College brings excitement, challenges, changes, risks, and responsibilities. Making friends, dating, being independent, and learning new things are rewarding, but they can also be stressful. It can be hard to deal with pressures related to lifestyle, appearance, drugs & alcohol, and sexual activity. Work these health and safety tips into your routine to help you make the most of your college years.
•Improve eating habits and be active
•Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep
•Maintain mental health and lower stress
•Avoid substance use
•Have healthy relationships and lower the risk for violence
•Prevent sexually transmitted infections
•Quit smoking
If you or someone you know is struggling with a health and safety issue, get help.
•Talk to someone you trust.
•Visit your college health center or local clinic or hospital.
•Contact the campus or community police for safety concerns and in case of an emergency.
Quick Facts for Students
•Binge drinking prevalence (28.2%) and intensity (9.3 drinks) use is high among persons aged 18-24 years.
•Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men over a short period of time.
•Binge drinking is a risk factor for sexual assault, especially among young women in college settings. Each year, about 1 in 20 college women are sexually assaulted. Binge drinking also increases the chances of car crashes, violence against others, unintended pregnancies, and the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.
•Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused substance among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs.
•Teens and young adults who do not get enough sleep are at risk for automobile crashes, poor grades and performance in school, depressed moods, and problems with peer and adult relationships.