As you get ready to come to campus, your to-do list may seem endless. You'll need to take care of some health-related tasks before you arrive. Don't worry, we are here to help if you need us.
Hint - look for your immunization records in these locations:
The doctor's office or public health clinic where you got your shots
Your family records, such as a baby book
At your high school
ImmTrac, the Texas Immunization Registry
A college or university you attended before, if they had immunization requirements
Institutions where your immunization records might be found usually have rules for how long they are kept, so very old records may no longer be available.
Students entering UT should consider getting the following vaccines:
Hepatitis A and B
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - approved for men and women
Influenza (flu)
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) - 2 doses (required for international students)
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
Varicella (chickenpox)
After being admitted to UT, you can make an appointment at University Health Services to get any required or recommended immunizations or medical tests. Charges will apply. For information on each vaccine, go to: Immunization Information.
Acknowledge the "Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis" statement online
Texas law requires all new college students to read and acknowledge the "Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis" statement online. If you don't acknowledge the statement, you may be barred from registering for classes and accessing University resources. If you haven't already done so, click the link below to read and acknowledge the statement now.
Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis
Ask about your personal and family medical history
When you are over 18, you'll be responsible for consenting to your own medical care and providing necessary information to your healthcare providers. Ask your parents:
What medications do I take and why?
Am I allergic to any medications or to latex?
Have I had any significant illnesses, injuries, or surgeries?
What chronic illnesses run in my family?
Learn about health insurance
If you are on your parent's health insurance plan, get your own copies of your medical and prescription drug insurance card(s) to bring to Austin. Have your parent give you a tutorial about what your insurance covers and how it works. Be sure to ask about the difference between "in-network" and "out-of-network" care and any pre-authorization requirements. Knowing about these things can save you a lot of time and money.
If you don't have insurance, consider getting it.
UT Austin students are not required to have health insurance. However, healthcare can be extremely expensive, especially if you need to see a specialist like a dermatologist or experience a medical emergency. We encourage you to have health insurance so that medical expenses do not disrupt your studies.
Stay on or join your parent's insurance plan if you can. If you can't, consider getting the Student Health Insurance Plan, an affordable health, dental, and vision plan approved by the UT System.
Complete your new patient forms online
While you are looking into your medical history and insurance, log on to MyUHS and complete the new patient forms. Taking care of this now will save you time and hassle when you schedule and check in for appointments. Have a parent or family member help you with your personal and family medical history.
Find out about on-campus healthcare and services
University Health Services provides the highest quality care in a supportive environment that focuses on the needs of college students. You can expect everything from UHS that you get from your family doctor... and more. Charges apply, but we are in-network with many insurance plans and offer a self-pay discount for uninsured students and students who choose not to use their insurance. Watch the video below to learn more about us.
UHS employs teams of licensed healthcare providers, including board-certified physicians, advanced nurse practitioners, and certified physician assistants. They are supported by teams of nurses, pharmacists, laboratory and radiological technologists, licensed counselors, registered dietitians, and professional health educators. If you need medical specialty care that UHS doesn't offer, we can refer you to community resources. For more information, visit: UHS Staff.
Stock a "medicine cabinet" for your room or apartment
Keep some basic supplies on hand so you don't have to go out if you feel sick or experience a minor injury. Consider the following depending on your needs and what you use at home.
First Aid Supplies
Bandages for small wounds and blisters
Gauze and tape for larger wounds
ACE wrap for minor sprains
Ice pack
Heating pad
Digital thermometer
Antibacterial cream or ointment like Neosporin
Anti-inflammatory cream like Cortaid (for some rashes and bug bites)
Arrange for your prescriptions to be available to you while you are in Austin
If you take prescription medications regularly, make a plan for getting them while you're in Austin. For convenience, consider transferring your prescriptions to the Forty Acres Pharmacy. It is located on campus and accepts most prescription drug insurance plans. If you need to renew a prescription while you are a student, you can schedule an appointment at UHS.
Put these important numbers in your phone
512-475-6877 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line: Students can call the free UHS 24-hour Nurse Advice Line anytime 24/7/365 for advice when sick or injured.
512-471-2255 24-Hour Telephone Counseling: Students can call the free CMHC 24-hour Telephone Counseling anytime 24/7/365 to speak confidentially with a trained counselor.
512-471-3515 UT Counseling & Mental Health Center Appointments & Information
Congratulations on joining the Longhorn family!
We hope you enjoy excellent health during your time on campus. When you need credible health information or caring medical attention, UHS will be here for you.
