The start of the fall semester is an exciting time, especially for freshman new to campus, and it can seem like you never stop moving. Running between classes, practices, meals, and parties can leave you exhausted, but the college experience is totally worth it! So it will inevitably leave you totally bummed out when you come down with a cold, and you have to trade in your Friday night adventures for a night in bed. As rough as it is being sick at college, don’t worry collegiettes! Here’s a guide to surviving being under the weather while you’re away at school!
1. Make a Doctor’s Appointment
If you notice that you are tackling more than a stuffy nose and a scratchy throat, be sure to make a visit to the doctor’s office to rule out any virus or infections that could require medication, or anything more serious than a common cold. Chances are that you may be feeling the effects of lack of sleep and excess stress, but it’s always better to be safe and take care of yourself! Student Health Services is a valuable resource.
2. Be Considerate to Your Roommate
Whether you know you’re contagious or not, it’s always a good idea to give your roommate some extra space to ensure you BOTH don’t end up feeling sick. Be sure to keep wipe down shared spaces to eliminate the amount of germs.
3. It’s Okay To Miss Out on a Few Parties
Remember, there will be parties almost every weekend of your college life, so missing out on a few to take care of yourself isn’t a big deal. And, let’s be honest, being sick is a great excuse to stay in and binge on Netflix, right?
4. Let Yourself Sleep In
When you’re really feeling under the weather, you shouldn’t drag yourself to your 8 a.m. lecture. Class is important, of course, but fighting headaches through class and trying to nonchalantly sniffle into your tissue might only make things worse. Take advantage of the days when you have late classes and stay in bed as long as you can, even if it means dealing with a bad hair day— messy buns were invented just for these hair emergencies. And even though brunch dates with your roomie may be hard to resist, the weekends are a great time to regain your energy and get back to your usual, fabulous self!
5. Stock Up on The Essentials
One of the most important tips for surviving being sick at college is stocking up on all the sick day supplies you might need. Without mom or dad around to run errands, it’s up to you to make a trip to the pharmacy. Look for your ibuprofen, cough drops, tissues, orange juice, water, and hot tea. Being consistent with doctor-recommended treatments and getting appropriate sleep is likely to help you recover in quick fashion and get back to enjoying college life!