What To Do When You're Sick In College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things To Do When You Are Sick In College That May Save You From Missing Class

It's already bad enough being homesick.

219
Girl

In This Article:

I'm currently writing this as I'm in my dorm room, coughing my lungs out and definitely annoying my roommates, even though they're too nice to let me know. It's tough being ill and not having the loving convenience of your mom giving you a spoonful of cough syrup or making you a warm cup of tea to ease your throat. Here are some things to keep in mind when not feeling well to help you recover fast!

Drink plenty of fluids

Everyone knows the benefits of drinking water. Staying hydrated while sick is very important because this will help wash germs out of your immune system and can also help loosen mucus, which will make recovery much faster.

Eat healthier

No matter what, eating healthier, along with drinking water as stated previously, is always a good option to overcome an inner illness. Eating healthier can definitely make you feel better and make recovery faster since you're treating your body right. Swap out the coke and bag of chips for a plate of fruits or veggies.

Sleep!

I know being sick might stress someone out because, not only do they physically feel horrible, their lack of energy is holding them back from getting actual work/responsibilities done. Your physical health should always be prioritized first before your assignments. Besides, they cannot be effectively completed unless you start feeling well.

Let your roommates know you're not feeling well

This would be helpful in their case and considerate on your part. It's important for your roommates to know if you're sick, since you're all sharing a tight-knit living space together, and we all know how fast and easy germs can spread. Letting them know would allow them to take extra precaution not to touch your belongings or food, and can even help you by giving you tissues if they're a nice person.

Communicate with your professors

When you feel like you're dying, it definitely is debatable whether you should go to class or not. You don't feel good, but at the same time, you don't want to be penalized for being absent and miss writing down important notes. Sometimes, you may not even afford to miss a class because of how much attendance matters. But if it comes down to drastic measures and you absolutely cannot be present, you should always email your professor, letting them be aware of your illness and asking about the information you missed in class. This shows that you still care about your education and demonstrates qualities of responsibility.

Go to the health center on your college campus

If you're well enough to get up and walk outside, visiting your campus health center is highly suggested and would definitely be beneficial. This is the best place to get professional treatment on colds, sore throats, coughs, and other types of common illnesses.

Give your parents a call

I mean, you should always call your parents, regardless if you're sick or not. But in all seriousness, your parents are probably the only people in this world who genuinely care about your wellbeing and would want to know if you're healthy or not. Let them know you're okay, but could be feeling better. Hopefully, they'll drive to visit you with some homemade soup, or send a lovely "get well soon" care package.

Keep up with healthy hygiene

This includes washing your hands after using the bathroom and before meals, carrying hand sanitizer with you during the day, and even cleaning the screens of your phone and laptop, since these places have the most germs and you're touching them constantly.

Be considerate

You don't want your germs to spread and cause other people to get sick, too. Be considerate and always cough/sneeze into your elbow. This is the best way to avoid spreading germs into the air. It's also best to avoid coughing/sneezing into your hands since this is another ideal way for germs to spread.

 Lastly, have the basic necessary treatments with you in your dorm

Sometimes the basics like aspirin, DayQuil, and NyQuil can ease a bad cold or flu significantly. It's also good to carry Halls cough drops with you in your bag throughout the day in case that bad cough gets unbearable.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2768
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2369
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments