Living in student housing is an exciting part of the college experience, bringing new connections, growing independence, and a vibrant sense of community. With many students sharing close living spaces, it’s especially important to build healthy habits that support both your well-being and the well-being of those around you.
Practicing good hygiene, being mindful of noise, staying active, and caring for your mental health all contribute to a positive and comfortable living environment. Focusing on your wellness, both physically and mentally, helps you make the most of your time on campus and supports a successful transition into college life. Below are tips and resources designed to help you stay well throughout the year.
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Tips for maintaining a healthy living environment:
Keep your space tidy. Regular cleaning helps keep your room fresh and reduces the buildup of dust, germs, and allergens.
Set a simple cleaning routine, such as wiping down surfaces, taking out trash, and doing dishes regularly, to help reduce germs and keep shared areas functional for everyone.
Agree on a basic cleaning schedule with your roommates.
Use cleaning supplies that are free from harsh chemicals. Non-toxic or fragrance-free products are a good choice for small or shared living spaces.
If any of the fixtures that impact hygiene, such as sinks, showers, washing machines, or dryers, aren’t working properly, submit a Housing Facilities Maintenance Request right away so repairs can be made as soon as possible.
Let natural light in. Sunlight can boost your mood, improve your sleep cycle, and brighten your space. Open blinds or curtains during the day to take advantage of natural lighting whenever possible.
Be mindful of noise. Keeping noise to a reasonable level helps everyone enjoy a more peaceful living environment. Consider headphones for music or calls, talk to roommates about expectations, and be mindful of quiet hours.
Practice everyday hygiene. Good hygiene habits, like washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding the sharing of personal items, help keep everyone healthier in a shared environment.
Make nutritious choices. A balanced diet supports energy, focus, and overall health. Learn more about nutrition while on campus from UC Berkeley Dining.
Keep moving. Regular physical activity can improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your energy. Learn more about on-campus wellness offerings from UC Berkeley Recreation and Wellbeing.
To help keep our housing environments safe and healthy, all students moving into UC Berkeley housing are expected to meet the university’s immunization and TB screening requirements before the university’s established deadlines. Staying up to date with these requirements supports a healthier community and helps prevent the spread of illnesses in close-living settings.
Isolate in your room. Stay in your room to avoid spreading germs to others. Wear a mask if you must be around other people.
Seek medical advice. Contact UHS to get guidance, set up an appointment, or direct you to an urgent care facility if necessary.
Communicate with your roommate. Let your roommate know you are feeling unwell so they can take precautions, such as increasing hand hygiene and physical distancing.
Practice good hygiene. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water and use disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch surfaces in your shared space like door knobs, light switches, remotes, etc.
Rest and hydrate. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, juice, and warm soup, and use over-the-counter medicine to manage symptoms like fever, cough, and aches.
Students can use the medical services at University Health Services (UHS) just as they would at their regular doctor's office and urgent care center. Students can use all services at UHS whether or not they have the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). For information on scheduling an appointment, visit UHS Appointments.
In addition to general medical care, students with a documented disability or medical condition, including mental health conditions and temporary injuries, may apply for housing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These accommodations ensure equal access to campus housing by providing reasonable adjustments tailored to individual needs.
Examples of ADA housing accommodations include:
Wheelchair-accessible bedrooms and bathrooms
Rooms designed to reduce allergens
Double-occupancy bedrooms, with fewer roommates
Substance-free environment in Freeborn Hall (Unit 1)
Students seeking academic accommodations can work with the Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) to ensure they have equitable access to their courses and learning environment. DSP provides individualized services such as assistive technology for note taking, alternative formats of course materials, real-time captioning, and specialized exam settings. Students can apply for accommodations online or request an informational meeting with a Disability Specialist if they have questions before applying. Find out more on DSP’s website or email dsp@berkeley.edu.
UHS provides mental health support to all UC Berkeley students, no matter what insurance they have. A wide range of emotional wellness resources are available, including on-campus services, off-campus options, online tools, and community-specific support networks. If you’re unsure where to begin, visit UHS Getting Started for support and resources.
National crisis/suicide prevention hotlines:
988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
Immediate life-threatening emergencies, both physical or mental
Call 911: If there is an immediate threat to life, e.g., severe injury, suicidal intent, harm to others.
Go to the ER: Head to the nearest hospital emergency room. The closest hospital emergency room to campus is Alta Bates Hospital, 2450 Ashby Ave, just east of Telegraph Ave.
Urgent mental health crises that is non-life-threatening
You are not alone, and help is available. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, or related harm, confidential support and reporting options are available both on and off campus.
Confidential support. A confidential place to start is the PATH to Care Center, which provides private support, advocacy, and information about resources, rights, and options. PATH to Care advocates can help you think through next steps at your own pace and can be reached at 510-642-1988.
Reporting options. If you wish to make a report or explore formal options, you may contact the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD), which receives reports of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of discrimination and can offer supportive measures such as no-contact directives. Reporting options include online submission, including anonymous reporting, email, or phone. In emergencies or to report crimes occurring on campus, UC Police Department (UCPD) is available 24/7.
Medical care and time-sensitive support. Medical care can be an important step after experiencing violence, and some services are time-sensitive (within 72 hours). Students may seek urgent or emergency medical care, STI testing, pregnancy prevention, or forensic evidence collection. Advocacy organizations such as PATH to Care or Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) can help you navigate medical and legal options, including restraining or protective orders.
If you are unsure where to start, reaching out to a confidential advocate is often the best first step. They can help you understand your options and support you in whatever choice feels right for you.
Students can access a wide range of sexual health services and education through University Health Services (UHS). Services include STI and HIV testing, contraception and emergency contraception, sexual health education, safer sex resources, and immunizations for vaccine-preventable infections. UHS also provides information and support for LGBTQIA+ students, partner communication, and consent.
If you’re feeling sick, you can still use your meal plan to get food. Campus dining halls provide takeout containers, and you can also order from campus eateries like Brown’s or Golden Bear Café, or from select restaurants via the Grubhub app, using your Flex Dollars.