Health and wellbeing support for international students
Posted on behalf of: The Student Wellbeing Team
Last updated: Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Drugs and alcohol
Our local recovery service is called Change, Grow, Live and they have identified low levels of interaction from international students. Therefore, they are asking for any referrals made to them for this group to ensure that they reference the fact that the individual is an international student so they can get dedicated support.
Overall support for students who take drugs
The only way to avoid all the risks is to not take drugs which are not prescribed for you. However, we recognise that some students choose to use drugs while at university. If you'd like to speak with somebody or get support you can:
- get advice, help or support from the Brighton and Hove Recovery Service, including some useful advice for anyone taking, or thinking about taking drugs
- get medical advice and support from the University Health Centre, or wherever you are registered with a GP
- speak with a student advisor via the Student Centre (particularly if your lifestyle is affecting your university course)
- request support from the University Therapy Service.
Free health resources
The NHS is the UK’s state-run health service. Some services are free and some you have to pay for.
The following NHS treatments are free for everyone:
- some emergency treatment (but not follow-up treatment)
- sexual health and contraception
- treatment of certain communicable diseases
- compulsory psychiatric treatment.
Other treatments will depend on your eligibility.