SU services, resources and tips

Period Poverty

We believe that no student should miss out on their education because they can't afford period products. We're running a dedicated Period Poverty Campaign and have now launched our subscription service, providing students with free period products throughout the year.

Free wellbeing activities

It's not unlikely that wellbeing will suffer as a result of the cost of living crisis, and we're often bombarded with wellbeing apps and resources that themselves cost money to use, which isn't always an option. However, there are lots of free wellbeing activities you can explore.

The Students’ Union have just launched the Activities Inclusion Fund, which provides funding to students to help them participate in extracurricular activities such as Give it a Go opportunities, SU events and Society activity. Awards of up to £50 are available, and you can download the guidance document and apply for the fund now, or you can email r.powls@shu.ac.uk for more information.

SHU services and resources

Sheffield Hallam University offer their own Student Wellbeing Support and Advice and, like us, they have lots of free wellbeing events that happen regularly. Whether you're concerned about your wellbeing or not, these events can be a great way to have fun and meet new people.

Hallam Library have a wellbeing collection and it mirrors the topics covered by the Wellbeing Service. There are lots of books to loan if you want to find out more about any area of wellbeing. Whilst this can't replace the service offered by the Wellbeing Service or a health professional, there are some great resources and it's a good way of saving money if you were considering buying a book.

Caught Short Campaign

We have worked with the University to develop the Caught Short on Campus scheme. If you find yourself 'caught short' on campus, there are Help Points across both City Campus and Collegiate Campuses where you can pick up free period products. Simply ask at any Help Desk for a tampon or period pad, or for 'Tammy' or 'Patricia' if you prefer.

Free Healthcare

Sheffield Hallam University has its own free Medical Centre, located in Surry Building and accessible via Pond Street in the city centre. They also have a base at Porter Brook Medical Centre.

External services and products

Cheap painkillers

We've found the cheapest place for essential medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen is Bodycare on The Moor. Packs of 16 tablets are just 25p! And if you suffer from allergies, you can get a 6 month supply of antihistamine tablets (Allercan brand) from Amazon for just £8.79.

Prices for painkillers, such as paracetamol, can range from about 20p to a couple of quid, but tests have shown that there's no real benefit to paying more money for branded products as the cheaper products are legally required to be just as good. The ingredients can be identical and cost much less, so it's worth saving your money wherever you can.

If you take regular medication, it may be worth purchasing a pre-payment certificate for your prescriptions.You can buy one that covers you for 3 or 12 months, and can pay in one go or in monthly instalments. If you access at least 1 presription per month you should be able to save some money.

Sexual Health

Sexual Health Sheffield provide free condoms and other contraception, as well as providing advice and STI screening. They also offer information and access to HIV testing, prevention and treatment (PEP and PrEP), and you can request self-testing kits from their website. You can also use the NHS Free Condom Service to find out where you can find your nearest supplier.

You can get free pregnancy tests from Sexual Health Sheffield, and you may also be able to get one from your GP. If you buy a pregnancy test, they can cost anything from a couple of quid to a tenner - but be assured, the results of less expensive pregnancy tests will still be up to 99% accurate when you use them in line with the manufacturer's instructions. Basically, cheap pregnancy tests are just as good as the expensive ones. You can get 5 pregnancy test strips from Boots for £4.99 or a pack of two tests from Amazon for £1.95.

Wellbeing and mental health

There are some really useful wellbeing apps out there, and there's bound to be at least one that suits you. Check out just a few that have been recommended by Student Universe and the NHS.

Togetherall is a clinically managed, online community designed to improve mental health. It has community forums, discussion points, and wellbeing exercises to explore. All Hallam students are eligible for a free Togetherall membership.

Free STI Testing Kit

Sexual Health Online is the new sexual health service for people without symptoms. If you have symptoms you should make an appointment with your GP. If you do not have any symptoms and have not knowingly been in contact sexually with someone with an infection, just register and complete the online consultation. If the service is right for you, a free kit will be posted out so you can collect your samples and return them for testing.

Government support

You can get free local NHS healthcare from Doctors and Dentists. You can find your nearest GP, find your nearest dentist, and get emergency dental treatment at Charles Clifford Dental Hospital. If you're a full-time student you're also entitled to free prescriptions for medication, with a valid HC2 certificate.

Information on this page out of date or something else wrong? Let us know by emailing studentrights@shu.ac.uk.