It is Normal To Get Sick In College

by Oct 18, 2022

Click here to read our affiliate disclaimer.

Is It Normal To Get Sick In College?

It is normal to get sick in college. We polled over 10k parents, and 79% stated their college student got sick the first semester of college. So based on that data, it is normal to get sick in college. The combination of lack of sleep, mental pressure, parting, and exposure to lots of people at college can make it easy for students to get sick.  

Now we know it is a good possibility that you will get sick when you attend college. So let’s look at some things you can do today that will help you in the future. The things listed below are the things we do not think about until we really need them, and when you are sick, it is the last thing you want to try and figure out. These suggestions don’t just apply to people living in dorms; this is good if you are going off to college, period.

Know Medical History

When you attend college, learning your medical history is important before you start. This way, you can be sure to get the care you need and avoid any potential health problems. To do this, ask your parents or other relatives about any medical conditions in your family. Additionally, make sure to get a physical exam before you head off to school. By doing these things, you can be proactive about your health and stay safe while you’re away from home.

 Be sure to list any allergies you have, as well as any medications you’re currently taking. If you use an inhaler, be sure to keep it with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to get a physical before heading off to college to ensure you are healthy and everything is in order.

 If you have any allergies, let your roommate, friends or dormmate know so they can be aware of what not to bring into the room.

Where Are The Medical Offices

There are a few things you should learn in advance in case of an emergency. Knowing where the closest medical facility, urgent care, hospital, or on-campus health clinic is is important. This way, you can get the help you need as quickly as possible. In addition, you should also keep a list of emergency contacts handy. That way, if something does happen, you can easily get in touch with someone who can help.

There are various medical facilities: hospitals, urgent care centers, and on-campus health clinics. Each one has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Hospitals

Hospitals are usually the best place to go if you’re seriously ill or injured. They have a wide range of services and specialists, so you can get the care you need. However, they can be very busy, so it’s important to call ahead or go to the emergency room if you need immediate attention.

Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are a good option if you need to see a doctor right away but your condition isn’t life-threatening. They tend to be less busy than hospitals and provide basic medical services. However, they may not have all the specialists and services that a hospital does.

On-Campus Health Clinics

On-campus health clinics are a great option for students who need basic medical care. They’re usually less expensive than other options and can be more convenient since they’re located on campus. However, they may not have all the services of a hospital or urgent care center.

Up-To-Date Insurance

Making sure your medical cards and insurance are up to date when you attend college, especially if you’re attending an out-of-state college, is important. There are a few reasons for this. 

First of all, if you have any chronic health conditions, you’ll want to make sure your insurance covers you in case you need to see a specialist or have any unexpected medical bills. 

Secondly, accidents can happen even if you’re generally healthy, and it’s always good to be prepared. 

Finally, if you’re on any medications, you’ll want to make sure your insurance covers them in case you run out while away from home. 

So take a few minutes before heading off to college to ensure your medical cards and insurance are in order – it could save you a lot of hassle (and money!).

I Need A Ride

If I get sick in college, there are a few options for getting to the hospital, clinic, or urgent care. I can take an Uber or Lyft, taxi, take the bus, walk, or even call an ambulance. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them before deciding what to do. 

Taking an Uber or Lyft is probably the most convenient option, but it can also be the most expensive. If you’re feeling really sick and need to get to the hospital quickly, spending a little extra money might be worth it. 

Taking the bus is usually cheaper than taking a ride-sharing service, but getting there might take longer. And if I’m too sick to walk, then taking the bus might not even be an option. 

Walking is usually free (unless I’m in a city with a lot of public transportation options), but it could take a while to get to where I’m going depending on how far away it is. 

People forget about taxis but they are also available. Sometimes they are cheaper than Uber or Lyft, but it is a good option to keep in mind, especially if Uber or Lyft have higher prices. 

Calling an ambulance is usually reserved for emergencies only, but if I feel like my situation is serious enough, then I should definitely call one.

Tell Someone You Are Sick

If you’re sick, you must let your roommate, dormmate, friends and parents know. This is especially true if you’re an out-of-state student. They can be more understanding and accommodating by letting people know that you’re sick. They can also keep an eye on you to ensure you’re getting the rest and care you need.

Post your contact information somewhere visible so your roommate can call your parents or friends if the situation gets too bad. By doing this, you can ensure that you’ll get the help you need and avoid making things worse for yourself.

Preventative Measures

You can do a few things to help prevent getting sick in college. 

First, change your toothbrush regularly. Having a clean toothbrush is important so you’re not re-infecting yourself with bacteria. 

Second, wash your hands frequently. This is especially important if you’re around people who are sick. 

Third, air out your room regularly. This will help to prevent the build-up of mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems. 

Fourth, wash your sheets frequently. This will help to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on them. 

Finally, take vitamins regularly. This will help to boost your immune system and keep you from getting sick.

Share The Information

These are the thing we suggest you post in your doom room. This list can be a lifesaver if you need it.

  1. Medical facility location & phone number
  2. Contact information for family & friends

Also Read:

Read MoreĀ 

Best Advice On How Often To Call Your College Student

Best Advice On How Often To Call Your College Student

How Often Should You Call Your College Student There isn't a proper answer to how often a parent should call their college student. It really depends on the relationship between the parent and the student. A helpful rule of thumb would be to check in with your college...

Yes Parents Get Sad When Kids Leave For College

Yes Parents Get Sad When Kids Leave For College

Do Parents Get Sad When You Leave For College? It's normal for parents to feel sad when their children leave for college. After all, they've been raising them for 18 years or more, and they're suddenly gone. It can be hard to adjust to having an empty nest, but it's...

You Can Retake A Class After You Failed It

You Can Retake A Class After You Failed It

Can You Retake A Class In College You can retake a class as long as it falls into these categories: If you pass the class, you are allowed to only retake the course once. If you fail the class, you can retake the class until you pass.  According to Title IV &...

13 Real Reasons College Students Skip Class

13 Real Reasons College Students Skip Class

Why Do College Students Skip Class? There is a variety of reasons why a college student skips class. The most common reason for skipping class are: Sick (not feeling well) Students May Not Be Interested In The Subject Struggling With Class Material Family Obligations...