Keeping healthy is essential for university students, as a weakened immune system can make it difficult to stay on top of coursework, participate in extracurricular activities and make the most of the school experience. Meanwhile, a recent study mentioned that healthcare costs are among the biggest university expenses most people probably don’t know about. Fortunately, several simple ways exist to avoid getting sick while on campus. Continue reading to learn 5 simple ways to ward off sickness, enjoy school life and save yourself some money. 

• Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is important in maintaining your physical and mental health on campus. It can help to reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase energy levels. Exercising can help you stay fit, build muscle, and develop strong bones and joints. You may use resources such as gyms, intramural sports, and outdoor recreational activities to exercise regularly on campus. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, and use on-campus recreation facilities to get your workouts in.

• Wash your hands

If there is one thing we learned from the pandemic, it’s the need for frequent handwashing. Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to avoid illness. It can prevent the spread of germs and protect you from getting sick. Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. You may also clean your hands after using the restroom, before eating, and after touching objects and surfaces frequently touched by others. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink. Doing so can help keep you and others healthy. 

• Eat a healthy diet

It can be a challenge to eat a healthy diet while on campus. Yet it is vital to get all the necessary nutrients and vitamins to keep your immune system strong and your body active. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals. Also, limit your intake of processed and sugary foods, as these can weaken your immune system. Avoiding processed, sugary, and fried foods are best for staying healthy and strong. It would help if you also tried to avoid skipping meals.

• Keep your dorm clean

Keeping your dorm clean on campus is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. It is essential to make your bed daily, keep surfaces and floors free of clutter, and vacuum and dust regularly to keep your dorm clean. Take out the trash regularly and immediately clean any spills or messes to avoid dampness and mould problems in your dorm, especially when you have allergies. You may take advantage of the school’s cleaning services and create a cleaning schedule with your roommates to ensure everyone is on the same page. You can also use damp-proofing products like RIW toughseal to waterproof your space. However, ensure you are familiar with DIY techniques before tackling the jobs.

• Get sufficient rest

With the temptation to attend almost all campus and off-campus students’ activities, most university students, especially freshmen, don’t get enough sleep. Unfortunately, insufficient sleep can weaken your immune system and make you more prone to illness. Getting sick can make staying on top of coursework and extracurricular activities more difficult. For this reason, it is vital to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Strive to get 8-9 hours of sleep daily and take advantage of nap times.

These tips can improve your chances of staying healthy throughout the school year. In addition to these tips, you may explore more precautions to avoid getting sick and maximise your time on campus.