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Health and Safety for College Students

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.

Quick Fact for Parents

Under the Affordable Care Act, if your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old. By allowing children to stay on their parent's plan, the Affordable Care Act makes it easier and more affordable for young adults to get health insurance coverage. Visit healthcare.gov for more information.

Learn more about college health and safety issues, including ways to:

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.

Be well informed about available resources on campus and in the community.

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.

More Information

CDC works 24/7 saving lives and protecting people from health threats to have a more secure nation. A US federal agency, CDC helps make the healthy choice the easy choice by putting science and prevention into action. CDC works to help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives.