Heading Back to Campus? Read This First

Before you pack your car with all your worldly possessions and go back to school, take a few minutes to look over this list so that you will be prepared, both physically and mentally, for the year’s challenges.

Check In With Healthcare Providers

Is there anything you have been discussing with your doctor or other healthcare providers? Now is the time to make sure there are no loose ends in your health plan. If you need to schedule a checkup, take care of that before heading to campus.

Circle Back To Your Sexual Health

Remember best practices for staying safe. Don’t forget to toss a box of condoms in with your shower shoes. Are you due for testing? Check your calendar before you take off.

If you are sexually active, it’s recommended that you are tested for STIs every three months. Harmony Healthcare Orlando provides free testing at all of our locations, including at The Center Orlando and Kissimmee locations. Stop by and see us!

Keep Campus Safety In Mind

All college students need to make these safety tips a priority:

• Get tested for STIs every three months if you are sexually active
• Use a condom when having sex
• Be safe when drinking – know your limits, never leave your drink unattended, and always have a designated driver
• Go to the campus healthcare facility, or other community healthcare facility, for check-ups
• Be aware of your surroundings – make sure you aren’t being followed and check your car for any signs of tags that could lead a stranger to your home

Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health

Keeping your mind healthy is just as important as keeping your body healthy. To that end, pay attention to your mental health. Here are some tips for doing that on campus:

• Explore your campus or community’s LGBTQ resources. If your campus doesn’t have an LGBTQ student group, here’s how to start your own. Having a group of like-minded people can give you a safe and fun place to relax and make new friends.
• Look for allies through the Safe Zone. When you see a Safe Zone sign or sticker, it means that the group or person has been trained in Safe Zone practices. It’s a place where you can feel safe discussing an issue or presenting as your gender identity without fear.
• Know your rights on and off campus. Be familiar with your campus’s nondiscrimination policy and how to effectively report discrimination, hate crimes, bias incidents, or any other form of harassment. 
• Find an LGBTQ-friendly counselor to talk to. Most college students can benefit from some form of counseling. LGBTQ students can face more challenges as they try to find their place in the campus community. Having a friendly ear can go a long way in maintaining mental health.

It’s important to remember your toothpaste, laptop, and dorm decor when you head back to campus. It’s also important to remember your physical and mental health. Taking a few minutes to assess your well-being before you begin a new school year will help you sail through your college experience.

If you need someone to talk to, contact our caring team at Harmony Healthcare Orlando. We want to get you ready for the best year ever! And if you need help with other resources like food, here is a list of food pantries to assist you.