The world is no longer the same as it was a year ago. However, life goes on and this includes students heading back to college. If you’re looking for some tips on how to make this transition as easy as possible, take a look at some of these tips to truly help make the transition as easy as possible.
Be prepared for a change in your college’s rules
All colleges, big and small, have been forced to make changes in the way that they do things. While many of the changes may generally seem the same from institution to institution, you’ll want to take the time to get the detailed information from your college, in particular. This could include social interaction rules, quarantine upon arriving, health checks and even the combination of online and in-person classes. Make sure you are ready to take on the new rules, whatever they may be.
Be cautious with social activities
When you are interacting with people around you on campus, try to be extra cautious. This is particularly so with large crowds. You’ll want to follow all of the instructions that you know by now, including extra washing of your hands and keeping hand sanitizer close by to help make this easier when you aren’t near a sink. After these busy events, also make sure to watch yourself for signs that you might be sick.
Make sure you’ve got insurance on you and your belongings
There’s nothing worse than finding out after the fact that you don’t have insurance on your health, so you’ll want to make sure that you have that sorted out before you even head back to campus. Many schools offer on campus health clinics and such, but your own coverage, or that with your parents will be helpful as well. The same goes for car insurance, renters/dorm insurance, and anything else that you want to be squared away so that you can focus on what is most important — your health and your schooling.
Protect what is yours
Many people share shampoo, toothpaste even hairbrushes. After all, that’s what dorm mates are for. However, now is not the time to be generous! Use a bathroom caddy to organize your own personal care products and resist the urge to let anyone use them that wants to. You must protect yourself first, after all.
Take the news in small doses
The news coverage on the pandemic and other events airing makes it a lot of negativity. You’ll want to protect your mental health by making sure that you keep the news coverage to only small snippets here and there, focused on the facts rather than on the panicked masses instead.
Now is the time to put yourself first. This is in terms of physical health, in having insurance; social health, connecting to people via Zoom or FaceTime or whatever you prefer most; and mental health, keeping this in proportion with the rest of your life. Life at college will very well be different and create a whole new experience as far as proper learning and also the best quality of life. Now is the time to use the right tips to help keep you happy, healthy and, above all else, safe and sound for a successful semester.
We here at Paula Smith Insurance want you to be healthy and well. We can’t help with your mental health or security… or your homework, but if you need help with your insurance coverage, please do reach out at (281) 488-8880.