Scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider at University Health Service (UHS) before you leave Rochester is a good idea, even if it isn’t required by your program.
If you have a health form that needs completing, please let the receptionist know so the correct amount of time can be scheduled for your visit.
Many countries require you to have specific immunizations before arriving in the country. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for information about immunizations you need before studying abroad.
If you need immunizations before you travel, you can receive them at UHS, through your primary care provider, or from another health care facility. If you decide to get your immunizations through UHS, you will be charged for the immunizations but not for the visit.
Some immunizations require more than one visit or cannot be combined with others. We recommend that you take care of your immunizations well in advance of your departure.
All students are required to have health insurance when studying abroad. Information about required steps and health insurance while abroad can be found on the University Health Service website.
Bring enough prescription and preferred over-the-counter medication to last the duration of your time abroad. Medications vary in name, potency, and purity from country to country, and cannot be sent through international mail.
For customs purposes keep all medicines in the original containers. If you bring syringes with you, be sure to bring a doctor’s note. It’s also wise to bring the written drug information with you through customs in case the customs officer has questions about your medication.
It’s normal to experience stress when studying abroad. You’re not only adjusting to being a student in a new and different setting but you’re also adjusting to a new living environment and culture. While abroad, you may experience feelings of loneliness and homesickness—these feelings are natural.
Based on feedback from many students, the following techniques, are especially helpful in dealing with the stresses and strains of adjustment:
It’s important that you keep safety considerations in mind while studying abroad. Explore our list of tips and resources to help you navigate life abroad. You can also use our Worldcue Planner tool (NetID required) to learn about the health and safety risks of certain destinations.