Getting Sick at College: What to Do

Getting sick at college is almost inevitable. Shared housing, new environments, stress and irregular sleep make illness common, especially in the first term. It is also more difficult when you are away from home, not sure where to go and worried about missing classes. A little preparation makes it much easier to handle.

This guide offers general information and is not medical advice. If you are unwell, speak to a health professional. If it is an emergency, contact emergency services immediately.

Before you get sick

Prepare in the first weeks.

1. Find the health center or health service, and note its hours and how to book.
2. Know where to go after hours: urgent care, a hospital or an on-call service.
3. Save emergency numbers in your phone, including campus security.
4. Register with a doctor or health service, if needed in your country.
5. Keep insurance information easy to access.
6. Bring or buy a basic first-aid kit.
7. Know your medical history, allergies and medications.
8. Tell your roommate or a friend about any serious conditions, if you are comfortable.

Our guide to what to pack for college lists health items.

When you are unwell

Decide how serious it is.

• Mild illness, such as a cold or mild stomach upset, can often be managed with rest, fluids and over-the-counter remedies, if appropriate.
• Moderate illness, such as a fever, persistent cough, infection or injury, may need a visit to the health center.
• Severe illness or emergency, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding or confusion, needs emergency care.

If you are unsure, call a health line or the health center for advice. It is better to ask than to wait.

Looking after yourself

For minor illness, general self-care helps.

• Rest. Your body needs sleep to recover.
• Drink fluids.
• Eat light, regular food if you can.
• Take medication as directed, and read labels.
• Keep your room ventilated and clean.
• Wash your hands, and avoid sharing cups or utensils.
• Stay home if you may be contagious.
• Ask a friend for help with food or supplies.

If you do not improve in a few days, or you worsen, seek care.

Using campus health services

Most colleges provide services such as:

• Appointments for illness and injury.
• Prescriptions and basic medication.
• Vaccinations.
• Sexual health services.
• Mental health and counseling.
• Referrals to experts.
• Health education.

Find out whether you need to book, whether services are free or charged, and how to pay. Bring identification and insurance details. Be clear about your symptoms and how long you have had them.

Urgent and emergency care

Know the difference.

• Urgent care treats problems that need attention soon but are not life-threatening, such as minor injuries or infections.
• Emergency departments are for serious or life-threatening conditions.
• Campus emergency services may be available for urgent problems on campus.

If you are in a place where you do not know the system, ask the health center or international office how to access care. Never delay if you suspect an emergency.

Insurance and costs

Health systems vary widely.

• Check what your college requires. Some require insurance, and some offer a plan.
• Understand what your plan covers, including doctor visits, medication and emergencies.
• Carry your insurance card or details.
• Ask about costs before treatment where possible.
• Keep receipts and documents.
• Ask about financial help if you cannot pay.

International students should check what their insurance covers in the new country, and whether it is accepted by providers. Ask the international office for guidance.

Telling your professors

When you are sick, communicate early.

1. Email your professors as soon as you can, ideally before class.
2. Say that you are unwell and will miss class, without going into detail.
3. Ask about missed work, assignments and deadlines.
4. Attach documentation if the course policy requires it.
5. Ask a classmate for notes.
6. Follow up when you return.

Our guide to how to email a professor offers a sample. If you will miss a lot of class, talk to your advisor and the dean of students, who can help coordinate.

Missed work and deadlines

Illness can affect assignments and exams.

• Check the syllabus for rules on absences and extensions.
• Request extensions early, with documentation.
• Ask about make-up exams if you miss a test.
• Prioritize recovery, but keep communicating.
• Contact the dean of students or advising office if illness is prolonged.
• Ask about medical withdrawal if you are very ill and cannot continue, and check effects on aid and visas.

Most colleges have processes for serious illness. You do not need to struggle alone.

Medication and prescriptions

• Bring enough of your regular medication for the start of term.
• Know how to refill prescriptions locally.
• Keep medications in original packaging and labeled.
• Store them safely, particularly in shared housing.
• Do not share medication.
• Follow instructions, and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
• Know the rules about medications when traveling across borders.

If you take medication for a long-term condition, tell the health center, and ask how to continue care.

Mental health

Illness is not only physical. Stress, loneliness and anxiety can also make you unwell.

• Notice changes in sleep, appetite, mood and energy.
• Talk to someone: a friend, family member, counselor or doctor.
• Use counseling services, which are often free for students.
• Keep routines for sleep, meals and activity.
• Reach out if you have thoughts of harming yourself. Contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately.

Living in residences

Shared housing makes it easier for illness to spread.

• Tell your roommate if you are ill, and take sensible precautions.
• Clean shared surfaces, and wash hands.
• Ask for help from your resident advisor if you need support.
• Stay in your room if you are contagious, and ask friends to bring food.
• Do not hesitate to ask for medical help if a roommate seems seriously unwell.

Be considerate, and show the same kindness when others are sick.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every illness, but you can reduce your risk.

1. Sleep regularly.
2. Eat a balanced diet.
3. Exercise.
4. Wash your hands often.
5. Stay up to date with vaccinations, as advised.
6. Manage stress.
7. Drink alcohol responsibly, if at all.
8. Avoid sharing drinks and utensils.
9. Keep your room clean.
10. Get medical advice early.

Small habits make a difference.

A worked example

Imagine a student who wakes up with a fever and sore throat. He messages his professors to say he will miss class and asks a classmate for notes. He books an appointment at the health center, where a nurse examines him, advises rest and fluids and gives him a note. He tells his roommate, who brings him food, and he stays in bed for two days. When he returns, he meets with his professor and agrees on a plan for the missed quiz.

He was ill, but he handled it calmly, and did not fall far behind.

Common mistakes

• Waiting too long to seek care.
• Not telling professors.
• Pushing through when contagious.
• Not knowing where to go.
• Ignoring mental health.
• Running out of medication.
• Not checking insurance.

A quick checklist

• Do I know where the health center and urgent care are?
• Do I have insurance details and emergency numbers saved?
• Do I know how to tell professors and what documentation is needed?
• Do I have a supply of medication and a small first-aid kit?
• Do I know where to get counseling and support?

Questions to ask the health center

1. What are your hours, and do I need an appointment?
2. What is covered by my fees or insurance, and what will I pay?
3. Can you provide a note for my professors?
4. How do I get prescriptions and refills?
5. What should I do after hours or in an emergency?

Write down the answers, and save the numbers in your phone.

Helping a sick friend

If a friend is ill, check in, offer to bring food or notes and encourage them to seek care. If they seem very unwell or confused, do not wait: contact a resident advisor, campus security or emergency services. Looking out for each other is part of living on a campus.

Final thoughts

Getting sick at college is common, and you can handle it. Know where to go, tell the right people early and look after yourself. If you are unsure, ask, and in an emergency, seek help immediately.