Getting the medicine you need

The medicine you get from your UK doctor may be different from what you get at home. 

Plan before you travel 

You should bring enough medicine to last for at least three months. 

If you are an international student, you can bring in a limited supply of medicine with you when you enter the UK, however it must be registered and licensed for use in the UK. Read the UK government's guidance on travelling with medicine.  

If your medicine is not permitted in the UK, you should ask your doctor at home about other options. 

It is illegal to have prescription medicines sent to the UK from any country. 

How to get prescription medicine 

The University recommends you: 

• Do not wait until you are nearly out of medicines as there can be delays when getting certain medicines. If you are not registered with a doctor it will take longer to get them. 
• Register with a doctor as soon as possible when you arrive to study in St Andrews. 
• Make an appointment with your doctor at least one month before you run out of medicine. 

Collecting your prescription

You can collect the prescription for your medicine in person or order it online. There is no charge for NHS prescriptions in Scotland. 

Collect in person 

Take the prescription the doctor gave you and go to one of the following pharmacies (also known as ‘chemists’ in the UK): 

• Dears Pharmacy at St Andrews Community Hospital, on Largo Road. 
• Boots The Chemist, on Market Street. 
• Morrisons Pharmacy, on Largo Road. 

Order online 

Register for the online repeat prescription service of your medical practice: 

• Blackfriar’s Medical Practice
• Pipeland Medical Practice.