Flu season is a lot when you’re living in a residence hall. Back in high school, getting sick meant retreating to your room, eating chicken soup, and maybe catching up on TV while you recovered. At college? It’s a whole different ballgame, and one I’ve had to learn to navigate since coming to Hopkins.
The biggest difference is that you can’t just “stay home” when you’re already home. Your dorm room is your bedroom, study space, and sick bay all rolled into one. And when you’re surrounded by hundreds of other students in close quarters: sharing bathrooms (if you live in AMR I or II), dining halls, and lecture halls, staying healthy becomes both more important and more challenging.
When Your Roommate Gets Sick
Last year, my suitemate got a multi-bacterial infection which left him extremely sick in the middle of the semester. One day he was fine; the next day he was coughing louder than a freight train. Living in such close proximity to someone who’s ill is nerve-wracking, especially when you’re worried about catching whatever they have and falling behind in your own classes.
What saved me from getting as sick as he did? Masks and disinfectants. My roommate was considerate enough to wear a mask indoors, which made a huge difference in keeping germs contained. I also made a quick trip to the CVS right next to campus, which has been a lifesaver, and stocked up on cleaning supplies and disinfectants. Wiping down shared surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and our desk areas became part of my daily routine. It wasn’t fun, but it worked.
The Excused Absence Question
One of the first things I worried about when I got to college was: what happens if I have to miss class? Every professor I’ve had at Hopkins has had an excused absence policy, though the specifics vary. Some require documentation from a medical professional, while others just ask for a heads-up email. The key is communication: let your professors know as soon as possible that you’re not feeling well. As long as you give them reasonable notice, you won’t have to stress attendance, giving you peace of mind while you’re trying to recover.
Student Health & Well-Being: Your New Best Friend
Before coming to Hopkins, I wondered how I’d manage my healthcare away from home. I’ve always had a network of specialists: dermatologists, orthopedists; you name it. I worried about starting from scratch. But honestly, it’s been remarkably easy to replicate that care here.
The Student Health and Well-Being office (SHWB) has become my go-to for primary care. Scheduling appointments is straightforward just using MyHealth Portal, and the staff are incredibly kind and helpful. Whether I need a physical, vaccines, or just see someone about a cold, they make the process smooth. And if I need specialized care, they’ve been great about providing referrals on the spot. Plus, the hospital’s location and the JHMI shuttle system (which you can access through the TransLoc app) make it easy to get to appointments with specialists.
Beyond physical health, SHWB has been invaluable for mental health support. As someone with ADHD, finding a psychiatrist who understands my struggles and can help manage my symptoms and prescriptions was crucial. The therapy team is awesome and knowing that resources are available has made adjusting to college life so much less stressful.
Also, flu shots are mandatory, and they’re free on campus. Unless you have an exception, it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself during flu season.
Staying Healthy: The Basics Still Matter
Staying healthy at college requires the same common practices you’ve heard your whole life. Wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, especially after touching shared surfaces. If you’re sick, wear a mask in public spaces so you’re not spreading germs to everyone, especially in a packed lecture hall. These might seem obvious, but they’re easy to forget when you’re rushing between classes or pulling an all-nighter in the library.
The Convenience Factor
One thing that’s made managing health at Hopkins easier is how accessible everything is. That CVS next to campus is perfect for picking up over-the-counter medicine when you feel something coming on. For prescriptions, whether it’s from SHWB or a specialist, both CVS and the hospital’s own pharmacy make pickups convenient. You’re never far from what you need.
Closing Thoughts
Getting sick in college isn’t rare, you’re living in closed quarters with loads of other students; there’s some nights you are getting less sleep than recommended, and filling up on dining hall food can only boost your immune system so much. But knowing how to take care of yourself, where to go for help, and how to prevent getting (or spreading) illness makes all the difference.
Stock up on disinfectants, get your flu shot, and don’t be afraid to reach out to SHWB when you need them. Your health, physical and mental, is worth prioritizing, even when your coursework is creeping up.
