Students’ first year away from home yields changes socially, academically and most importantly, physically. Bennett’s Infirmary on Circular Drive next to the on-campus apartments provides students with the information and resources to stay healthy during the school year.

“It’s all about common sense,” said nurse Connie Eimer. “The only way your immune system heals is rest. Sleep is essential. The other thing is to eat properly. For the most part, students are healthy when they come to college. They’ve had that influence of their parents and the discipline that’s part of growing up.”

Students tend to struggle with dietary needs and sleep problems in college, and while Bennett Infirmary and Student Counseling Services offer services to combat these challenges, it is still a student’s responsibility to maintain their own health, Eimer said.

“McDonald’s is not a diet,” Eimer said. “And Captain Crunch is not a food group.”

Bennett Infirmary offers examinations by a nurse or doctor at little to no charge to students, according to the Health Services website. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome, and hours are available on the website. As stated on the website, the infirmary offers services for short-term illnesses and minor injuries, physical exams, pap smears, allergy injections, immunizations, lab services, travel clinics and referral services.

“We do pretty much anything an urgent care center does,” said University Health Service Coordinator Kyrel Buchanan in a past Flor-Ala interview. “Most students get out on average on $10-15. If students have insurance, we write prescriptions that they can go fill.”

Bennett Infirmary administers $35 Hepatitis shots and free flu shots, with all other shot prices listed online. Their biggest health tips point toward very serious situations, from what to do if you or someone you know is raped, to everyday occurrences such as washing hands, dorm snack and portion control suggestions, sexual health information and getting a good night’s sleep, especially the first few nights on campus.

“It is a huge adjustment period,” Bergeron said in a past issue. “Freshmen especially need to allow themselves at least six weeks or even a couple of months to acclimate to the new environment.”