By
Halls Life
Posted 21 hours ago
Wed 18 Mar, 2026 12:03 AM
You may have seen recent news about cases of Meningitis confirmed in Kent.
For the latest updates on the situation, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is publishing guidance as it develops:
We'd also encourage you to familiarise yourself with the symptoms:
Meningitis is a rare infection of the membranes in the brain that can be very serious if not treated quickly.
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
If you think you or someone around you may have meningitis, act quickly:
- Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you know could have meningitis.
- Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis can get a lot worse very quickly.
- Call NHS 111 for advice: Use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
Once you're safe and have sought medical help, let UAL know.
- You can reach out via UAL Student Services or by speaking to the Residence Manager of your hall. This helps us make sure you're supported and that others in your community are looked after too.
👉 Find Student Services contact information here.
👉 Find your Residence Manager contact information in the 2025/26 Halls' Guide.
080 8800 3344
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
0808 80 10 388
(9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm Friday)
Here are some useful general health tips and reminders for living well in halls - things that are always worth keeping in mind.
If you haven't already, it's important to register with a local GP. This gives you access to appointments, prescriptions, and referrals quickly if you need them.
- 999 - Life-threatening emergencies. Always call 999 if someone is seriously unwell, losing consciousness, or you are concerned for their immediate safety.
- 111 - Non-emergency medical advice, 24 hours a day. Use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you're unsure whether something needs urgent attention.
The NHS offers a number of vaccines to young people, including the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against several strains of meningococcal disease. Your GP can advise on what you may have had and whether anything needs a top-up.
👉 You can find NHS vaccination information at nhs.uk/vaccinations.
Living in a shared space means small everyday habits can make a big difference, for you and everyone around you.
- Wash your hands regularly: Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of infection. Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds - especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or blowing your nose.
- Don't share vapes, cigarettes, or drinks: Sharing these is one of the easiest ways to pass on infections. Keep them to yourself, and don't feel awkward about saying no.
- Keep your room clean: Change your bedding regularly and don't let rubbish pile up. A clean room is better for your health as well as your state of mind.
- Look after shared spaces: Kitchens and bathrooms are everyone's responsibility. Wipe down surfaces after cooking, wash up promptly, and dispose of food waste properly.
- Look out for each other: If a flatmate seems suddenly unwell - especially with a high temperature, severe headache, or stiff neck, encourage them to get medical attention.
Image credit: Sea shell like creations by Niharika Mishra, London College of Communication, UAL, Graduate showcase, 2020.
