College dorms are about sharing. You share a bedroom, a common bathroom, a kitchen and other recreational areas in the building. It's no surprise that when one person gets a cold or the flu, everyone else seems to come down with it too. When so many people share the same space, illnesses can be spread easily. Here are a few tips to avoid getting sick in college.
1) Get a flu shot--get to Health Services before they run out, and you can prevent the worst of winter's colds with one shot. Otherwise, most pharmacies or healthcare facilities will have them for a reasonable cost. You don't want to be stuck in your room and sick for several days.
2) Avoid areas where everyone seems to get sick--if everyone at the library or the computer lab has a handful of tissues, try to avoid going to those areas.
3) Regularly disinfect all surfaces--don't just clean your room, disinfect it. It will help kill any lingering germs that can get you sick later. Use Hand sanitizer...
4) Rest and de-stress--letting yourself get worn down from too many last minute reports takes a toll on your health and makes you more prone to illness. Sleeping in a few days a week can boost your immune system and reenergize your body.