Dear Vanderbilt parents and families,

We understand that the transition to college can sometimes be challenging, and our goal is to help you and your student manage this transition well. The following recommendations from our health care providers are designed to help your student successfully navigate the college transition process.

Explore our resources

Explore the Student Care Network website together to proactively discover resources for a diversity of needs and identify sources of support. The Office of Student Care Coordination is available to help students navigate the Student Care Network.

It may be helpful for your student to review the process of scheduling an appointment with our primary Student Care Network offices by reviewing their websites:

Health insurance

We encourage your student to keep a copy of their health insurance card and arrive to campus with a basic understanding of their insurance plan. Students on Vanderbilt’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will be able to print their card from www.myahpcare.com/vanderbilt after Aug. 12, 2021.

Specific health care needs

We encourage your student to arrive to campus with an understanding of:

their allergies and associated reactions,
their medications including doses, and
how to use a thermometer (pack one for them).

If your student is currently seeing a health care professional for medical and/or behavioral health concerns, consider discussing a plan for ongoing care, which may include short-term services on campus and/or long-term care off-campus. We encourage your student to contact the Office of Student Care Coordination before arriving to campus to discuss their existing health care needs and for assistance in developing their plan for ongoing care. If applicable, please be sure to refill any prescriptions before arriving on campus.

Students with disabilities are provided a wide range of support services at Vanderbilt University. Services and resources are determined on an individual basis considering the student’s needs. We encourage your student to contact the Office of Student Access Services before arriving on campus to discuss needs and accommodations.

My Health at Vanderbilt

We encourage your student to sign up for My Health at Vanderbilt—an online portal that allows for messaging with health care providers and online scheduling at the Student Health Center. Visit myhealthatvanderbilt.com to sign up.

COVID-19 Vaccine

New and returning students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021–22 academic school year. Review the COVID-19 vaccination requirement and submit your vaccination record.

Influenza vaccine

Flu shots are free to all students! We encourage your student to obtain their free flu shot at the Student Health Center during the fall semester.

Student self-care practices

Support realistic expectations and time management skills by helping your student create a schedule that outlines important academic dates, campus programs, employment, self-care practices and time for enjoyable activities and hobbies.
Have a conversation with your student about living independently, which may include personal hygiene, money management, healthy eating and living in a shared space.
Collaboratively develop a plan on how often and through what means you will keep in contact while your student is at school.
Throughout the planning process, model flexibility to discourage perfectionism. Your student will inevitably experience setbacks and mistakes. Talk with your student about reaching out for support in times of stress. It’s never too early or too late to ask for help!

Student Care Network

The Student Care Network is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt students. Primary offices include the Office of Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, the Student Health Center and the Center for Student Wellbeing. To facilitate finding resources, students may refer to the Student Care Network website or contact the Office of Student Care Coordination.

Learn more

Office of Student Care Coordination

The Office of Student Care Coordination is committed to supporting your student with successfully navigating life events related to academic stress, medical and mental health, and other personal concerns that may interfere with a student’s ability to achieve their academic and personal goals. This team of care coordinators is the central and first point of contact for students to help identify needs and determine the most appropriate resources in Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network and in the Nashville community to address concerns.

Learn more

University Counseling Center

The UCC provides mental health assessment, support and treatment for all students enrolled at Vanderbilt. Highly skilled and multi-disciplinary teams of professionals offer crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, short-term individual counseling, group therapy, biofeedback, ADHD and learning disorder assessments, and psychiatric assessment and pharmacologic treatment.

Learn more

Center for Student Wellbeing

The Center for Student Wellbeing provides integrative, holistic support for students’ personal development and academic success. In addition to 1:1 coaching appointments and recovery support services, workshops are available on a variety of topics, including meditation, time management, alcohol and drug education, and healthy living.

Student Health Center

The Zerfoss Student Health Center serves the primary care needs of the Vanderbilt student community. There are no office co-pays for routine visits, and all registered students are eligible for care, regardless of insurance coverage.

Parents and Family Programs
PMB 401627 | 2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 7240-1627
Parent Information Line: (877) 887 2736 | parents@vanderbilt.edu

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