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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Health and Wellness

black and white photo of a stethoscope on a table


The health and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance. Cornell students have access to a full range of comprehensive health and wellness resources to help them feel their best. Between recreation services, medical care, counseling, advocacy services and more, Cornell aims to keep students healthy so they can succeed here and beyond.

Health Resources

Cornell Health provides outpatient care, health education, and health promotion to students, faculty, and staff on campus. Students may be seen during the semester in which they are enrolled. A current University ID must be presented for admission. Students may be seen between semesters for an access fee.

All new students are assigned their own medical provider, called a “Primary Care Provider,” when they start at Cornell. Students see their Primary Care Provider — or a member their team — if they get sick or injured, or just want a general checkup. Students can talk to their PCP about anything. They’re your student’s central point of contact who can connect them with specialists or other providers, when needed.

Primary care services include:

Immunizations

Before enrolling in classes your student must provide official documentation demonstrating that they have met the following New York State and Cornell requirements. Medical, school, and military records in English are accepted. Students may also have their health care provider complete an Immunization Documentation form (pdf) that you can submit as official documentation.

All incoming students are required to show proof of Varicella (Chicken Pox), Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunizations.

In addition, Cornell requires all new students to complete the American College Health Association’s online screening to determine tuberculosis risk. Students complete this risk screening in their Clearances & Requirements list in their myCornellHealth.

For instructions on locating and completing the form, visit the Health Requirements page

Counseling Resources

College presents a new set of challenges for young adults, and sometimes they need help managing these challenges. Cornell’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is the place to start for students who may be struggling to cope with the pressures of college.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Cornell Health provides individual and group counseling, drop-in consultation, and workshops at no cost to help students “live well to learn well” here at Cornell.

For students who are unsure of their plans beyond college, Cornell Career Services offers career counseling, assessment, and placement services.

Encourage your student to manage their health

College is a time of transition and often a time of stress for students. Encourage your student to take advantage of the resources on campus that might help with their stress relief, including...

Adjusting to Change

Whether it’s being away from home, living with a new roommate or starting a new course schedule, many students adjust to changes every semester. While some seem like they take the adjustment process in stride, others may find it more difficult.

No matter how it looks from the outside, adjustment is a process that all students go through. It’s common to struggle with adjustment, and it’s important to recognize that the process looks different for everybody. Here are a few ways to help your student with adjusting to change:

  • Help them go at their own pace. Validate their feelings if they are feeling apprehensive about going to a student group meeting or social gathering, but help them stretch the boundaries of their comfort zone.
  • Routines can create a sense of familiarity in a new situation. Your student can start establishing some small routines by going to bed at the same time each night, finding a favorite spot to relax in between classes or taking regular walks.
  • Having friends to talk to and finding a supportive community helps create a sense of belonging. There are many places for your student to connect with fellow Cornelians, including Campus Groups and the Fitness Centers.
  • Encourage them to prioritize their health and wellness. Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night), eating balanced meals and staying active can all help your student’s mind and body feel regulated when going through times of change.