In between picking out new bed linens and shopping for textbooks, college-bound students and their parents often overlook a crucial area of preparation: ensuring physical and mental health while on campus.
"For many young people, this is their first time living away from home for any extended period of time," says psychiatrist Victor Schwartz, medical director of The Jed Foundation, whose Transition Year program promotes emotional well-being at college.
Although most students will get through with only minor hiccups, the freedom and temptations that accompany college life can sometimes result in problems, he says.
How students handle academic stress, relationships, finances and pressures to drink, use drugs and have unprotected sex "can make serious differences in their experience at school," says Lawrence Neinstein, an expert in adolescent and young-adult health. He is also co-author of The Healthy Student, A Parent's Guide to Preparing Teens for the College Years, published by the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.
By addressing key questions before school begins, parents and students can avoid many bumps in the road, experts say. They offer this advice for getting off to a healthy start:
Get vaccinations and medical exams. Nearly all colleges require documentation of up-to-date immunizations, but don't forget a pre-college health exam as well, says Neinstein, executive director of the University of Southern California student health center. It should include discussions of smoking, drinking, drug use, sexual history, health disorders and mental health concerns, he says.
Plan ahead for emergencies. Have your health care provider prepare a written summary of any acute or chronic conditions for college records. "In case of a crisis or some state of distress, having this information allows for much better care," Schwartz says.
Parents and students should review the details of students' insurance plans. Does it provide coverage when traveling to another state? How do school-sponsored plans and the parents' plans compare? "You want a comprehensive plan that covers the kinds of things that can occur to emerging young adults," including mental health, substance abuse and reproductive health issues, as well as injuries, Neinstein says.
Self-help 101. In addition to knowing their basic health status (allergies, prescription medications and significant family medical history), students should have necessary prescriptions and medical supplies such as EpiPens (to treat allergic reactions), and be prepared to handle minor medical problems. Neinstein recommends that students have on hand basic supplies such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cold remedies, ice pack (to reduce swelling) and a digital thermometer.
Prioritize sleep, nutrition and exercise. "The chronic fatigue that some students contend with is often what's behind issues of overeating," Schwartz says. "Many people eat more when they're tired. When someone has chronic fatigue, they can be more irritable or anxious. Talk to your child about monitoring these (habits), and keep track of them -- don't be overly rigid, but don't let them fall apart."
Encourage campus support services. Most campuses offer services to "help a range of students' needs, from disabilities to previous substance-abuse issues to chronic medical illness," says Jenny Haubenreiser, president of the they can come to us and say: 'I have a health issue, where can I get assistance? What can I do to help myself through this?'"
Stay alert to stress, anxiety, emotions. Demanding academics, too many social activities (or failure to make friends), homesickness or money problems can easily lead to stress, depression or worse. Haubenreiser says it's important that students who have problems reach out to health services for help getting back on track and get referrals to specialists if needed. Parents who suspect that a student is struggling "can be very proactive about this and encourage their children to connect with a caregiver on campus."
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