Did you catch the flu or got a cold? I know it sucks to be sick at college, so here are some of the top ideas that I have compiled which helped me when I got sick.
Getting sick during midterms or finals sucks, but there are some ways to relieve your symptoms and clear your head a bit.
I have been sick three times in college and they have been before, during, and after testing season.
Thankfully, I have some experience that when I get sick, I can easily get better or feel better quicker each time.
If you are sniffing or have a sore throat or dying while you are reading this, lay down in bed and scroll through my experiences of coughing and runny noses. Learn how these symptoms were combatted and destroyed each and every time.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information. Thank you!
What to Do When You Are Sick at College (Ways to Combat Germs)
I don’t feel like doing anything…
If you feel tired and exhausted to the point that you just can’t focus on your assignments, email your professors.
Let them know that you are sick and ask for extensions, clarifications, or alternative methods to work around your health. If your classes’ point of contact is usually through teaching assistants, then communicate with them and include your professor in the emails.
Do not wait minutes before an assignment is due to tell your TAs or professors.
If you have a quiz or test coming up, explain your situation and ask if you can take it later.
Usually, professors are very understanding and offer alternate ways to accommodate you.
Just make sure to communicate with your professors and TAs.
What can I do to make myself feel better?
I have found that taking showers or warm baths really soothes the symptoms especially if you have a runny nose.
Take the time to wash your hair, face, and skin.
I always feel a lot better after taking a shower or bath since it relieves my muscles and cleans away any debris from the day.
Make sure you completely dry your hair before laying down and taking a nap.
When you are sick, you always feel tired and exhausted so taking naps can help with your energy levels.
You can also open your windows to let in some fresh air.
It will also help kill those germs and bacteria that are stuffed in your room.
What foods should I eat for sore throat?
Opt for easily digestible foods that don’t irritate your throat.
Some great options are:
- soups (chicken noodle soup is a classic)
- yogurt
- oatmeal
- eggs
- mashed potatoes
I usually opt for hot foods since they make me feel better. You don’t want to be eating anything spicy or super strong so it doesn’t make your throat angry.
Go for foods that you can easily swallow and that soothe your throat.
Don’t be opening up a package of Milano cookies or that bag of chips since it will make your day worse.
Also, aim for easy-to-prepare meals because the last thing you want to do is try to cook and forget to turn off the stove.
You will also be too exhausted to chop things up or wash dishes.
If your campus has markets or stores inside or nearby, you can stock up on some quick and easy prep items.
Buy cups of yogurt, canned soups, quick and easy oats, hard-boiled eggs, tea bags, bananas, and other soft foods.
If you think these foods are too bland, you can:
- drizzle honey into yogurt
- add in berries and brown sugar to oatmeal
- toss in a hard-boiled egg with some noodles
- add lemon and honey to tea
- toss in some chicken to soup
I usually don’t want to move much and stay in bed when I get sick, so I’m all for convenience.
You might get limited options when you are sick at college, but you can still be creative and whip up some nice recipes.
What foods should I eat for a stuffy nose?
If you are curled up with a box of tissues and sporting a headache, some foods that I recommend are:
- chicken noodle soup (like always)
- citrus meals like lemon garlic pasta
- honey lemon tea
- fresh fruit
- acai bowls
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I always seem to be craving an acai bowl whenever I get a stuffy nose.
There’s just something about the fresh fruits and cool tart flavor that makes everything feel a thousand times better.
I also find that consuming citrus fruits like lemons and limes through teas of course seems to smooth everything out.
If you are suffering from congestion or a stuffy nose, a cup of hot water with a few slices of lemon and a drizzle of honey will make your day a whole lot clearer.
When I get a stuffy nose, I want to smell things asap and feel the air again. So this is when stronger scented foods come in.
I love when there are citrusy drinks or flavorful foods that help clear my passageways.
Sick Kit
A sick kit may sound weird, but it is like an emergency kit, but for when you get sick at college.
Inside a pouch or bin, just gather a lip balm, a couple of cough drops, a pack of tissues, a mask, some painkillers, and some tea bags.
This will be your best friend when you get sick.
Just pull it near you and have all the supplies that you need to combat the flu, a nasty cough, or a runny nose.
You will thank yourself since you won’t be digging around when you get sick.
I hate moving around and looking for things when I get sick.
This is why it is so much more convenient to be prepared beforehand and be stress-free!
Interested in more survival kit posts? Check out Must-Have College Freshman Survival Kit.
What should I do when I’m sick at college?
Chances are you are feeling tired and low on energy.
