Going to College and Staying Healthy: Health Services and Health Care Providers

Going to College and Staying Healthy:
Health Services and Health Care Providers

What is a Student Health Service?

The Student Health Service at your college is probably the first place you will go when you have health care needs. It is a good idea to find out in advance what to do if you are sick or have a medical emergency. At many colleges, you can get medical care, medications, advice, and information at the Student Health Service. There are usually medical, nursing, and health education staff available at the Student Health Service. Counseling is usually available at Student Counseling Services which may be part of the student health service or a separate service. The professionals are familiar with the issues that college students face (stress, eating disorders, nutrition, sexual relationships, alcohol issues, sports injuries, etc.). Staff will work with you to keep you healthy and respond to your questions and concerns. If any of these options are not available to you at your Student Health Center, ask the staff where you can go. Or ask your friends at college where they go.

When should I go to the Student Health Service?

You should contact or go to your Student Health Service if you:

Have any medical or health issue that you are concerned about
Have a high fever
Have chest pain, trouble breathing, or a cough that won't go away
Have symptoms that make you concerned or that last for more than a week, such as vomiting or diarrhea
Need a check for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Have emotional distress
Have an athletic injury
Think you may have broken a bone
Have an emergency like a lab spill
Have any questions about your health
Have been physically or sexually assaulted
Are sad, depressed, anxious, or unable to sleep
Have been using large amounts of drugs/alcohol or feel out of control with drug/alcohol use

How do I get a provider to see me at my Student Health Service?

Call your Student Health Service and ask if you need an appointment or if you can just come in.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Think of any questions or issues you want to bring up, and write them down beforehand. Be prepared to describe your symptoms and concerns to the provider who sees you. It's also important to know your personal and family medical history. See our health guide on Choosing a Doctor for more information.

What should I do at my appointment?

When you meet with your provider, make sure you ask your questions and voice your concerns. Don't leave before your provider answers all of your questions. If you don't understand something your provider says, ask him/her to say it again more clearly. Your provider should be willing to explain things to you. If you aren't satisfied, you may ask to see another provider.

What do I do if I need health care that the Student Health Service cannot provide?

The staff at your Student Health Service knows physicians, specialists, and mental health clinicians in the community in case you need additional care. They can help you find someone qualified to help you with your specific problem.

What if I have an emergency?

If you have a problem or injury that needs attention right away, go straight to your Student Health Service. If your Student Health Service is not open, you should go to a nearby hospital. Find out from your Student Health Service where the closest hospital is and how to get there. The police at your college should be willing to take you if you have no way to get there or you are physically unable to drive there. If the problem is very serious and you shouldn't waste any time, call 911 for an ambulance to come and get you.

Should I continue to see my primary care doctor once I start college?

You will want to see your primary care doctor or nurse practitioner for your health care when you are home. At school, it is usually easier to see a provider at the Student Health Service. If there is not a Student Health Service at your college, most schools will give you a list of health services in the area around your college.

Check out these other College Health Guides:

Knowing About My Health Before I Go to College

Staying Healthy at College

Some Common Health Problems at College

Violence/Abuse in Relationships

Resources: Hotlines/Websites/Books

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff

Updated 2/5/2008