Getting sick in college is almost inevitable. Students live in close proximity to one another and put stress on their bodies when trying to balance work, school and a social life.
Going into my freshman year at Ohio University, I tried to avoid getting sick as best as I could, but then it hit. As I slowly began to suffer more and more by the hour, I stocked up on the necessities: DayQuil, NyQuil, decongestants and any medicine imaginable that could possibly help me.
Being the stereotypical college student, I was up until 3 a.m. doing homework most nights. I had planned to take NyQuil on a Sunday night knowing I did not have class until 12:55 p.m. the next afternoon so I could regain sleep and start to feel better.
I promptly took the appropriate dosage of NyQuil that should only last for 8 hours maximum at 10 p.m., and fell asleep before 11 p.m. I then entered a new dimension I promptly named NyQuil, and slept for more than 14 hours straight waking up at 1:30 p.m. I had just slept through my first class, ever. I quickly rushed to get ready for my second class while I stressed about missing an in-class assignment.
I consider myself a good student and would never imagine skipping a class. Within a short four weeks into the semester, I had done that very thing.
In reflection, here are some tips to help you not miss classes:
- Set at least 3 alarms — It will ensure you wake up in time for that Spanish class you had to take at the crack of dawn.
- Take care of yourself — Avoid illness the best that you possibly can. Take vitamins, eat right, wash your hands and stay away from those who are sick, especially those living with you or in your dorm.
- Be aware of your schedule and due dates — Knowing your schedule will help you avoid errors of going to a wrong class or waking up at the wrong time and knowing due dates makes sure nothing gets missed.
- Moral of the story, maybe avoid taking NyQuil on a school night — Unless you really need it, you might want to stick to more non-drowsy medicine.
