Being sick at university

In an ideal world, you don’t know anything about the fresher’s flu. Although you probably do, you probably have it right now and just sneezed all over your laptop, or you will have it in the coming weeks. 

When I say fresher’s flu, I mean the sickness – whether it’s a small cold, a heavy head, or a stronger flu – that a lot of students catch at the start of term. It coined its name because of its commonality, so don’t worry, your sniffly pink nose is not alone. And if this is your first time being away from home while sick, it’s a chance to take care of yourself, as you always should do; you’ll be okay!

Here are some pointers about being sick on campus, starting with what to watch out for: 

Dorm bacteria:

Dorm kitchens are a playground for bacteria. Those unwashed plates, overflowing bins, leftover crumbs and sticky messes can get more than stinky. Besides having some human decency for the cleaners, make sure to keep your spaces clean for your own health! 

Hygiene (as well as sleep, nutrition, exercise) is impertinent to our wellbeing, but it can quickly get overwhelmed by everything else going on around us. Washing hands, brushing teeth, taking showers, and living clean are a routine to keep a tight hold of, even if you think it’s not a worry now, it can catch you by surprise. Nothing should get in the way of your basic needs, cause, they’re your basic needs! 

Pay attention to your showers getting moldy or the sink and toilet needing a scrub. Weekly. Your sheets and towels can use a change too. And it’s a good idea to air out your room with some open-window time, but don’t leave it so long that the cold or cold air/hot blast of the radiator gets to you!

On-campus help: 

If you are feeling very ill, contact the community safety team by 024 7652 2083 (non-emergency) or healthandsafetyadmin@warwick.ac.uk for help; they can guide you whenever you need some help! There is also an on-site GP, at the health center near Rootes. Usually its a fast turnaround to get an appointment. There’s also the pharmacy located in the Atrium, and they can provide some helpful advice or consultation if you want someone before the GP!

Tip: pay attention to your “my warwick app” notifications; if there is an outbreak of flu or worse, it will be there with further instruction! 

International students:

You should have set up an IHS with the NHS. This means you also get access to healthcare. 

Administration: 

When you can’t make it into class or the sickness has affected your work, guidelines can differ between courses and cases. Always best to consult your handbook! If you’re totally confused, shoot your personal tutor an email and they can guide you. Usually, an email to your seminar professor explaining your absence is enough to excuse you (Make sure to do this!) but there may be a form to fill in. 

Taking care: 

Shower, sleep, soup – repeat. Include a dose of mandarins and kiwis (they have more vitamin C!), tea with honey, a lot and a lot of water, and stay warm. If you’re able to, take advantage of your bed-ridden state and make it a cosy, restful time; You definitely need it! Check out the government’s official word on freshers flu for more medical guidance.

Now, if you’re sick, put on a feel-good movie and get better soon! 

Take care of yourselves 🙂