When people talk about the first year of college, it’s all excitement, new experiences, and meeting incredible people. And don’t get me wrong—it is fun! But there’s one thing no one seems to warn you about: the first-year (freshman) flu (and every other sickness you can think of).
Living in residence halls, sharing spaces, and breathing in the same recycled air through the entire ventilation system is no joke. I thought I’d prepared myself for all the usual “college transitions”—managing a workload, making friends, homesickness—but I wasn’t prepared for how quickly illness can spread in this environment.
The Season of Sickness
October and November were brutal. First, I got hit with a common cold, which I thought would be the worst of it. I stocked up on tissues, drank tea, and powered through. Just as I was starting to feel better—bam—the flu took me out completely. Fevers, chills, body aches… you name it, I had it. I recovered for about a week, thinking I was in the clear, and then walking pneumonia decided to make an appearance. Walking pneumonia is exactly as miserable as it sounds. I was exhausted, coughing nonstop, and struggling to catch my breath. Even getting out of bed to walk to Val (our dining hall) was an impossible task some days.
Balancing Academics and Advocating for Myself
Being sick at college is hard, especially when you’re trying to keep up with classes, readings, and assignments. There were days when I felt so behind, I didn’t know how I’d catch up. But one of the most important things I learned was how to advocate for myself. I reached out to my professors, explained my situation honestly, and asked for extensions on assignments.
All of my professors were extremely understanding and communicative. They assured me that my health came first and granted me extensions, which took a huge weight off my shoulders. However, it’s important to note that not every professor will react the same way. Some were less flexible, which added an extra layer of stress. My advice? Don’t wait too long to communicate. As soon as you realize you’re too sick to keep up, send that email—it’s better to ask for help early on.
The Little Things That Helped
When you’re sick at college, self-care becomes everything. Some of the small but lifesaving items I had in my dorm included:
• Emergen-C: Perfect for a quick boost of vitamin C.
• Liquid I.V.: A hydration multiplier that helped me recover faster when I was battling fevers.
• Cough Syrup and Cough Drops: Essentials for managing flu symptoms and endless coughing fits.
• Air Purifier:Removes pollutants and allergens from the air to improve air quality. Air purifiers can help with allergies and asthma, and can remove dust, pet dander, mold, and other particles.
Another thing I’m grateful for is Amherst’s on-campus health center. Having a clinic right here on campus meant I didn’t have to trek across town to see a doctor. They were able to evaluate me quickly and give me the care I needed when my pneumonia was at its worst.
Support from Campus Resources
Getting food while I was sick was another challenge. Walking to Val felt impossible, but thankfully, Amherst’s Office of Student Affairs stepped in to help. They connected me with the student care coordinator, who got me on the Val-to-Go list. My boyfriend and friends would pick up meals for me, and I could eat in the comfort of my dorm. When you’re battling fevers and exhaustion, something as simple as eating a hot meal in bed can make a huge difference.
Lessons Learned
If you’re a first-year reading this, my biggest advice is to be prepared and take care of yourself. College is exciting, but your health has to come first. Keep a stash of Emergen-C, hydrate like it’s your job, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—from friends, professors, or campus resources.
No one talks about how tough it can be to battle illness away from home, but trust me, you’re not alone. And when you come out on the other side (like I did), you’ll feel proud of yourself for getting through it. First-year flu, pneumonia, and all.
feel free to reach out at lcastaneda28@amherst.edu for questions or ideas for my next blog!!