9 things to cross off your wellness checklist
College is a great time to learn to advocate for your health and develop skills around making informed decisions about your well-being. Here is a comprehensive checklist you can use to help you thrive in college and beyond.
1. Complete your health requirements
All new students and transfer students need to complete the following requirements:
- Immunization records and tuberculosis screening questionnaire
- Personal health inventory (HealthyBuffs Check-In)
- Health insurance
Students should try to complete these requirements as soon as possible. Failure to complete all of your health requirements by the deadline can result in fees or an inability to register for spring classes.
2. 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:
- Fill out a “New User Form” online
- Provide a copy of your medical and/or prescription insurance card
- Fill out a “Prescription Transfer Request Form” online
3. 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:
- Medications (doses, frequency, why they are taken, etc.)
- Allergies (e.g., medications, foods, reactions, etc.)
- Family medical history (e.g., cancer, asthma, diabetes, etc.)
- Personal medical history (e.g., diagnoses, conditions, surgical history, etc.)
- Vaccination history (e.g., types, dates administered, additional doses required, etc.)
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 using a premade health history form, keeping a note on your phone or saving a copy of your health information form in a safe place you can easily access during appointments.
4. Protect yourself against preventable diseases
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 immunizations you can receive on campus to help protect yourself:
Meningitis: Meningitis is a serious illness that can infect the brain, spinal cord and blood. This infection can cause lifelong disability or death if untreated. CU requires all students under the age of 23 living in campus-operated housing to receive the MenACWY meningitis vaccine. However, all students living in tight quarters on and off campus are at risk and should consider getting vaccinated, as this disease can be spread through saliva when an infected person coughs, shares utensils, borrows someone’s lip products or is in close contact with others. Protect yourself and your roommates by getting the MenACWY and Meningitis B vaccines.
HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a serious virus that can lead to long-term health effects, including genital warts and cervical cancer. This virus is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is spread through skin-to-skin contact and intercourse, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. It is one of the most common STIs in the world, and college students are at an increased risk of contracting or spreading HPV through unprotected sex.
COVID-19: While the height of the pandemic is over, we still recommend that students receive an annual COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a booster shot can help you avoid serious illness that may cause you to miss work or classes.
Flu: Like COVID-19, the flu can spread rapidly on college campuses, especially for those living and studying in close quarters. It’s important to know that the flu virus mutates every year, which is why annual flu vaccines are critical in preventing the spread. All CU Boulder students are eligible for a free flu shot from Medical Services during flu season.
5. 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.
6. Register with the Center for Disability and Access if you need accommodations
The Center for Disability and Access provides reasonable housing, dining and academic accommodations for students with disabilities and temporary medical conditions. Some examples of disabilities by category include, but are not limited to:
- Learning disabilities and/or ADHD
- Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)
- Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, Crohn’s, cancer, etc.)
- Deaf and hard of hearing
- Blindness and low vision
- Temporary medical conditions (e.g., broken wrist, concussion, etc.)
If you need accommodations, we recommend that you register with Disability Services as soon as possible. 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.
7. Create a safer sex plan
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 before engaging in sexual activity.
Navigating relationships in college can be exciting and challenging. It's important to understand what consent really means, why it's so important and how to practice it in your own relationships.
In the heat of the moment, practicing safer sex habits might not be the first thing on your mind. Here are some things to do after having unprotected sex to help address sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prevent unexpected pregnancy, cure urinary tract infections and prepare for next time.
Sexual assault and violence can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities. Learn more about consent, defining sexual assault, prevention tactics and support services.
You might want to date to get to know new people, start a relationship or casually hang out. It’s also okay if you’re not looking to date or hook up. If you are interested in engaging in romantic or casual relationships during your time here at CU, here are some tips for making dating fun and meaningful.
8. Lean into support systems
There are plenty of opportunities to 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 concerned about meeting people, navigating college life or need mental health support, there are resources on campus that can help.
- Peer Wellness Coaching: Meet with a CU student peer coach to learn about time management, relationships, goal setting and more.
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): CAPS offers a variety of mental health services to help support you. Check out programs like weekly workshops, interpersonal groups, skill-building groups, psychiatry, brief individual therapy and more.
- Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC): The CUCRC provides weekly support meetings, substance-free activities, sober housing and other resources for those considering, pursuing or actively in recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and unwanted behaviors.
Center for Involvement: Connect with other students and meet people with similar interests by exploringstudent organizations, campus events and other ways to get involved.
9. 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.