Living in congregate housing with roommates and others means that taking care of your health and staying well is extra important. Infections can spread easily, and your actions and behaviors may impact others more than you may be used to. Staying healthy in both body and soul are important both for your own wellbeing and for your academic success while at UC Berkeley. Below are resources to help you stay well.
Staying healthy
There are various dimensions to wellness and there doesn’t have to be a balance among all dimensions. The goal is to find a personal harmony with the pieces that feel most authentic and fruitful, and reassess and not be self-critical if things aren’t working for you.
Learn more about wellness topics and resources from UHS.
Immunizations
All students should take precautions to protect against infectious diseases, as infections spread very easily in congregate settings such as residence halls, dining commons, and classrooms. University Health Services (UHS) strongly encourages all members of the University community follow vaccine recommendations adopted by the Center for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health, and summarized for students on the UC Office of the President Website. Learn more about immunizations available at UHS.
What to do if you are sick
Colds and other respiratory illnesses (including COVID-19) are unfortunately common while living in close proximity with others. Oftentimes they are caused by acute, self-limited, uncomplicated viral infections. These conditions usually run their course within 7-10 days. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. The best thing to do when you have a respiratory virus is to stay home to rest, hydrate, avoid infecting others, and treat your symptoms.1
While you are recovering from your illness, you should take basic precautions to minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Here are 3 key steps to follow:
- Basic precautions include not sharing drinks or food utensils, washing your hands regularly and avoiding close, prolonged contact with others when possible.
- Practice healthy habits around coughing and sneezing.
- Follow the CDC’s current recommendations on Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You Are Sick.
Other common infections that can spread easily amongst students on campus include gastroenteritis (nausea/vomiting/diarrhea) and sexually transmitted infections! Best practice is always to wash your hands, avoid sharing water bottles, get plenty of sleep (really!), eat colorful fruits and vegetables, manage your stress, enjoy safe sex, and otherwise maximize your health.
1 Students who are immunocompromised or have serious chronic conditions that put them at higher risk of severe disease should consult with their healthcare provider as recommendations may differ.
Mental health resources
Living in a new environment with others can have an impact on your mental health in a number of ways, including sleep, alone time, noise and other factors. It is normal to feel some stress as you adjust to new learning and living environments. UHS offers mental health services and resources to all UC Berkeley students regardless of insurance plan. There are many resources to help your emotional wellness that include on-campus, off-campus, online, and community-specific resources.
After hours care
All students have access to a 24/7 Nurse Advice Line and can call (510) 643-7197 if you are ill and are unsure if you need to be seen.