It's that time of year on campus where all our immune systems start to fail. Everyone all of a sudden is coughing, sneezing, or just missing class. So as someone who was just out of commission for a week from being sick, here's a list of ways to avoid contracting anything.

1. Don't have friends.

Harsh, but true. The number one way to limit getting the University plague is to avoid contact with other people outside of class. If you aren't hanging out with others you can avoid more germs, and if you have friends you usually take care of them when they are sick so you put yourself right into the danger zone. Obviously this one isn't really realistic though, so we should probably move on.

2. Wash your hands.

It's college, and you don't know who touched the computer or book before you. They could have been a germaphobe, or they could have been a nose picker. No matter what after being in contact with any item on campus or using the bathroom please wash your hands. Kill those germs, and maybe you will make it through the semester.

3. Drink Emergen-C.

Not going to lie I didn't even know this stuff existed before coming to Ship. Now all my friends take it like candy, and I think there's like 10 boxes in my apartment from my roommates. I can promise you it works seeing I legit died and almost had to go to the hospital, while all my roommates were pretty much healthy. So, take action if someone around you is sick and start drinking.

4. Keep Ibuprofen in your bag.

Be proactive and just keep it in your bag. It will help you kill a fever at first sign, and hopefully this will prevent you from getting the full out plague.

5. Sleep.

Sometimes the hardest thing for Ship students to do. Between all the homework and going out sometimes it's hard to remember our bodies need rest. So, take it from someone that already went through the plague this year, your body needs rest. If not, it will take you longer to recover, and you will be drained for forever. So stop procrastinating and get on top of your work.

6. Avoid Etter.

If all else fails and you do need to go to the doctor because you are dying, try to avoid Etter for emergencies. Emergencies include things like strep throat/dehydration or a broken rib. Although it is a great resource for students and provides care for colds and common bugs, it doesn't always provide the best advice for certain illnesses. I personally had to go to Urgent Care to avoid being sent to the hospital, only to learn I was put on the wrong type of antibiotic and should have also been given medicine to reduce swelling in my throat.