CDC Features

CDC Features

Health and Safety for College Students

Learn what you can do to enjoy college the safe and healthy way!

The college years are a time of change that brings excitement, challenges, risks, and responsibilities. Making friends, dating, being independent, and learning new things are exciting, but they can also be stressful. It can be hard to deal with pressures related to food, drink, appearance, drugs, and sexual activity. However, by taking small, daily steps, you can make the college years fun, safe, and healthy!

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

Improve eating habits
Avoid fatigue and sleep deprivation
Maintain mental health
Avoid substance use
Have healthy relationships and prevent sexual violence
Prevent sexually transmitted diseases

If you or someone you know has a health or safety concern, get help.

Talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, doctor, nurse, social worker, teacher, counselor, or religious leader.
Visit your college health center or local clinic or hospital, as recommended by your school.
Contact the campus or community police for safety concerns or in the case of an emergency.
Take steps every day to live a safe and healthy life.

Quick Quiz

What condition can run in families, usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30, and is experienced by about 20 million people in the United States?
How many drinks for males in one setting is considered binge drinking? How many drinks for females in one setting is considered binge drinking?
Among persons aged 12–20 years, drinking alcohol contributes to which three leading causes of death?
Are males or females more likely to be a victim of sexual violence?
True or false: Sexually active adolescents and young adults are at lower risk for getting sexually transmitted diseases.
True or false: 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.