References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
University is often when many people become more sexually active, meet new partners, and navigate relationships away from home for the first time. This makes it an important time to understand STI prevention, testing and care. The good news is that most UK universities have easy access to sexual health services, and NHS sexual health care is free and confidential for everyone.
Here’s what you need to know.
Order a discreet home STI test
The Basics
- STIs are common — chlamydia rates are particularly high in people aged 15-24
- Many STIs have no symptoms, so regular testing matters
- NHS sexual health services are free and confidential
- Your university health service or nearest sexual health clinic can help
Where to Get Help at University
| Service | What They Offer |
|---|---|
| University health centre | GP care, contraception, basic STI testing |
| NHS sexual health clinic | Specialist testing, treatment, PrEP, contraception |
| Student union | Free condoms, sexual health campaigns |
| Home testing kits | Discreet postal kits, often free |
| Pharmacies | Emergency contraception, some STI treatment |
Protection Basics
- Condoms — free at sexual health clinics and student unions
- Regular testing — at least yearly if sexually active
- PrEP — if at higher risk of HIV
- HPV vaccine — if not vaccinated at school, ask about catch-up
- Contraception — free on the NHS; many options available
Testing While at University
Common testing pathways include:
- Home self-sampling kits — ordered online, returned by post, results via text or email
- University health service — basic testing available in many places
- NHS sexual health clinic — comprehensive testing, same-day treatment
- Pop-up testing events — some universities host these
Common Concerns
Confidentiality
Sexual health services are highly confidential. Your parents, university staff or tutors will not be informed. Records from NHS sexual health clinics are separate from GP records.
Cost
NHS sexual health services are free — testing, treatment, contraception and PrEP.
Embarrassment
Sexual health staff deal with STIs every day. They are non-judgmental and have heard everything. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
What if I’m positive?
Most STIs are easily treated. Even HIV, if diagnosed, is now a manageable long-term condition with near-normal life expectancy.
Safer Sex at University
- Always carry condoms — they’re free at your student union
- Discuss boundaries before sex
- Don’t feel pressured into anything you don’t want
- Remember consent — every time, every person
- Alcohol and drugs can affect judgment and consent
- Know where to get emergency contraception and PEP if needed
Partner Notification
If you test positive for an STI, you may need to tell recent partners so they can test and be treated. Sexual health clinics can help with this confidentially — they can even contact partners on your behalf without naming you.
Read more: Home STI tests | Avoiding STIs | How to get PrEP
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my parents find out if I use sexual health services?
No. Sexual health services are confidential. Your parents will not be informed.
Do I need to be registered with a local GP?
Registering with a GP near your university makes general healthcare easier, but sexual health clinics accept anyone without GP registration.
How often should I test?
At least annually if sexually active. More often with new or multiple partners.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
