has a chance to rest and recover between long days.
Travel Vaccines and Holiday Health for Study Breaks
When term finishes or a break comes up, many students and staff plan trips abroad. That might be to visit family, join a placement, or enjoy a much needed holiday. Travel health is easy to push to the bottom of the list, but it is important to think ahead so you stay well while you are away.
Many pharmacies provide a travel clinic where a pharmacist can:
• Review your destination, route and length of stay
• Look at your vaccine history and any existing conditions
• Recommend travel vaccinations where appropriate
• Supply antimalarial medicines for certain areas
Good pharmacy services will also help you think about:
• Which pain relief and stomach remedies to pack
• Basic first aid kit items
• Sun care, insect bite prevention and hydration
• How to store and take your usual medicines when travelling
For anyone taking long-term medicines, it is helpful to talk through how many days you will be away, how to carry your medicines safely, and what to do if you miss a dose or lose a supply while abroad. Planning with a pharmacist before you leave can remove a lot of stress from your trip.
Accessible Healthcare for Every Campus Community Member
A campus pharmacy is there for everyone, not just students. International students, academic and support staff, and local residents in Falmer and the wider Brighton area can all use the service. The aim is to be a friendly, accessible place where health questions are always welcome.
Support can be flexible and discreet, including:
• Drop-in advice at the counter
• Private consultations for more sensitive issues
• Help understanding letters or instructions from other health services
• Signposting to local NHS services and help with GP registration
Confidentiality is always respected. Many people prefer to raise topics like sexual health, mental health worries, or questions about new medicines in a smaller, calmer setting. Over time, building a relationship with a local pharmacist means you see a familiar face who understands your history and can work with you to keep you well.
Sussex University Pharmacy, based on the University of Sussex campus in Falmer, is proud to support this kind of accessible, everyday care for students, staff and local residents. By making full use of Pharmacy First and wider pharmacy services, the whole university community can stay healthier, feel better supported, and keep daily life in Brighton running a little more smoothly.
Take The Next Step Towards Better Everyday Health
Explore how Sussex University Pharmacy can support you with convenient, expert-led pharmacy services tailored to your needs. Whether you need advice, prescriptions or health checks, we are here to help you manage your medicines and wellbeing with confidence. If you have any questions or prefer to speak to us directly, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist.