It’s that time again. The leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter, and you are surrounded by a thousand people who are coughing uncontrollably—including your roommate, your friends, and the girl who sits behind you in Philosophy. Why does it seem like the common cold is picking off students one by one? Because it is.
Unfortunately, getting sick at college is inevitable (except for the lucky ones who boast the immune system of Clark Kent). For germs, the start of the school year means exactly what it means to us: a chance to make lots of new friends. When we all live and work in such close quarters, we are bound to start passing around some illness. Here are some tips for avoiding the collegiate plague:
1. Don’t swap spit at Falstaff’s (or try to keep it to a minimum). While the majority of the student body is spending its day buried in a tissue box, chances are some people are still trying to have a night out. And one of them could be the hottie dancing behind you.
2. Automatic hand sanitizers are your friends. If someone sneezes all over your preferred desk in Bio class five minutes before you sit down, you’ll never know. Take a hit of sanitizer on your way out of class, leaving the bathroom, or before you scarf down some pizza at Dhall.
3. Dress for the weather. Despite your urge to reach for the miniskirt/tube top combination, it’s not ideal for chilly morning classes. Scarves, tights, knee socks, and boots are cute ways to keep your summer wardrobe in use while staving off the campus outbreak.
4. Eat healthily. While we all like to indulge in the grease haven that is Late Night, balancing out your diet with fresh foods will keep you feeling energized. Orange juice is especially good for boosting your immune system!
5. Sleep! No one ever says that the best part about college is sleeping, but think about it: how amazing is it to not have to wake up at 6 am like you did every morning of high school, or like you will once you get into the workforce? Take advantage of the extra hours! Lab reports, term papers, and the occasional fire alarm set off by burnt popcorn might keep you up during the week, but try to rest up before you start dancing your weekend away. Sleep is the best way to prevent your immune system from weakening, leaving you better equipped to avoid catching your roommate’s case of strep throat.
When all else fails and you find yourself skipping those chilly early morning classes to tame your flu, take our favorite get well tips: Call home for some mom sympathy, watch your favorite childhood TV shows online, and have your favorite comfort food delivered (Here’s a hint on the best comfort food in ‘Toga!). You deserve a treat (or two)!