Health

Health tips

1. Make sure to visit the University's Class of 2008 health website. It contains important information for the Class of 2008 regarding the insurance plan the University offers and answers to many questions students with health concerns might have.

2. There are two pharmacies in the immediate area. One at the University Store on campus and one at the local CVS. The local CVS is usually stocked with a greater variety of medicines. There are a few recommendations we can make about keeping things clean and not getting sick, though. They involve bringing a few things you might not have thought of. First, bring a container for your toothbrush. You don't want it exposed when you're not using it. Second, bring or buy an alcohol-based hand lotion and a liquid soap or a container for your soap. Third, and very important, bring shower shoes. You don't want to walk into the shower barefooted here. It can be a nasty experience.

3. The University's vision and dental plans offer a pretty good deal to students. Beware there are limits — like with any plan — but you should know that the dental plan involves dentists pretty far away. Also, if you're playing varsity sports, you should read carefully over the NCAA material.

4. If you get sick, head over to McCosh Health Center. It is down-campus near Wilson College, Butler College and Frist Campus Center. It is open 24 hours during the year, often filled with people who had a bit too much to drink. McCosh has mixed reviews, but is pretty good with simple problems. Don't be surprised, though, if you're lectured on what the flu is if you come in with a cold. Unless it's serious, you often don't see a doctor but a nurse practitioner. They're very stern about the rules and procedures and careful about letting you off the hook if you have schoolwork or tests due. But otherwise, it's a good place to go, especially if you're feeling under the weather and stressed. They'll keep an eye out for you. If you need outside help — and are on the University's insurance plan — they usually can recommend someone good in the neighborhood. Most doctors are a taxi or bus ride away, however, in Plainsboro.

5. You don't need to spend money on both your private insurance and University insurance, though many families do. The University insurance is a pretty good deal — $700 for a year — and pretty comprehensive.

6. Many people end up sick after drinking too much and getting, in the lingo, "McCoshed." That involves usually getting brought into McCosh and spending the night there. If it's way too much, you get sent to the nearby hospital, the University Medical Center at Princeton, where more serious procedures such as stomach pumps are done. Despite its name, UMCP is not officially affiliated with Princeton, though people are often sent there with serious injury. The University has specific rules to follow if you get McCoshed, including a meeting with a counselor. But the University is also careful not to deter students from getting help if they drink too much. They've been pretty progressive about putting the health of the student before any disciplinary or other action — so it's smart to check in with the nurses (or check your friends in, either by bringing them or calling campus safety officers) if you're worried.