If you're heading off to college, one of the first buildings you'll want to find on campus is the cafeteria. The next should be student health services.
Health services usually have a staff of doctors, nurse practitioners, therapists and health educators who are familiar with the problems and needs of college students.
They can help you with any medical problem. The healthcare provider can offer you treatment and advice or, if necessary, refer you to another provider.
Most health problems you're likely to face won't be emergencies. But some may require immediate attention. The <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=aap" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics</a> says you should contact student health services right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
<ul>
 <li>A fever of 102 degrees or higher. </li>
 <li>A headache accompanied by a stiff neck. </li>
 <li>Pain during urination. </li>
 <li>Unusual discharge from your penis or vagina. </li>
 <li>A change in your menstrual cycle. </li>
 <li>Pain in the abdomen that won't go away. </li>
 <li>Persistent cough, chest pain or trouble breathing. </li>
 <li>Pain or other symptoms that last longer than you think they should. </li>
</ul>
Reviewed 3/28/2024

College health: Your campus health services

Find out about your health services before you face an illness or injury.