When you’re a college student, you’re usually focused on your classes, activities, friends and social life. If you’re young and generally healthy, you might not think too much about getting sick or injured or having mental health problems.
But it’s a good idea to know what’s available in student health services and how you can connect with medical and mental health support. That way, you can stay as healthy as possible and keep your focus on your academic goals and your college experience.
Health care providers who specialize in students understand your unique challenges. And care is usually affordable. So if you’re concerned about any physical or mental health issues, don’t delay — connect with the care you need.
David Salafsky, DrPH, MPH, executive director of Campus Health at the University of Arizona, explained more about what you can expect when you need care on campus.
What’s available from student health services?
“Services vary, but most college health centers offer some primary care and counseling services,” Dr. Salafsky said. Your school may offer:
- General medical care for common illnesses and injuries, routine checkups, physical exams and managing chronic conditions.
- Mental health counseling to help with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. Services may include individual therapy, group counseling and workshops.
- Immunizations for common diseases like influenza, meningitis, COVID-19 and HPV.
- Health screenings such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings and other assessments, usually at low or no cost.
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Wellness checkups where you can talk about your overall health and get advice.
- Programs and workshops on topics like nutrition, exercise, substance abuse prevention and sexual health. “If you are a student who is part of a club, consider reaching out to student health. They are often happy to bring a workshop or presentation to your group,” Dr. Salafsky said.
- Campaigns focused on specific health issues, such as flu prevention or mental health awareness.
- Online articles, videos and tools you can access anytime.
“Larger schools and universities may serve as a medical home, offering a range of services,” Dr. Salafsky said. At a larger school, you might find:
- Reproductive health services such as contraception, sexual health education and gynecological exams
- LGBTQ+ health services
- Travel immunizations
- Sports medicine
- Physical therapy
- Nutrition services
- Blood tests, urinalysis, X-ray imaging and other diagnostic services
How do I connect with care?
Knowing where to go and what to do before dealing with a health problem is a good idea.
Most schools have a dedicated health center. Check your school’s website, your student handbook or ask at the student affairs office to find out where it’s located. To reach out, you can call them directly. You might also be able to send messages, ask questions, schedule appointments and get information through a secure online portal.
“Getting care on campus is meant to be easy and usually starts with a quick phone call or a web-booked appointment. Appointment times can vary, but most students can be seen within a few days, if not the same day, depending on their needs,” Dr. Salafsky said.
Many health centers have walk-in hours where you can see a health care provider even if you don’t have an appointment. Check the website or call for walk-in hours. It’s a good idea to go early in case the slots fill up quickly.
Be prepared for an emergency by checking with student health services so you know what to do before you face a serious problem. Some campuses have an on-site urgent care clinic or emergency room, while in others you’ll need to connect with community resources.
What do I need for my appointment?
To prepare for your visit, make sure you have your student ID card and insurance information, whether you have student health insurance or other coverage. It’s a good idea to bring a credit card — some services may be free, but for others you may need to pay a fee. Bring your medical records and a list of any medications you’re taking.
Write down your symptoms, concerns and questions so you don’t forget anything. Start with your most important concern and be as specific as you can about your symptoms and your health.
At student health services, your information and records are private. They are only shared with your consent or as required by law. You should be able to find privacy policies online, so you can see how your information is used and protected.
You may need to sign consent forms that outline your privacy rights and the center’s confidentiality practices.
How can I get mental health support?
It’s just as important to take care of your mental health as it is to take care of your physical health. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to seek help. Getting support early can make a big difference.
“Many health services over the years have shifted toward supporting students’ mental health. I would be surprised if that doesn’t continue, since accessing mental health off-campus can be challenging, so this will continue to be an important part of campus health services going forward,” Dr. Salafsky said.
Your school’s health services center may offer:
- Individual counseling sessions where you can discuss personal issues, stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns with a licensed counselor or therapist.
- Support groups where you can connect with other students facing similar challenges. A trained facilitator often leads these groups. They can provide support and a sense of community.
- Workshops and seminars on topics like stress management, mindfulness and resilience so you can learn practical skills that can improve your well-being.
- Crisis intervention for immediate mental health issues, such as thoughts of self-harm or severe anxiety attacks, so you can get urgent care and support when you need it.
You can schedule an appointment by calling the health center. You may also be able to book an appointment online or through an app. Your school may also offer walk-in mental health appointments.
What can I do to keep myself healthy?
With a busy life, making sure you’re taking care of yourself can be tough. Try to:
- Get regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days. Your campus may have gyms, pools and sports courts. You might even want to join intramural sports teams or fitness classes.
- Sleep for seven to nine hours per night with consistent times for going to bed and waking up.
- Eat a balanced diet centered around lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains with limited added sugar and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before you eat and after you use the bathroom.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to help reduce stress.
- Stay connected with your friends and family and make time to socialize.
How do I use my health insurance?
Most colleges and universities offer student health insurance that covers doctor visits, mental health counseling, emergency care, prescription medications and preventive services like vaccinations.
Your campus health center or student affairs office can explain how to enroll. You may also be covered by another health insurance plan, such as your parent’s or employer’s if you work. Many colleges have insurance coordinators who can help you understand and manage your health insurance, so contact them with any questions.
These tips can help you use your health coverage and control your costs:
- Check the insurance plan brochure or website to know what your plan covers and what you pay for co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Find out which providers are in-network and out-of-network, since in-network providers usually cost less.
- Carry your insurance information with you. It has important information like your policy number and the insurance company’s contact details.
- When you make appointments, tell the provider what type of insurance you have so they can check your coverage and let you know what costs to expect.
- Keep records of all your medical bills, insurance statements, explanation of benefits (EOBs) and letters or emails from your insurance company. That way, you can track expenses and resolve any issues.
- If you’re not sure about coverage, costs or a bill, contact your insurance company or the billing department of the health care provider. They can explain charges and help you resolve issues.
- If a claim is denied, review the reason and the appeals process outlined in your insurance plan. You may need to provide additional information or clarify details. Your campus health center may have staff to help you with this process.
What do I do after hours?
Health issues don’t always happen during regular office hours, so knowing what to do and where to go for after-hours and emergency care is important. Your school may offer:
- After-hours clinics for minor illnesses or injuries.
- Telehealth services so you can talk to a health care provider via phone or video call.
- A 24/7 nurse hotline where you can speak to a nurse for medical advice and guidance. They can help you decide if your issue can wait until the health center is open or if you need immediate attention.
If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 and let them know where you are and what the emergency is. Call 911 for severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or signs of a stroke such as sudden weakness, confusion or difficulty speaking.
After you call 911, contact campus security. They may be able to help and to guide emergency responders to your location. Save the campus security phone number in your phone so you can find it quickly if you need to. It’s also a good idea to save the address and phone number of the closest urgent care center and hospital.
What if I need care off-campus?
You might need care off-campus for:
- Specialized care for a chronic illness, severe allergies or certain mental health needs
- Diagnostic tests, surgeries or specialized treatments
- Ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
Be sure you share information, notes and medical records between your campus health services and any off-campus providers you see. That way, anyone who helps you can make better decisions about your care.
The bottom line
If you’re a college student, you can connect with a range of services through your student health center. It’s a good idea to find out what they offer and how to connect with care before you need it.
If you need specialized care beyond what you can get on campus, feel free to reach out to an expert at Banner Health.
