Take a second and just breathe it all in. You’re actually doing it.
Right now, you are probably feeling that strange, shaky mix of “I can’t wait to get out of here,” and “Wait, am I actually ready for this?” It’s a lot. Between the late-night packing, the good-byes and the sudden realization that you are about to be responsible for your own life, it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed.
But as you are looking at your new dorm or that first apartment, there’s one thing that usually falls off the to-do list until it’s too late: Your health.
Let’s be real – dorms and shared apartments are basically petri dishes. You are living in close quarters, sharing the air with many other people. And you probably aren’t getting eight hours of sleep. It’s the perfect recipe for getting sidelined with a nasty bug when you are trying to make a good first impression.
The Reality of “the Move”
Before the chaos of move in day hits, do yourself a solid:
- Check your records: Make sure you are up to date on recommended vaccines, like HPV, Tdap, flue and COVID-19. You can read more about your recommended vaccines here
- The Meningitis Talk: This is the big one for campus life. If you haven’t heard Jamie Schanbaum’s story on our FACTSinnated podcast, give it a listen. Meningococcal disease moves fast—faster than you’d think. Getting vaccinated isn’t just a box to check; it’s a massive safety net.
- Locate the doctor or campus health center: Don’t wait until you have a 103°F fever to figure out where the campus health center is or if they take your insurance. Bookmark it on your phone now.
Taking the Wheel
For years, someone else probably handled your check-ups and kept track of your records. Now, the clipboard is in your hands. It feels a bit heavy, but it’s actually pretty empowering.
Ask the “dumb” questions at the clinic. Figure out what’s in your medicine cabinet. And look out for your friends, too—if your roommate looks like they’re struggling with more than just a “cold” (especially with things like a stiff neck or light sensitivity), speak up.
Your Final Graduation Checklist
Before you head off to your first orientation or day on the job:
- Book one last “home” check-up.
- Screenshot your insurance card and keep it in a “Health” folder on your phone.
- Invest in a good water bottle and some decent sleep. Your immune system will thank you in October.
You’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this finish line. We want to make sure you’re actually healthy enough to enjoy the start of the next race.
Go get ’em, Class of 2026. We’re rooting for you.
