College Life - A Challenging Time

At University Health Services, we know that college students face many academic and social challenges. We also realize that while academic work is the reason they are in college, their lives outside of the classroom can have a significant impact on the overall success of their college education. The lifestyle choices they make, how they handle stress and relationships, and their responses to societal and peer pressures about alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and sexual health can impact the rest of their lives. University Health Services is committed to helping students develop long-term wellness strategies - healthy habits that will stay with them long after they leave Penn State.

University Health Services published a report in June 2004 about the health behaviors of students on University Park campus. The purpose of the report is to identify health issues facing students and the decisions they say they are making regarding these challenges. The data in the report are from TheHealthSurvey™ which was completed anonymously online by 782 Penn State students in January 2003.

There is a link below to the survey results. If you would like more information about TheHealthSurvey™ or health promotion at University Park campus, contact the UHS Office of Health Promotion and Education at 814-863-0461.

Links to Surveys

The Health Status of Penn State Students: Results of a Student Survey 2003

Additional information about the health attitudes and status of Penn State Students is available through a series of Penn State Pulse Surveys, including a February 2004 survey about student drinking.

The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) is a national non-profit research effort organized by the American College Health Association to collect data about the health of college students. Some of their data is available to the public on the NCHA Web site. Penn State plans to participate in their survey starting in 2004-05, so that Penn State students, parents and administrators will be able to see how our students compare to other college students around the country. For a sample of the kinds of data NCHA shares with the public, please visit the NCHA site.

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