THE notorious “Freshers’ Flu” — a bi-product of drinking too much, sleeping too little and making a few too many new friends.

In the coming weeks, students will be dropping like flies with coughs, colds, bugs and perhaps a pang of homesickness.

And while health may not be top of every fresher’s priority, there are things they can do to stay in tip-top condition this term.

Dr Anjana Kumar is a GP at Deane Medical Centre and treats hundreds of Bolton University students.

Dr Kumar says registering with a GP should be one of the first priorities for any student in a new town or city.

She said: “It’s vital students stay on top of their health when they go to university.

“For many it is the first time they have left home and lived away from their parents.

“They are often thrown into a different lifestyle where they are living with lots of other people, drinking high levels of alcohol, eating take-away food and staying up late.

“All of this can take its toll on a person’s health so it’s very important they take a few simple steps to look after themselves.

“Registering with a GP should be one of the first things you do. Then if you have any symptoms or concerns about your health, you have access to a doctor.”

Not all students drink alcohol, but there’s no doubt drinking games, pubs and clubs are a big part of university life.

While drinking can be fun, it can also open up a whole new world of health cons.

It can go hand in hand with weight gain, mood swings and rash decisions.

Sexual health, managing stress levels and exercise should also be top of a student’s list when it comes to health, according to Dr Kumar.

She explained: “Sleep deprivation, alcohol levels, poor diet and stress are some of the main causes of bad health in students.

“Healthy eating is always a good place to start, so that’s making sure you’re getting your fruit and vegetables — and not eating take-aways every night.

“Any food high in Vitamin C will boost your immunity.

“Sexual health is also hugely important. I treat a lot of students who have caught Chlamydia or had unwanted pregnancies.

“I can’t stress how important it is for students to look after their sexual health and use contraception.

“University can be very a stressful time for someone. If it gets out of hand it can lead to mental health problems. Low mood and depression is perhaps more common among students than people realise.

“There are lots of services available to students to help them cope with stress — whether it be their GP or someone in student services.

“The main thing for students to remember is eat healthily, get lots of sleep and exercise and stay in tune with their bodies. If they have any symptoms they’re unsure about, speak to a practice nurse or GP.”

Bolton University has a huge range of services available to support students of all backgrounds and abilities.

Arthur Kaddu, president of Bolton’s Student Union, said: “I think you’ve got to get the balance right when you’re a student.

“You have to get the right balance between going out, eating good food and sleeping well.

“Get that right and you should achieve all the things you want to at university.

“We have lots of societies and clubs that people can join.

“This will really help you settle in and make new friends, and help beat the home sickness.

“We’ve also got fantastic sports and exercise facilities here. My advice is keep fit and study hard.”

Gary Cunningham-Goodram, aged 19, is a fresher at Bolton University. He said: “Freshers’ week is crazy. You’re out all the time and meeting loads of people.

“I wouldn’t say I think about my health that much but I think a lot of students are like that.”

Sofia Sourianou, aged 20, who is also a fresher, added: “I try to be healthy and strike a balance between healthy food and lazy food, like McDonalds.

“One thing I have noticed is how expensive healthy food is.”

TOP TIPS TO BEAT THE FRESHERS’ FLU

  • Register with a GP
  • Make sure all of your immunisations are up to date
  • Keep up the exercise and make the most of the uni’s sports facilities. This will boost your physical and mental health
  • Eat a balanced diet and try to keep junk food to a minimum. Eat lots of fruit and veg high in vitamin C.
  • Get advice if you’re struggling with stress or low mood levels
  • Watch your alcohol levels
  • Get advice on contraception and looking after your sexual health