Before entering your first year of college, everybody always warns you about the infamous “freshman 15” and how easy it is to gain. However, rarely is it ever mentioned that the common-cold, which every freshman seems to attract at one time or another is sometimes just as bad. It could last a few days and maybe cause you to miss a class or two, but in some cases, this minor illness can develop into something major if not taken care of correctly. While on a college campus, resources are oftentimes limited.

Here’s a list of some of the oldest tricks in the book that may help ease your suffering:

1. Emergen-C

Although considerably unfortunate, this dietary supplement has become something of a staple of my freshman year. Whether it be the pink lemonade or the super orange flavor, I make sure to always keep a few spare packets in my room in case I ever feel like I’m coming down with something. Emergen-C not only provides a significant amount of Vitamin C to the body but also electrolytes which will keep your energy levels high rather than causing a Netflix binge and nap.

2. Green Tea

Until I came to college, I had never been much of a tea-drinker, chiefly because I was unaware of all the benefits. In addition to its ability to boost the immune system, indulging in a warm beverage may be soothing to a sore throat or a cough.

3. Water

Although this means you may have to actually take the time to fill your Brita filter, consistently drinking fluids is essential for detoxing your body of all of the nastiness that has accumulated throughout the semester. There are many water-filling stations scattered around campus where you can allow yourself to constantly stay hydrated.

4. Sleep

After a long week, going out with your friends and partying the night away may seem tempting, but oftentimes not the best idea. Within the constraints of this disgusting freshman plague, it may seem like your only way out is to sleep away the sickness. Having said that, make sure that you’re not staying up too late partying or grinding away on a term paper. There are tons of hours in the day to complete tasks and sleep should be put as a priority.

5. DayQuil/NyQuil

These basic medications are sold over the counter at most pharmacies and convenience stores around most college campuses, they should be taken advantage of! Staying medicated throughout the worst days of the plague is the quickest and most effective way of shaking it off. Taking DayQuil at the beginning of each day will help keep you up and running and NyQuil in the evening will knock you out like a light.

6. Soup

If there’s one thing the dining hall does right, it’s soup. Whether it be creamy tomato, french onion, or even just the classic chicken noodle, you can’t go wrong with a warm serving of soup when you’re feeling under the weather.

7. Tender love and care

The only real thing that makes a sickness less terrible is having people around to get you through it. The reality of not having your mom there to take care of you may be tough to face. Luckily, you still got your friends there for you and that want nothing but for you to feel better. Whether they want to admit it or not, living in the same housing area as 4,000 others probably has them just as sick as you are. Nevertheless, having friends that are caring and nurturing to your freshman plague is the most comforting way to get through to the end of the semester.