What to Do If You Get Sick in College

Getting sick in college is almost a rite of passage, as late nights, shared spaces, and stress can make it hard to avoid. But when sickness arrives, your whole routine is thrown off. Here’s how to navigate being sick in college without letting your health or academics completely unravel.

Be Prepared

Before you even have the chance to get sick, it helps to have a plan. Stock up on basic medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol, cough drops, and cold and allergy medicines. You should also have tissues and a thermometer handy. Also try to have comfort foods on hand that are easy to consume and keep down when you’re sick (like soup, crackers, tea and honey, etc.). 

In addition to having things on hand, try to familiarize yourself with where your campus health center is and how to make an appointment. You should also learn of any delivery services there are in your town or on your campus in case you cannot leave your dorm to get it yourself. At Luther College, for example, our food service provides bagged meals for students who are sick to pick up and eat in their room. 

Prioritize Getting Better

Once you are sick, your top priority should be rest and recovery. A prolonged illness is very detrimental with the fast pace of college. So slow down, stay hydrated, eat what you can, and sleep as much as possible. If you ignore your symptoms, you’re more likely to lengthen the time of your illness and make it worse.

If you have a contagious illness, avoid going to class or to your cafeteria. You don’t want to spread the germs around. Your teachers and classmates will thank you for it.

Also, if you have a roommate, give them a heads-up. Even if you’re not sure that you’re contagious, it’s respectful to let them know what’s going on. This gives them a chance to take precautions. You can also coordinate shared space with them. Maybe they can give you more quiet time or you can agree on a temporary vigorous cleaning routine to keep germs at bay. Communication can help to avoid awkwardness and will keep everyone healthier.

Know When to See a Doctor

Though you may feel like toughing it out, it’s very important to know the difference between a common cold and something more serious. Some symptoms should NOT be ignored, like a high fever (over 102 degrees), trouble breathing, a severe sore throat, or symptoms that last over a week. If you’re unsure, your best bet is to contact your campus health center so that they can advise you on next steps or get you an appointment quickly. 

Review Your Syllabus

When you’re sick, your class syllabi are going to be your best friends. Most professors include their attendance policies, and late work/makeup exam rules. Before emailing your professors, check the syllabus to avoid asking questions they have already answered.

When checking, you may find that you’re allowed to miss 1-2 classes without penalty or that there are grace periods for assignments. Knowing these things can help you make informed decisions about when to rest and when to endure.

Email Your Professors

If you’re going to miss class or need extra time for assignments, let your professors know as soon as possible. Be polite and concise. You don’t need to share all your symptoms, but explain that you’re sick and ask if you can make up missed work or attend virtually if it’s an option.

Most professors appreciate students who communicate clearly and respectfully. Don’t wait until you’re four assignments behind! The earlier you reach out, the better. Communication is key. 

Reach Out to Student Life

If your sickness is going to impact you for more than a few days, get in touch with your school’s student life office. They can help coordinate communication with your professors or even help you create a plan to catch up in your classes.

Manage Your Coursework Intentionally

Once you’re feeling well enough to start thinking about school again, make a plan. Look at what’s most urgent and what can wait. Break big tasks into manageable, smaller pieces so you don’t get overwhelmed. Try using a calendar or to-do lists to stay on track. While you’re still recovering the goal is progress, not perfection.

If you do feel overwhelmed, Luther’s director of community care, Janet Hunter, recommends taking these steps:  

• Communicate with your professor(s) about your struggles to catch up and the feelings you are experiencing. Being transparent and communicative shows that you care about your classes, and enables your professors to work with you.  
• Make an appointment with the academic support office (at Luther, the Center for Academic Enrichment). The staff or peer tutors can help you prioritize your assignments and provide accountability and support as you catch up. 

Check in on Your Mental Health

Being sick can be surprisingly isolating, especially if you’re stuck in bed in a college dorm or start to feel anxious about falling behind. Check in with your mental state. Are you feeling more stressed or down than usual? If so, consider reaching out to your school’s counseling center or tele-health service. Even a short session can help you reframe your thoughts, create a recovery plan, or just vent if that’s what you need. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and sometimes the two are connected so it’s vitally important to pay attention to this.

Getting sick is never convenient, but it doesn’t have to derail the entire semester. Prepare ahead, communicate, and take your health seriously. Responding responsibly will help you to bounce back faster and stay in good standing with your professors. Take care of yourself. College isn’t just about grades. It’s also about learning how to manage real life!

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