When I'm feeling ill, I tell my mum and she looks after me or calls the doctor. Who should I tell at university if I'm not well?

There may be specific GP practices where you can register, or even a practice on the campus. If you are ill, make an appointment with the GP or ring your practice to ask for advice. If you feel ill and your practice is closed, then there will be an emergency GP service, or alternatively ring NHS Direct for advice on 0845 4647.

When you are unwell, make sure someone locally knows, so they can look in on you and make sure you're not getting a lot worse.

My boyfriend and I have been going out since year 11, but we've decided to break up when we go to uni. Should I have a sexual health check-up?

It is a good time to do this, and essential if you have any symptoms. If you have any concerns, have a sexual-health screen. Some student-based practices have developed their own services. Always use condoms with new or casual partners and continue with this until you are sure you and your established partner have no STIs.

Is drinking too much really that big a deal? University is only for three years.

Getting drunk now and then is not harmful, but there are degrees of danger. In the short term, the risks are not from the physical effects of alcohol but from related accidents.

Emergency departments are full of people who have hurt themselves or been hurt by others when drunk. Unfortunately, I have seen countless students (male and female) who describe truly horrible circumstances of assault (physical and sexual) that have occurred only because they were so drunk. Drink (if you wish), be happy and enjoy, but make sure you stay safe.

I honestly think I might be exam-phobic. I find the whole experience of doing an exam absolutely crippling. Am I stupid to be even going to university?

Most students feel stressed at some time about something. Exam fears are normal. It's true that some feel it more than others, and some even get to the point of feeling ill, but this mustn't stop you going to university. If you really struggle with exams, there are tactics you can use to build up to them. The university will have a student support section that will help students who feel like this. In extreme cases, anxiety can have physical symptoms (feeling your heart race, difficulty sleeping etc). Consult your GP if this is the case.

It is so hard to get on a doctor's list at home. I don't want to register with a GP at university; do I have to?

There can be a number of reasons why students don't want to move practice. However, the NHS asks that you are registered with a GP near your term address. Statistically, you are much more likely to get ill in term time than when on holiday. Your notes and past history are really helpful to a GP, and it can take six to eight weeks for notes to transfer, so register with a GP as soon as possible. Obviously, if you have longer-term conditions it is even more important.

I'm really scared of going to university, as I find it very hard to make new friends. Will I fit in?

Most people feel out of place when starting university - it can feel a very big step. Just about everybody agrees that this is one of the best bits about university life, developing your own independence and your own identity in a way you've not been able to before.

Not everyone has the confidence to start speaking to people they've not met before, but give yourself the best chance by participating in clubs that interest you.

I never do serious drugs, but me and my mates share the occasional spliff and I've done a few pills. I'd never touch any hard drugs. That's OK, isn't it?

Because you've got away with it so far does not mean it is without risk. There is increasing evidence of a long-term effect on mental health for people who use cannabis. And with "pills" you don't know what you're getting. These are illegal substances and therefore they are beyond any controls. You don't get a list of what's in it or a use-by date.

Both these types of drugs can form into a habit easily. They have physical dependence properties, but the main difficulty is with social habit - "this is what I do when I go out". The social habit can lead to problems in your life. University is a clean break from home so now may be a good time to choose not to use these substances.

I've had depression since I was 14 and the doctor put me on tablets last year. I'm worried how this will affect my time at university.

If your doctor thought you should be on these tablets, then you should remain on them for now. Make an appointment to see your new doctor at university. It may be worth booking a longer appointment so you go through the past history. Don't just stop them on your own. Take advice and ensure someone is continuing to see that your mood is ok. Usually anti-depressants help with low mood, which can cause loss of concentration, poor memory and lack of sleep. So, being on the tablets may make you work and function better than if you came off them.

I think I may have an eating disorder. I'm worried people will notice at university.

Many eating disorders are linked with a common theme of control. Some of the students I see have had issues for years, but eventually resolve the problems themselves. However, there is help available no matter how serious the problem is or how long it's been going on. Speak to your GP, or a counsellor, or explore local services for eating disorders - NHS Direct can help with this.

Everyone else seems to have done everything. They smoke and drink and have had loads of girls. I am so straight; I really don't think I'll fit in. What if a girl realised I'm a virgin?

You are not a lesser person than someone else because your experiences have been different. Just be you. You've no need to lie, but equally no need to share or broadcast your experiences or lack of them.

No girl or boy can tell what you have or haven't done and they are not likely to ask you (many of them will feel like you do and worry what you might say in return). Your best defence in any potential relationship is to pick someone you really get on with on lots of different levels. As for your mates, say nothing - most guys will tease each other about different things, and sex is a common target. But ride it out - there'll be others hearing the same jokes and jibes, hoping no one asks them.

· Dr Adam Connor is a GP at the University of Nottingham health service