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Who Are You?

New Undergraduate Student

Welcome to Cornell! We hope you will come to know us over the time you’re here and that you’ll soon think of us as valuable partners in supporting your health. Learning to take care of your own health needs is no small or easy feat, but we have years of experience helping students to do just that. We want to help you learn to find the appropriate help when you need it, for problems large or small.

Information about our services you might find especially helpful

Things you'll want to know

Ten ways to stay healthy (Yes, Mom was right!) 

While college is bound to be stressful at times, most students say that the best ways they have found to maintain their health and control stress are the things they've been told all through childhood! Keep doing what works for you...and consider these tips, as well.

Have fun

Even when you feel overworked, overwhelmed, and up against deadlines, it’s important to keep a balance between work and play. A little time away from your work can give you a fresh perspective and helps you to be more productive when you go back to it. Academics is a big part of your life at Cornell...but it's not your whole life. If there's no joy in your life, it's time for a change. Talk with a friend or family member, an RA or advisor, a professor or chaplain about ways to get your life back in balance.

Wash your hands

Yes, really! This is one of the easiest ways to avoid colds and flu. College experience often necessitates living and working in close proximity with many others, so it's no wonder that the average Cornell student has about two respiratory infections a year! To reduce your risk of catching the virus of the month, wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your face or eating a meal.

Sleep

Most students need 8-9 hours of sleep daily to be alert and at peak functioning during the day. While you sleep, your immune system is at its most active, and your brain consolidates thoughts and information obtained during the day. In fact, research has shown that people who slept after learning new information remembered more the next day. Set a regular time for going to sleep and waking up that will allow you to get enough rest to feel energetic and alert throughout the day. You may not be able to get eight hours every night, but it's something to strive for that will make a big difference in your life and work.

Eat a balanced diet

Nutrition and health are vitally linked. Choose a variety of foods daily from all the food groups: grains (bread, cereal, rice, etc.), vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat or other protein sources. Keep healthy snacks in your room or backpack for those times when hunger calls (such as fresh or dried fruit, nuts, protein bars, peanut butter, cereal, yogurt). You can still enjoy your treats...just make sure they're an "extra," not the main course.

Reach out and connect with others

Cornell is a fascinating place, full of interesting people. It may be tough to navigate the social scene at first, but floundering a bit doesn't make you a nerd or mean that something's wrong. This is a normal part of adjusting to a new place. Our staff understands how challenging that can be. We have satellite hours at the Tatkon Center where you can drop in and chat, and get assistance with navigating the first year challenges.

Practice "lower-risk drinking"

When making choices about how to enjoy yourself, make a plan to protect yourself. If you choose to use alcohol, you can avoid experiencing the negative consequences associated with drinking:

  • set a limit before you start
  • pace drinks over time
  • keep track of what you’ve had
  • avoid hard alcohol
  • eat before and while you're drinking

Remember: consuming alcohol and other drugs can reduce sexual inhibitions, impair judgment, decision-making and communication; and can increase your risk of sexual assault. 

Protect yourself

Put your safety first. 

  • Wear a helmet when biking, rollerblading or skating.
  • Use your seatbelt, always. 
  • Dress for Ithaca's somewhat unpredictable weather.
  • Learn about Cornell's Blue Light Telephone, Escort, and Bus Services.
  • Plan ahead to protect your sexual health. The Sexual Health section of this website has lots of good material to help you do so.

Immunize

Preventing illness through immunization is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of getting sick. After you have received all the immunizations required for college entrance, consider getting the recommended vaccines to prevent influenza (available each fall on campus), hepatitis A and B, chicken pox, and meningococcal disease. If you plan to study or travel abroad, the vaccines required and recommended for travel also are available at Gannett's Travel Services.

Stay smoke-free

Choosing not to use tobacco while in college or quitting smoking is one the best things you can do for your overall health. There's really no such thing as a “safe cigarette.”

Make time for yourself

Everyone needs a little down time. Take some time—every day—to do something that brings joy and meaning to your life. Listen to music, take a walk, write in a journal, get some exercise, spend time with close friends.