College students: Find your dorm, then find a clinic

In the excitement of being on campus, don’t neglect health care needs

Written by
August 15, 2024
5 min read
College students: Find your dorm, then find a clinic
College students moving to campus should not overlook their health care. Finding the nearest clinic is important. (Photo by Getty Images)

For college students moving to campus, there’s likely a million things you want to do and figure out at the beginning of the semester.

One thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, though, is knowing where the nearest clinic is, said Sanford Health certified nurse practitioner Julie Cameron, APRN. She provides primary care at Sanford Health Brookings Clinic near the campus of South Dakota State University.

“Knowing where the nearest clinic is, is important to college students so they don’t delay access or put off going for something that they need to be seen for,” she said.

Cameron also recommended students use student health services, and to know what services are covered by insurance.

“Your parents can provide you with this information. Have a copy of your health insurance with you at college – either a physical copy or picture copy in your phone. Also, be aware of where to go to get health care services so when you need them you aren’t looking up addresses and delaying access – be knowledgeable of clinic hours, where acute and urgent care services are available within the community and know where the emergency room is in case your health care needs are emergent,” Cameron added.

You’re young, not invincible

It’s easy for college students to not prioritize health care because many are young and in good health.

However, not prioritizing health care “can lead to worsening of physical as well as mental and emotional concerns, thus possibly requiring emergency room care or hospitalization, which would be more costly and may interrupt their academic schedule and collegiate activities,” said Cameron.

More: Health workers learn English at local college

“Everyone needs to think about health care, as we all need health care for routine wellness exams, and one never knows when they may become ill. Students can be exposed to many different illnesses on a college campus with the number of people that they come in contact with on a daily basis,” she added.

What are college students often seen for?

Cameron said she typically sees college students for things like:

  • Routine wellness exams
  • STD testing and treatment
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Acute illnesses (common cold, COVID-19, strep throat, mono, etc.)
  • Minor muscle/skeletal injuries like sprains and fractures
  • Chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, etc.
  • Vaccines

Find a clinic near your campus

Learn more

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Posted In Aberdeen, Back to School, Bemidji, Bismarck, Brookings, Canby, Detroit Lakes, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Internal Medicine, Jackson, Jamestown, Location, Luverne, Mayville, Minot, Mitchell, Sheldon, Sioux Falls, Thief River Falls, Vermillion, Wahpeton, Watertown, Worthington

Simon Floss
Simon Floss produces multimedia stories for Sanford Health News. A former Emmy nominated TV news anchor, reporter, producer, and photographer, he brings nearly a decade of experience to the team at Sanford Health News. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée and their two animals Tobias (cat) and Winnie (dog). You'll also likely find him on a stage somewhere - he's a member of The Goodnight Theatre Collective, a Sioux Falls based professional theatre company, and also fronts a local rock cover band, Bangers and Mash. You can reach him at simon.floss@sanfordhealth.org.