The freshman plague (where you get a bad cold or other illness and it seems like so many other people are sick too) is SO real. This past week, I've had some sort of virus that caused pink eye, a bad cold, and hives. Trust me, it was not pleasant. Wash your hands! Cough into your sleeve! Eat veggies! If you haven't caught the freshman plague, it might still be coming for you, but make a clear effort to keep it from getting you. If you do catch the freshman plague, though, and you're feeling gross and helpless, here are some things to be grateful for that might boost your spirits.

Family

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Who else is going to regularly check up on you and make sure you're doing okay? If you're close to home, you can even go home and rest and recuperate. I went home this weekend and I'm definitely feeling somewhat better. Bonus: You can do your laundry and get a little work done in a quiet space, if you're feeling up to it. My parents drove me home for the weekend and it was so much more comfortable being sick at home than at school.

Awesome roommates

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Being sick at school is the worst, but a great roommate makes such a difference! Mine filled up my water bottle for me when I didn't want to leave the room and it is the little things like that that make being sick at school feel a little better.

Netflix

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A sick day calls for some TV time. Gather up a box of tissues, a cup of tea, and a blanket. Get ready to spend several hours watching your favorite shows and movies and getting some much-needed downtime. My personal favorites: Pretty Little Liars and Chicago Fire.

Fuzzy Pets

Emma Hammer

If you need a mood booster, just look at some pictures of your cat (or another cute animal). I live an hour away from school and went home for the weekend so I was actually able to pet my real cat, but if you don't have that option, a picture is the next best thing.

Mattress Toppers

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My dorm bed is SO comfortable so when I went to bed early because I was sick, I actually got a lot of sleep. There were nights when I would get over nine hours of sleep and it definitely made me feel a little better! Yes, it is possible to get that much sleep at school. Sleep is a must when you're sick so if your bed isn't comfortable enough for you, get a mattress topper.

If you read all of that and you still aren't feeling any better, remember that the freshman plague will pass and soon enough you'll be feeling back to normal again. In the meantime, keep washing your hands and getting extra sleep!