When you are feeling ill, your number-one mission is to get better! Take all the necessary actions, such as drinking lots of liquids and getting extra rest. If you have a minor cold, chances are you will be able to make it to class. But if you have more serious symptoms, class may not be an option. According to webmd.com, if you are not feeling well, and especially if you have a fever, stay home. Keep in mind not only your health, but the health of your teachers and peers. Who wants to sit next to a sneezing, coughing, flush-faced neighbor in math class?

With all the daily assignments and projects, it can be extremely rough to miss even a day of class. According to OU’s Faculty Handbook, it is up to the individual instructor to set their own attendance policy, so you’ll want to be well-informed of each professor’s

expectations. Sophomore and construction science major Dustin Downey says communication is the key.

“The most important thing to do is to let any professors know you are going to miss class before you miss it,” he says. “Generally, they will be very understanding.”

Zoology professor Douglas Gaffin has a special email system assigned to the course that students can use for absences.

“Students should also arrange to get missed notes from a classmate,” he says. “When they are well enough to return to class, they should come to my office hours for additional help and/or use one of the tutoring services associated with our course.”

According to Housing and Food Services Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Lauren Royston, it is a good idea to keep some snacks in your room at all times, in case you are feeling too ill to venture out for grub. OU also offers in-house catering so you can pick up food in your own dorm. And many restaurants on campus have a convenient to-go option.

If you need medical care, Goddard Health Center is the place to go. Band-Aids and other self-care items are available at X-Cetera in Walker Tower, but Royston encourages all students to bring their own First-Aid kit with them on move-in day.

In addition to having bandages and something good to eat, it is nice to have good company. Royston stresses the importance of having good relationships with others on your

floor. “If you don’t feel well, having those friends there can really make you feel better,” she says.

Robertson's 5 Additional Must-Haves for Feeling Better

Sickness will be inevitable at some point during your time here at OU. So be prepared and keep these must-have items in stock for those days when you’re feeling under the weather.

1. Tylenol/Ibuprofen—Great for minor aches and pains, fevers and headaches, this over-the-counter medicine can do wonders to help take the edge off.

2. Soup—Sometimes it really is the best thing for the soul.

3. Kleenex—Nothing’s worse than resorting to paper towels for a runny nose.

4. Digital Thermometer—Keep a watch on that body temp. Just make sure you clean it before and after each use.

5. Comfort—A stuffed animal, a roommate, a phone call to home—whatever helps you feel better when you’re at your worst.