Emergency Care

Knowing about the health insurance you carry or the location of the health center is not all you need to stay well, however. You might need to get a prescription filled, or you might become injured and need emergency treatment.

When you get to school, check to see if your health center offers 24-hour medical attention. If not, make a point to learn how to access emergency medical care through a local emergency department or urgent care clinic. Write this information and any important phone numbers somewhere you can easily find them if necessary.

You should also find a pharmacy. Although some schools offer a pharmacy on campus, other students may need to venture off campus to find one. It's no fun to go hunting around for these things when you're sick — being prepared can really help!

Prevention Tips

It's great to be prepared if you get sick, but better yet, how can you prevent getting sick in the first place? The usual measures, like washing your hands frequently, also apply at college. But you'll also have to think about community bathrooms, shared computer terminals, and cramped living quarters, all of which make germs way too happy.