Getting sick on campus: How to stay healthy during the school year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2026) — Whether you’re arriving at the University of Kentucky for the first time or returning for another semester, campus life brings plenty of excitement — new friends, classes and experiences. But exposure to new germs can quickly interrupt the fun, making it important to follow simple health guidelines and know where to find campus resources.

Why do college students get sick?

Every year, students from around the world travel to attend UK. Meeting new people from different towns and sharing crowded spaces introduces students to new strains of bacteria and viruses that their bodies are not used to. 

Commonly referred to as the “freshman flu,” respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and rhinovirus are quick to sweep college campuses. 

These common, airborne respiratory viruses thrive in high-density environments, often where students are sharing bedrooms, hallways, common areas, lecture halls, dining areas and social gatherings. 

Changes in routine can also make students more vulnerable to infection. High stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, while shifts in diet may mean students get fewer key nutrients, including vitamin C and zinc. Busy schedules can also lead students to skip meals, drink less water or rely on caffeinated drinks, which can contribute to mild dehydration.

How to avoid getting sick 

Preventing illness during the school year can sometimes feel like an impossible feat, but it often begins with a few simple steps.

• Wash your hands regularly. Sing the UK fight song (“On, On U of K”) to thoroughly wash germs away and avoid the spread of illness.
• Get your flu shot. One of the easiest ways to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated. The best time to get a flu shot is September or October — students can make an appointment with University Health Service for a flu shot. Go online to schedule your appointment.
• Sanitize surfaces. There are more germs than you think building up on everyday objects that can cause illness. Be sure to wipe down doorknobs, technology devices and all things that have community-use handles (such as refrigerators and TV remotes). 
• Stay hydrated. It’s important to be hydrated all the time, but especially when sickness is going around. Using hydration packets is a smart idea to keep your body healthy. 
• Stay home when you’re sick. If you’re experiencing a fever, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms of a contagious illness, avoid attending class, work or crowded social events. Students can resume normal activities when they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours, and symptoms have improved.

Students can also lower their risk of getting sick by paying attention to how their college lifestyle changes affect their overall health. Getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, staying hydrated and managing stress can all help support the immune system. 

Campus resources that can help

Students aren’t expected to build these healthy habits alone. UK offers several resources that support physical health and wellness throughout the school year.

With locations on north and south campus and flexible hours, UK Campus Recreation gives students access to exercise equipment, group fitness classes, personal training and online resources that make it easier to stay active wherever you are, as well as spaces to recharge, manage stress and make connections. Campus Recreation supports healthy living in many forms, recognizing that wellness looks different for every Wildcat.

Through UK’s Prevention, Outreach and Wellness Education Resources (POWER), students can access Well-Being by Design, a free, evidence-based health and wellness coaching program. POWER’s certified consultants work with students on goals such as improving activity levels and nutrition, managing stress, building better sleep habits and creating a personalized plan to support overall well-being.

Where do I go if I’m not feeling well?

UK’s Retail Pharmacies offer discounted over-the-counter medications at all seven of their full-service locations. On campus, The Apothecary is located on the first floor of the Gatton Student Center.

Common cold symptoms typically resolve within seven to 10 days, but if you’re still not feeling well, your fever lasts longer than three or four days, you have trouble breathing or your symptoms return worse, Student Health is available. 

If you are a full-time UK student, your mandatory health fee gives you access to unlimited, free office visits at University Health Service (UHS). Because the fee cannot be waived, support is available if you are feeling ill.

To visit UHS, appointments are required and must be made through MyChart or by calling the clinic. UHS is located on campus next to the Kentucky Clinic at 830 S. Limestone.

You can schedule appointments with UHS for behavioral health, gynecological health services, primary care, sexually transmitted infection prevention, testing and treatment and other services.