Features / Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020
Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020: Things you need to do now
1. Register to vote
With local council elections coming up in May 2021, including the election for Bristol’s mayor, it’s more important than ever to register to vote. As a student, you’re allowed to stay registered to vote at your home address and your student address, but note that you’re only allowed to vote at one place in an election. Just go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, it only takes five minutes.
Not just British citizens can register to vote. Irish or EU citizens living in the UK can vote in local elections, as can Commonwealth citizens who have permission to enter the UK, such as citizens of Canada, India, Nigeria, and Singapore.
2. Register at a GP
Registering at a GP is easy and makes sure you’ve always got access to health care when you need it.
3. Tell the council you don’t have to pay council tax
Don’t miss this one as it’ll save you hundreds of pounds. If you don’t live in student halls, for example a private flat, you’ll need to tell the local council that you don’t need to pay council tax.
Be sure to tell your local council you don’t need to pay council tax. Photo: Bristol City Council
For UWE Bristol students, you can download a council tax certificate through the Documents section of myUWE.
For University of Bristol students who live in the Bristol City Council area, you don’t need a certificate. If you live elsewhere, then you can get one here.
is needed now More than ever
After you’ve got your certificate sorted, most Bristol-based students will just need to fill out a form on Bristol City Council’s website.
However, if you live near UWE’s Frenchay Campus, you’ll need to fill out the equivalent form on South Gloucestershire Council’s website.
If you live on the other side of Clifton Suspension Bridge, then you’ll need to get in touch with North Somerset Council.
4. Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated from common diseases is more important than ever to make sure the health service doesn’t get overwhelmed. With outbreaks of mumps, meningitis, and HPV at universities, make sure you get protected from potentially fatal diseases.
Main photo: Bristol24/7
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