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Staying Healthy in College

For Parents and Family

  • Make a plan. This is an exciting but stressful time. A plan will help to decrease the anxiety and stress that is involved with starting a new life chapter.
  • It is important for your student to know their health insurance information. What area hospital and providers are covered by insurance? Where can they fill prescriptions?
  • Help your student locate the local Emergency Room and Urgent Care.
  • Keep in contact. Talk about both academics and their social life on a regular basis.
  • Make sure your student is up-to-date on their immunizations. Fill out the student health form prior to admission.

For Students

  • Stress and anxiety are some of the biggest health-related problems reported by students. To help control stress:
    • Don’t skip classes, and try to stay caught up in class.
    • Set aside time for yourself.
    • Get your sleep, exercise, and eat right.
    • Don’t procrastinate.
    • Stay organized.
    • Deep breathe or get a massage.
    • Talk to people about your stress.
    • Use the resources available on campus if you are starting to become stressed out or fall behind. (Academic Advisor, ARC, Counseling Services)
  • Exercise. Check out the Mathy Center.
  • Stop the spread of illness.
    • Wash your hands.
    • Cover your cough and sneeze.
    • Don't share cups/utensils/toothbrushes/water bottles.
    • Don't skip meals.
    • Keep some healthy snacks in your backpack.
  • Learn how to get enough sleep.
    • Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
    • Turn off/down the brightness of electronics an hour before going to bed. The light can disrupt your ability to fall asleep.
    • Try to only use your bed for sleep and not lounging.
    • Try to keep regular sleep patterns.
    • Get into a routine before bed.
    • Don't do your exercise in the 5 hours before bedtime. 
    • Try not to nap for longer than an hour, or close to bedtime.
    • Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine at least five hours before bed.
    • Avoid all-nighters.
  • Locate the Health Services office on campus: Murphy Center, room 340.
  • Know where to locate the local Emergency Room and Urgent Care.
  • Participate in on-campus health events:
    • Lunch 'n' learn
    • Community Health fair
    • Mathy Center Wellness Programs
  • Alcohol use:
    • Remember that Not Everyone Drinks!
      • The perception is that everyone is drinking but Viterbo’s statistics show 14.2% don’t drink.
      • Close to 80% drink 3-5 days in a month or less.
    • Participate in Weekends at VU activities for an alcohol-free alternative.
  • Viterbo Safety Tips
    • Keep your VITNET contact information up-to-date.
    • Check VU Today everyday for what's happening on campus.

What to Bring to Stay Healthy in College

  • Know your health insurance. Have the information accessible. Know what services your insurance covers locally.
  • Having a small first aid kit can come in handy.
  • Bring and use a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Consider taking a multivitamin to boost your immune system.
  • A humidifier, especially for the winter and in the residence halls.
  • Nonslip shower footwear.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Sunscreen.
  • If you take prescription medication, bring a lock box for safe storage.
  • Bring some general medications:
    • Ibuprofen
    • Tylenol
    • Cold and cough medicine

Contact Health Services at 608-796-3806 for any questions.