How to stay healthy in dorms

With students returning to a full-capacity campus and COVID-19 on the rise again, there are many tips and tricks students can use to stay healthy in dorms.

From hand washing to wearing a mask, we’ve heard of practices to help limit potential exposures to the COVID-19 virus.

As of August 1, MSU has required indoor masks on campus for all individuals. COVID-19 vaccination is also mandatory for all students, faculty and staff. Students who benefit from medical or religious exemptions from vaccination will be required to participate in the Early detection program – COVID-19 saliva test kits that follow exposure and catch COVID-19 before any symptoms are shown. These rules were implemented with the aim of protecting the health and safety of all Spartans.

“My priority has been to protect our campus and surrounding communities as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, using data and scientific information to inform every decision,” President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. said in July 30 email to the Spartan community.

Michigan State University Residential and Hospitality Services, or RHS, are now implementing new cleaning and disinfection protocols in all residential and catering buildings on campus. RHS plans to have two levels of disinfection, one focusing on areas not suspected of COVID-19 transmission and another level for disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Besides the college’s precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19, there are many tips students can take to stay on top of their health while living in a dorm.

While hand washing and social distancing can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the following tips and tricks can help your body feel stronger and healthier as the new school year approaches.

Nutrition

A balanced fruit diet, vegetables and proteins help to increase the energy level of the students, strengthen their immune system and their ability to manage stress. MSU Dining Rooms offer a variety of foods from all food groups that can help a person maintain a balanced diet.

To consult the daily menus of the dining rooms, consult the Michigan State University mobile app.

Daily exercise

A 2014 Research Study at MSU found that there is a link between daily exercise and higher GPAs. Daily exercise is linked to maintaining a strong immune system and reducing stress.

Sleep schedule

According to the American College Health Association, “difficulty sleeping” ranks third on the list of factors that impact college students. Improving sleep patterns and having a consistent sleep schedule strengthens the immune system and improves information retention, which has a direct impact on learning.

Mental Health

Being a student – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic – can be stressful.

Prioritizing your mental health, taking care of yourself, and taking care of your body are all crucial to your overall health. MSU’s Olin Center offers counseling and psychiatry services where students can meet with a licensed professional, participate in group counseling, or contact crisis services when needed.

For more information visit https://caps.msu.edu/index.html.

This article is part of our paper edition of Welcome Week. The full number can be viewed here.