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Starting university is an exciting time. From moving into your new home to making friends, exploring a new city and beginning your course, there's plenty to look forward to. As you prepare for this new chapter, it's important to think about your health too. Living, studying and socialising with lots of new people can increase the spread of illnesses such as meningitis, measles, mumps, flu and other common infections.
The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take before and after you arrive to help protect yourself and those around you, allowing you to focus on making the most of your university experience.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, it can lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can become life-threatening very quickly if not treated promptly. Meningitis is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.
Although cases are relatively rare, the consequences can be serious, making awareness and prevention incredibly important.
Symptoms can include:
- A high temperature
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Cold hands and feet
- A rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass
Why should students be aware?
When you move into student accommodation, you'll naturally spend lots of time with people from different backgrounds and locations. You'll be sharing social spaces, attending lectures, joining clubs and societies, and making new friends.
While this is one of the best parts of student life, it can also make it easier for certain infections to spread. Universities and student accommodation settings are recognised as places where meningococcal infections can spread more easily among young adults.
That's why taking a few simple steps before you arrive can help protect both yourself and those around you.
Check you're up to date with your vaccinations
One of the best ways to protect yourself against meningitis is by ensuring your vaccinations are up to date before moving into your student accommodation.
MenACWY vaccine
The NHS recommends that young people receive the MenACWY vaccine, which helps protect against four strains of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. If you missed receiving it at school, you may still be able to get it free through the NHS up to your 25th birthday.
MMR vaccine
It's also worth checking that you've received both doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. With students from across the UK and overseas coming together each year, keeping your vaccinations up to date helps protect everyone in our student communities.
Other Infections Students Should Be Aware Of
While meningitis is one of the most serious infections affecting young adults, it's not the only illness that can spread more easily when lots of people are living, studying and socialising together.
Measles
Measles is highly infectious and can spread quickly in university settings. Symptoms include a high temperature, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a distinctive rash. The best protection is ensuring you've received both doses of the MMR vaccine before arriving at university.
Mumps
Mumps is another infection that can spread easily among students, particularly those living in shared accommodation. Symptoms can include fever, headaches and swelling around the jaw and cheeks. Again, being fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine offers the best protection.
Flu and Seasonal Viruses
Freshers' Week often brings together large numbers of people for social events, making it easier for seasonal illnesses such as flu and common colds to spread.
Simple measures such as washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, staying hydrated and resting when you're unwell can help reduce the spread of infection.
COVID-19
Although restrictions have ended, COVID-19 still circulates throughout communities. If you're experiencing symptoms and feel unwell, consider limiting close contact with others and following the latest public health guidance.
Norovirus ("The Winter Vomiting Bug")
Norovirus is common in shared living environments and can spread rapidly through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
If you develop sickness or diarrhoea:
- Stay hydrated.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Avoid preparing food for others until you've been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Creating a Healthy Shared Living Environment
Living with others is one of the most rewarding parts of student life, but it's also important to be considerate of your flatmates and neighbours.
We would always encourage residents to:
- Keep communal spaces clean and tidy.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as drinks bottles, toothbrushes and cutlery.
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.
- Seek medical advice if they're feeling unwell.
- Look out for friends and flatmates who may need support.
A healthy community is a happier community, and small actions can make a big difference in helping everyone enjoy their time at university.
Register with a local GP
One of the first things we encourage all students to do after moving in is register with a local GP practice.
Having access to healthcare services near your accommodation means you'll be able to get medical support quickly if you become unwell, need advice or need to catch up on any missed vaccinations.
If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, seek medical advice immediately.
We can't wait to welcome you to the Acis Students community. Stay safe, stay informed and have an amazing year ahead.