Learn about AlcoholEdu, a new, innovative resource available to the entire Longhorn community. Because UT cares about students' health and safety, the University expects every incoming first-year/freshman and transfer student under the age of 21 to complete AlcoholEdu for College before arriving on campus.
Health-Related Checklist
Before arriving on campus:
Get copies of your medical and prescription drug insurance card, and learn about your health insurance. Healthcare, especially medical specialty and hospital care, can be extremely expensive. If possible, remain on your parent or guardian's insurance plan. If you can't do that, click Student Health Insurance in Helpful Links to learn about low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance.
Ask your parent or guardian to give you a tutorial on your insurance plan, especially as it relates to preferred providers and any requirements for pre-authorization for certain services or post-notification of hospitalization. Knowing about these things can save you a lot of time and money.
Learn about your personal and family medical history.
- What medications do you take and why?
- Are you allergic to any medications?
- Have you had any significant illnesses, injuries, or surgeries?
- What chronic illnesses run in your family?
Once you are over 18, you'll be responsible for consenting to your own medical care and providing necessary information to healthcare providers.
Make a plan for managing any prescription drugs you take on an ongoing basis. Where will you get your prescriptions refilled in Austin? The UHS Pharmacy can fill prescriptions written by any healthcare provider licensed in the U.S. You can transfer your prescriptions to our Pharmacy for your convenience. To find out how, click on Pharmacy in Helpful Links. The UHS Pharmacy accepts most major drug prescription cards, so you will pay the same as you would in your hometown pharmacy.
How will you get your prescriptions renewed? When the label on your medication says "No refills remaining," you'll need a renewal, which usually requires an appointment with a healthcare provider. Monitor refills left in your prescription carefully so you have time to schedule an appointment without running out of your medication. Your pharmacy may contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medicine when you run out of refills to request instructions. If you need to schedule an appointment with a provider for a renewal, you may opt to schedule an appointment at UHS for convenience.
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
A well-stocked medicine cabinet can save a trip to the pharmacy when you don't feel up to getting out. Also, when you call our 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line for help, our nurses will often refer to one or more of the following medical supplies or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, all of which are available in the UHS Pharmacy:
General Medical Supplies
- Band-Aids for small wounds and blisters
- Gauze and tape for larger wounds
- ACE wrap for minor sprains
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
- Digital thermometer
- Antibacterial soap to clean wounds
OTC Medications
- Antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, or Mylanta
- Acid reducer such as Zantac or Pepcid
- Anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium AD or Kaopectate
- Fever and pain reducer containing acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Decongestant such as Sudafed-PE
- Antihistamine such as Benadryl, Tavist, or Claritin
- Cough suppressant like Robitussin
- Antibacterial cream like Bacitracin or Neosporin
- Anti-inflammatory cream like Cortaid
