Health and safety advice
Health
You should ensure you have addressed the following areas prior to travel:
Vacinations and Medicine
Ensure you know what preventative measures you must take before travelling to your chosen country, whether it is vaccinations, malaria tablets or having a supply of any prescription medication you require. Some countries will want to see that you have had any necessary injections so you must ensure you keep any documentation. Those students who require prescription medicines should take a full supply and also find out from your doctor the generic name for the medication as it may have a different brand name overseas.
Medical Kit
Having a small supply of items for when you arrive will save you having to find out where to buy them if you need things urgently. You might want to include basic medicine such as paracetamol and anti-diarrhoea drugs, sunscreen and insect repellent to help with a move to sunnier climates, and a supply of sanitary items.
Glasses
If you wear glasses or contact lenses you should ensure you take a copy of your lens prescription and if possible a spare pair of glasses.
Social attitudes, laws and customs
Students are advised when travelling to other countries that the societal attitudes and norms may be different from those in the UK. In particular freedom of political expression and rights to free speech, freedom of sexual expression and attitudes to same sex relationships; attitudes and the law pertaining to alcohol and other drugs. The age limits for participating in various activities can also vary according to location and, in most if not all countries, ignorance of the law is not a defence against prosecution.
Contact details and where to get help
Before you travel ensure you note the address and contact details of the relevant Consular office in your chosen destination. Details of British Consulates are available at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
Students who encounter any difficulties on their year abroad should contact their Department or College as a matter of urgency. You should ensure you take with you their contact details as well as those of family and friends, insurance company, banks and mobile phone provider; if you lose your mobile you will need contact details saved elsewhere.
It is essential that if you change your plans you contact your College/department and inform them of this.