Measures to Take to Avoid Falling Sick as a University Student

By: Oginni Jesunifemi

Resumption season in the university always begins with excitement. There is a special kind of joy that comes with stepping into campus again, meeting new faces, reconnecting with friends, and feeling independent. For freshers, it feels like the beginning of a new chapter. Everything looks bright and full of promise. But after the excitement settles, reality begins to unfold. Registration stress, long queues under the sun, moving into a hostel that feels nothing like home, adjusting to roommates, and trying to understand a new academic system all happen at once. In the middle of all these changes, many students forget something important their health.

One of the biggest reasons students fall sick after resumption is the sudden change in environment. Home is different from the hostel. The water may not be the same. The toilets may not be as clean as what you are used to. There may be more mosquitoes. The food may change. Even the weather can feel harsher. These changes may look small, but they affect the body more than we realize. Instead of ignoring them, students must learn to adapt wisely. Keeping your personal space clean, protecting yourself from mosquitoes, drinking safe water, and maintaining basic hygiene can reduce the chances of infection. You may not control the entire hostel environment, but you can control your own corner.

Another major factor is stress. Resumption comes with pressure. There is the rush to complete registration, attend lectures, settle accommodation issues, and start preparing for tests. Many students push themselves too hard because they do not want to fall behind. In the process, they skip meals, reduce their sleep, and ignore body pains. Stress weakens the immune system, and once the body becomes weak, it becomes easier to fall sick. Rest is not laziness. Eating well is not a waste of time. Sleeping properly is not a sign of weakness. These are basic habits that help the body stay strong, especially during stressful periods.

It is also important for students to pay attention to early signs of illness. The body usually gives warnings before it breaks down completely. Constant tiredness, loss of appetite, headaches, mild fever, or unusual body pain should not be ignored. Many serious health issues become worse because they were neglected at the beginning. Students sometimes assume it is “just stress” and keep going until the situation becomes unbearable. Seeking medical attention early, even at the school clinic, can prevent complications and reduce recovery time.

Taking medication seriously is another area students often overlook. When given drugs, some stop taking them once they feel slightly better. Others forget or ignore instructions completely. Incomplete treatment can make illnesses return or even become worse. Health should never be taken lightly, especially in a new environment where the body is still adjusting.

Living in close contact with others also means that relationships matter. Roommates are often the closest support system in school. They are the first to notice changes in behavior, appetite, or energy. Building a healthy relationship with them can make a difference in times of need. When students isolate themselves, it becomes harder for anyone to notice when something is wrong. A supportive living environment can encourage early help and shared responsibility for well-being.

University life is a major transition that demands independence and resilience. However, in the process of trying to succeed academically and adjust socially, health should not be sacrificed. School activities will continue, but if the body shuts down, everything stops. Avoiding sickness after resumption is not about doing anything extraordinary. It is about doing the simple things consistently maintaining hygiene, managing stress, listening to your body, seeking help early, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

At the end of the day, academic success is important, but it means little without good health. Taking care of your body is not optional. It is the foundation that allows you to fully experience and complete your university journey.