College represents an intermediary step between adolescence and full-blown adulthood. That makes it a great time to learn about your health and set yourself up for long-term success.
Here is a comprehensive checklist you can use to help you thrive in college and beyond.
Complete your health requirements
All new students and transfer students need to complete the following requirements:
Students should try to complete these requirements as soon as possible. Failure to complete all of your health requirements by Feb. 13, 2024 can result in fees or an inability to register for fall classes.
Transfer your prescriptions
Did you know that CU Boulder has a full-service pharmacy available right here on campus? If you’re currently taking prescription medications, we recommend transferring your prescriptions to the Apothecary Pharmacy. This will allow you to fill, refill and request prescriptions for pickup at Wardenburg Health Center on central campus.
To transfer your prescriptions, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
Start transferring your prescriptions
Review your health history
Knowing about your personal and family health history is important, especially as you start to make appointments and visit healthcare providers on your own. Take some time to review important health information before your first appointment. You may need to call on family members to fill in the details. Here are a few things to include in your review:
You can also use this free, printable personal health information form to review health topics. Be sure to save this form somewhere secure that you can also easily access if you need to schedule a healthcare appointment or meet with a provider.
Want to keep this information handy? Consider keeping a note on your phone or saving a copy of your health information form in a place you can easily access during appointments (e.g., in a Google Drive or as a photo on your phone).
Download a free health history form
Protect yourself against preventable diseases
College campuses represent an ideal place for diseases to spread. While CU requires students to meet certain vaccination requirements, there are additional immunizations that we strongly recommend for all students, even if they’re not required.
Here are a few important immunizations that you can receive at Medical Services to help protect yourself in college and beyond:
Schedule a vaccination appointment
Learn about health insurance basics
Health insurance is probably one of those things you wish you would’ve learned about in high school or early in college. While insurance plans can be complex, understanding your policy is an important part of managing your health (and wallet).
If you feel overwhelmed navigating healthcare or insurance systems, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here to help. Check out tips and tricks to help you understand the basics and make the most of your health insurance plan.
Learn how to use your health insurance
Register with Disability Services if you need accommodations
Disability Services provides reasonable housing, dining and academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Some examples of disabilities by category include, but are not limited to:
If you have a disability and need accommodations, we recommend that you register with Disability Services as soon as possible. Disability Services can also support students with temporary medical conditions like a broken wrist or concussion. If you have any questions or if you’re unsure if you qualify for accommodations, you can reach out to dsinfo@colorado.edu for assistance.
Learn more about Disability Services
Create a safer sex plan
Sex is something we hear a lot about in college. Whether you're in a committed relationship or considering exploring sex for the first time, you’ll want to take some precautions to help keep you and your partner safe. Here are a few topics to review (preferably before you have sex).
Lean into support systems
There will be plenty of opportunities to reconnect with friends, meet new people and get involved on campus. However, it’s important to remember that it’s okay if things don’t fall into place right away. Making friends and building meaningful connections can take time and effort.
If you’re struggling or feel like you need additional support, lean into your support system by reaching out to your friends, family or loved ones back home. Peer Wellness Coaching is a free service that’s also available to help you navigate relationships, manage stress and learn about additional resources. The best part? Peer wellness coaches are CU Boulder students, so they know what it’s like to go through the motions of college.
You can also join Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) for free interpersonal therapy groups. These ongoing group counseling sessions focus on relationship-building, interpersonal skills, feedback and strategies to feel more connected with others.
Make time for movement
Oftentimes, when we think of movement, we automatically associate it with a sweat-inducing workout at the gym. However, movement can take many forms, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. In fact, all types of movement are beneficial for our bodies and minds.
Building a healthy relationship with movement and participating in joyful movement are an important part of life-long health. Recreation Services offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is a great place to meet people, build community and relieve stress.
Check out our campus fitness guide
Learn about balanced nutrition
Figuring out how to plan meals, grocery shop and eat a balanced diet without hands-on guidance from our families can be challenging. Nutrition Services offers free nutrition clinics at Wardenburg or online. These clinics allow students to meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to discuss a variety of nutrition topics or concerns, including fueling for physical activity, chronic disease prevention, intuitive eating and more. In-depth nutrition counseling services are also available by appointment through the Physical Therapy and Integrative Care (PTIC) office at Wardenburg.
Check out nutrition services on campus
Treat yourself
Stress can cause tension, which can be draining on our bodies, especially over time. If you are feeling stressed, treating yourself to a massage or acupuncture session can help. Students can schedule appointments at the Physical Therapy and Integrative Care (PTIC) office within Wardenburg Health Center. You can even get discounted massages from massage therapy trainees.
Learn more about PTIC services
Familiarize yourself with resources
Knowing where to go for additional information and support is an important part of managing your health. Here are just a few of the resources available to students at CU.