Usually, I just skip all my lectures in person and either attend them through Zoom or watch them later on podcast.
I’ll always email my professors if I have an upcoming quiz or exam the next day or two and know that I won’t be able to make it.
Then, I’ll check if any assignments are due in the next few days.
If I feel like have the energy to complete it, I’ll usually just get it done.
Be aware that if you request a different quiz or exam date, your professor may give you a different/harder test to take.
Try to be prepared to weigh your options in the event that you do get an extension test date but harder questions or take the test now when you are not feeling 100%.
However, if I’m out of it, I’ll request an extension and explain my circumstances.
Afterward, I’ll just take a nap since it helps my body get some rest to fight those germs.
How should I draft an email to my professor?
If you are unsure of how to write an email, here is my usual template:
Dear Professor __________,
Explain your circumstance and why you need to have an extension or accommodation. I have recently gotten sick and cannot finish the (explain which assignment, project, or quiz) that is due (the date). Is it possible to (get an extension or take it on a different day)? I understand that this may be difficult and inconvenient, but I really don’t have the energy and mindset to (work on assignment/quiz/exam). Thank you for your understanding and I wish you have a wonderful rest of your day.
Sincerely,
Your Name
If you need more ideas on how to write an email, check out Ultimate Guide on How to Email a Professor (Top tips and hacks).
I feel super sick…what should I do?
If you are dying and you don’t think it’s a normal cough or stuffy nose, you should go to your health center.
There should be an on-campus health center in your college. If your college does not have one, check to see the nearest clinic or hospital.
Let your roommate or apartment mates know if you are not feeling it and need help.
If it gets too serious, dial 911 and get an ambulance.
You don’t want to risk anything if you feel like you are in extreme pain or you are experiencing strong symptoms.
Some serious symptoms that you should be aware of are:
- Throwing up repeatedly
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Weird pressure on your upper chest or abdominal area
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Confusion or difficulty thinking/processing thoughts
If you experience any of those symptoms, it is better to call for help than ignore it.
Yay, I’m not sick anymore!
Hold your horses, don’t get too excited yet. Once you recover there are several important things that you must do.
1. Switch your toothbrush
Yes, swap out your toothbrush and if you have an electric one, change the head.
It’s better to start with a fresh, clean toothbrush rather than a germy, sick-filled one.
You don’t want to be brushing your teeth with that toothbrush when you were sick and feeling like death.
If you truly do not want to change your toothbrush, (for whatever reason) boil your toothbrush for a few minutes in hot water.
Then, soak your toothbrush in a cup of mouthwash for fifteen minutes and rinse before using.
And now you want to just replace your toothbrush right?
2. Wash your sheets
Yes, go and do a couple loads of laundry.
This is the perfect time to wash your sheets, blankets, and pillow covers.
You want to get rid of all that nasty invisible gunk that has been hibernating on your bed.
Say goodbye to yucky germs and say hello to fresh, new sheets.
And it should be a habit to wash your sheets frequently since you’re on them every day.
Since you are already doing laundry, why not wash your clothes too?
Pick up any clothes that you wore when you were sick and wash them too.
Not only will you have fresh laundry and sheets, but you will also be done with your laundry for the week.
3. Throw away the trash
If you have a small pile of tissues or cough drop wrappers lying around, then pick it up and toss it away.
And while you’re at it, why not go that extra step and throw the trash away?
You don’t want to be in close proximity to all those germs that you just battled through sitting in that bin.
If you want to go that extra mile, grab some wipes and wipe down surfaces that you were at when you were sick.
Clear off your desk, chair, window, and closet surfaces.
It sucks to be sick at college, but you can take these extra steps to help your recovery faster.
4. Open those windows
If you don’t already have your windows opened, which you should, then open them now.
You want some fresh air blowing through your dorm or apartment and getting rid of some of those nasty germs.
It will also give you a switch of new air to breathe.
While you have your windows opened, start wiping down some of your furniture for added protection against sickness.
If you want to go that extra mile, spray some air freshener, and viola, you are good to go!
5. Take a shower/bath
This might be obvious since you will probably do it daily (you do don’t you?).
If you haven’t taken a shower yet, go take a nice, hot shower or bath to cleanse yourself.
You will feel a million times better and what’s not to love about feeling refreshed and clean?
Make time for a pamper routine where you do your nails, hair, and skin.
Some things I love to do in a pamper routine:
- Do a facial massage
- Put on a face mask (either the clay or sheet mask)
- Do my nails (trim and apply oils)
- Do a hair mask
- Do a deep cleanse on the skin (the rough scrubs)
A pamper routine doesn’t have to take long and you can do this on a free evening.
