I got very sick at least once every single month I was in Manchester, England. After multiple trips to the GP and days spent recovering in bed, I think I can share a few tips and tricks to take care of your physical and mental health while abroad in England.

First, register with a GP when you arrive. This is easy to do online; just find a well-rated clinic near your place. In England, healthcare is covered by the NHS, meaning most appointments and tests are free. When preparing for your time abroad, you’ll pay a National Health Service Surcharge, which allows you to use NHS services. The Brits have mixed feelings about the NHS, and I can see why some avoid the doctor. You need to call right when the GP office opens to secure a same-day appointment, which can be challenging if you have a full-time job or classes. It might seem frustrating to go in since prescriptions aren’t handed out as readily as in America, but this can actually be beneficial. For a cold, they usually advise waiting a couple of weeks before prescribing medication. Additionally, sometimes you’ll need to follow up to get your test results, as they aren’t always communicated automatically.

Despite these inconveniences, I found the free healthcare very helpful when I was sick. I had multiple tests, including blood tests, all completely free. My GP listened to my concerns and truly cared about my well-being. It’s a crazy feeling to walk out after an appointment without paying a single penny!

Second, prioritize rest. As a university student, it’s common to pull all-nighters for assignments or stay out all night at clubs (Manchester’s nightlife is amazing!). But, you’re likely to get sick when you first arrive, known as “freshers’ flu” to first-year students. Without proper rest, that sickness will keep coming back. I never enjoyed partying in Missouri, so I was shocked to have to force myself to stay home and rest in Manchester! Sleep as much as you can every night. If you live in Oak House at the University of Manchester like I did, invest in earplugs.

Third, be mindful of what you’re consuming. Eat your veggies and avoid too much alcohol! With 18 as the legal drinking age, it’s exciting to freely go to bars, pubs, and clubs. It’s tempting to join friends at the pub most days, but sometimes opt for a soda or have a glass of water to stay hydrated. If you’re in self-catered accommodation with a kitchen, make sure you’re eating enough. You’ll probably be walking more since the culture is less car-centric, so you need to eat enough to keep your energy up. Take care of yourself to avoid missing out on exciting experiences due to sickness!

Finally, get as much sun as you can. England is further north than Missouri, so in winter, the sun sets shockingly early—around 3pm. And when it’s out, it’s often cloudy and rainy. In winter, wake up and get outside for a few hours while the sun is out. This will massively help your mental health. The upside to short winters is insanely long summer days! Starting in spring, the sun stays out until 9pm, and in summer, it only starts setting around 11pm!

Navigating the healthcare system in England can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule, and keeping an eye on your alcohol intake and making sure you’re getting enough nutrients can be a bit of a bore. But taking advantage of the healthcare services available to you can only help you. Stay proactive about your health, and you’ll be able to enjoy your time abroad to the fullest!

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: University of Manchester