You’re sitting in your dorm room feeling the first tickle of a sore throat. A few hours later, you have a headache, fatigue, and low-grade fever. It’s not an emergency, but you’re feeling terrible and unsure what to do next. 

Before you came to college, a caregiver may have stepped in: taking your temperature, bringing you a blanket, and serving a warm drink. They may have called your medical provider or made an appointment for you. 

As you transition into college life, you’ll need to play this role. This includes learning how to navigate the health care system, and taking care of yourself when you’re sick. 

Many UW–Madison students experience an illness or injury in their first year at college. Common concerns include colds, sore throats, and other respiratory illnesses. Many of these illnesses can be cared for at home, while others require medical attention. 

How do you know if you should seek care? 
In a non-emergency situation, we recommend checking your symptoms on the UHS Symptom Checker, a web-based tool designed to help UW–Madison students make informed choices about when and where to seek care. 

Available 24/7 in the student health portal, MyUHS, the Symptom Checker walks students through their symptoms and offers evidence-based recommendations. These may include home care, a visit to UHS, urgent care, or emergency support. 

The tool is available as part of the appointment scheduling process in MyUHS. Before choosing a Medical Services appointment, students can select “check my symptoms”. They will then be guided by the tool to check their symptoms. 

Making an appointment at University Health Services 
If you think you need a medical appointment, we encourage you to call the main UHS number at 608-265-5600 (option 1).  

This will allow us to connect you to the right care at the right time. Not all concerns require an appointment, and some concerns can be treated over the phone. 

Appointment booking is also available online on the student health portal, MyUHS, but not all appointment types are shown online. Calling is your best option. 

Before you call, confirm that you’ve completed the consent to treat documentation in your MyUHS student health portal. Then, gather the following information: 

• Your student ID number (found on your Wiscard) 
• A list of your symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them 
• Your schedule and availability 

When you call, you will speak with a medical receptionist who will ask you about your symptoms.  They will provide you guidance on the next steps, which may include scheduling an appointment or speaking with a nurse. Some common health concerns can be treated over the phone. 

If an appointment is needed, calling can also make it easier to schedule it. UHS has some time slots reserved for time-sensitive needs that do not appear on MyUHS. 

For after-hours care 
UHS is not open on nights, weekends, or holidays, but the Symptom Checker tool is always available. To speak with a nurse about non-emergency medical concerns, 24/7 medical advice is also available via an after-hours nurse hotline. 

For medical emergencies 
If you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency room in the community. Emergency room and hospitalization charges are not covered by student segregated fees. Before an emergency, confirm that you have in-network health insurance that covers emergency care. UHS does not cover the cost of services delivered outside of UHS.  

About University Health Services
University Health Services (UHS) offers a wide range of medical services to support students’ health and well-being while on campus, including primary care, vaccinations, laboratory services, sexual health, gynecology, travel health, physical therapy, athletic training, nutrition services, and more.  

Most UHS services are available at no cost through student segregated fees. Some health care needs (such as after hours, urgent care, emergency care, specialty care, and prescriptions) may be addressed outside of UHS.