Play some music or watch a show and you will be done.
Plus, you will feel so much better, especially after you are sick.
Essentials against germs
1. Face Masks
This is a key essential when you are sick at college. It can help prevent your germs from spreading around.
You don’t want to be going to lectures and getting everyone sick.
Just put on one of these and you are good to go.
Plus, they go both ways. So, if someone else is sick, you can wear a mask to prevent their germs from getting to you.
It should be a good practice to wear a mask when you get sick.
Tip: get masks that are KN95 for better protection than the regular masks.
2. Hand Sanitizer
I love to just keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my backpack, purse, and nightstand.
It’s such a tiny item that helps protect you against many germs and viruses.
I usually go for the normal scent, but if you are into fruity or different scents, you can opt for those options too.
Besides using hand sanitizer for the occasional cheeto fingers, it should be a good habit to use it after you have touched a lot of surfaces.
However, remember to wash your hands after you have used hand sanitizer ten times.
Your hand sanitizer should not replace washing hands since that is the most effective to get rid of germs.
3. Pain Killers
Make sure to have a box or bottle ready for any pain and cramps.
You can easily get a pack at your college stores, but the prices might be jacked up. That’s another reason why it sucks to get sick at college.
Instead, pack some from the grocery stores or get it shipped through Amazon.
It’s handy to always have a pack for strong headaches or period cramps.
You can pack some in your backpack, room, and purse so you have it with you at all times.
I have found that a pack of Advil lasts quite a long time since I only take them when I am in extreme pain. Pain as in I can’t get up and have no energy to do anything.
Don’t rely on painkillers too often since taking too much medication has its cons too.
Tip: purchase them online or in your local pharmacy stores since they will be cheaper than your college markets.
4. Cough Drops
Another essential is cough drops. I like herbal or honey-lemon flavors so I recommend cough drops with these characteristics.
You can opt for a small pack, but I usually get the family-sized or bulk pack so I can share if anyone else gets sick.
This is also great to carry around and have in case you feel a cough coming up.
I find that it makes your throat better if you sip some water while sucking on a cough drop.
Beware that cough drops may not get rid of your sickness, but they can help suppress your symptoms.
If you have to endure through a quiz or class, pop one of these cough drops to relieve the itchiness or soreness in your throat.
5. Tissues
If you asked me what my lifesaver is during a runny or stuffy nose, then soft tissues take the place.
I would rather spend that extra few bucks to have soft tissues, than cheap, rough tissues that scratch my nose.
It will hurt if you have to blow your nose constantly and your nose starts peeling.
Instead, opt for tissues that are soft and gentle.
It’s also a great idea to pack pocket-sized tissues if you have to attend lectures or club organizations.
You will probably go through a box in a jiffy, so it’s handy to have several boxes as a backup.
Tip: do not use the tissues in the restrooms because they are super thin and rough which will irritate the skin on your nose.
How can I prevent myself from getting sick at college?
There’s no sure way to not get sick, but there are ways to build a stronger barrier for yourself.
It is extremely easy to get sick at college since there are so many students who get into contact with so many different places.
1. Eat fruits
This may seem super repetitive and you probably heard it a lot of times, but this is solid advice.
In your free time, consume some blueberries, raspberries, and berries in general.
Not only are they high in antioxidants, but they are also healthy and help boost your immune system.
Some other great fruits include oranges and citrus-related fruits since they are high in vitamin C.
If you don’t feel like eating fruit, you can also make a smoothie or add it to your water.
Interested in quick meal prep ideas for college? Check out 19+ Breakfast Ideas for College Under 10 Minutes.
2. Wear a mask
In this day and age, a mask is like our second skin already.
Ever since COVID, a mask has become essential for us.
This is also true for protecting yourself against seasonal flu or sickness.
If other students are coughing or sniffing, it would be wise to put on a mask so their germs won’t get to you.
Nowadays there are a ton of different designs and materials so you don’t always have to stick with black or white masks.
You can make your mask a fashion statement or match your outfits.
3. Wash your hands
You hear it once, and you will hear it a second time. Wash your hands.
This is a great preventative measure to prevent yourself from getting sick.
Every once in a while, go to the restroom and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
You will be touching a ton of surfaces like chairs, desks, laptops, doors, and backpacks which all have some germs.
This is why you don’t want to be touching your face all the time since those germs and oil can get on your face and cause acne.
It can also clog your pores and form blackheads. This leads us back to the starting point = wash your hands for a healthier and cleaner you.
The next time you get sick at college heaven forbids, then you will be prepared and ready to go!
