Step-by-step guide: how to register as a resident and apply for a health centre when moving into halls of residence

September is here, and with it comes the start of a new chapter. You unpack your bags, meet new people and settle into your halls of residence. But, before you get fully immersed in your studies and daily routine, there are two essential administrative procedures you need to sort out as soon as possible: registering as a resident and applying for a place at your local health centre.

Having your paperwork in order will save you a lot of hassle and ensure you receive prompt medical care should you need it. Next we explain the easy way to do this.

Why should you register as a resident in your new town?

The municipal register is the official record that confirms your residence in a town or city. Registering with the local council in the town where you’re living as a student gives you access to public services, lets you apply for regional grants, obtain discounted travel passes and, most importantly, register with your local health centre.

Documents required for the municipal register

To register with the local council in your new town, you’ll generally need to provide:

• Valid identity document: National Identity Card, passport or Foreigner Identification Number.
• Registration form: the form provided by the local council (usually available to download from its website).
• Proof of address: as you’re living in a halls of residence, you’ll need your accommodation contract or a certificate of residence. The reception team at your Canvas building will provide you with the exact document you need to submit. In some cases, you may also be asked to provide proof of payment if your stay is longer than 6 months.

This procedure usually requires you to make an appointment on the council’s online portal.

How to apply for medical assistance: temporary relocation

As a student, you’ll usually not change your tax residence permanently, but will need health cover during the academic year. To this end, there’s the concept of ‘temporary relocation’.

This allows you to keep your original health card (from your autonomous region) whilst also being assigned a GP in your new town for a period of up to 6 months (renewable for another 6).

To apply, go to your nearest health centre with:

• Your ID.
• Your current health card.
• The certificate of residence (in some regions this is required; in others you just need to provide your new address).

 

Health procedures based on your Canvas halls of residence

Health services are managed by each autonomous region. Here are the details based on where you live:

• Seville (Andalusia): if you’re staying at Canvas Student Sevilla Lago, the procedure is handled by the Andalusian Health Service (SAS). You can arrange temporary relocation by visiting the health centre in the La Cartuja or Triana neighbourhoods (the nearest ones) in person, taking your original health card with you. If you have an electronic certificate, you can also start the process via ClicSalud+.
• Pamplona (Navarre): the Navarre Health Service (Osasunbidea) manages healthcare in Pamplona. To register as a temporary resident, go to your nearest health centre. Bring a printed copy of your student accommodation contract to prove your temporary stay in the capital of Navarre, as they usually ask for proof of address.
• Salamanca (Castile and León): for Canvas Student Salamanca Luna, the process is managed by Sacyl. You can apply for your temporary resident card at the health centre assigned to you based on your postcode. The process is quick: simply go to the counter and show your ID card and your original health card.
• Sabadell (Catalonia): the body responsible is CatSalut. In Catalonia, it’s very common for students from other regions to apply for temporary health cover. You must go to the CAP (Centre d'Atenció Primària) health centre nearest to your place of residence and fill in the temporary relocation form.

One final tip to help you start the term with peace of mind

Sorting these formalities out during your first few weeks in the halls of residence will give you complete peace of mind for the rest of the year. If you’re unsure which health centre is yours based on your place of residence, or if you need a certificate of accommodation, just got to the Canvas reception desk. The team is there to help make your move and settling-in as easy as possible.