Self-Care
Name two common symptoms of anxiety and one simple immediate strategy you can use to reduce acute anxiety.
What are anxiety symptoms: rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive worry?
Color is commonly associated with calm and why might it help in a bedroom or study corner?
What is blue: associated with calm, lowers heart rate; useful in bedrooms or study nooks?
Two protein-rich, no-stove ingredients you can combine quickly using only a microwave or electric kettle
What are canned tuna/salmon, Greek yogurt, canned beans, pre-cooked chicken, eggs (microwave), tofu?
A safe first step you should take at home if you have a minor sore throat, no fever, and can swallow liquids, etc.
What is gargle salt water, rest, fluids, throat lozenges; monitor for fever?
Two quick strategies to make a small dorm room feel more spacious.
What is use vertical storage (shelves), keep surfaces clear, mirrors to reflect light?
A respectful, short script you can use to ask a roommate to lower the volume when you’re studying
What is, “Hey — I have an important deadline right now. Could you please turn the music down for the next hour?
The difference between feeling “down” for a few days and clinical depression (give two distinguishing features that suggest professional help is needed)
What are depression indicators: persistent low mood >2 weeks, loss of interest, changes in sleep/appetite, suicidal thoughts — seek professional help if functional impairment or suicidal ideation present?
Colors are generally linked to increased alertness or energy, and where might you use them in a small living space
What are yellow, orange, bright red: associated with energy/alertness — use in accents like throw pillows or a poster?
3-step microwave recipe for a balanced single-serve meal (include grain, protein, and vegetable).
What is canned beans (protein/fiber), whole-grain pasta/quinoa (carb), canned tomatoes/stock (base). Use: quick chili, one-pot pasta, quinoa bowl?
Initial steps in the R.I.C.E. approach if you injure your ankle and can still bear weight but it is swollen and painful.
What is R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation?
Three multi-use items that save space in a dorm and explain one use for each.
What are multi-use items: ottoman with storage (seat + storage), foldable desk (workspace + folds), hanging shoe organizer (shoes + small supplies)?
Three negotiation ground rules to use when creating a shared-chore agreement.
What are ground rules: be specific, set timelines, agree on consequences; document decisions in a shared note?
Three campus or community resources a new grad can contact for mental-health support, and one tip for how to access them if you’re nervous about calling
What are Resources: campus counseling center, primary-care/Student Health, crisis lines (e.g., 988 in US)?
How color contrast can affect focus when designing a study area (one practical example).
What is high contrast (dark text on light background) reduces visual strain; use neutral desks with colored accent wall to focus?
Three pantry staples (non-perishable) that extend healthy, simple meal options and one way to use each in a quick dish
What is reheat to internal temp of 165°F (165∘F165∘F); Technique: cover food, stir halfway, let stand 1 min?
Three situations that should prompt you to visit urgent care rather than waiting for a primary-care appointment.
What is urgent care: suspected broken bone without life threat, lacerations needing stitches, high fever not responding to meds, moderate asthma exacerbation?
One method to organize clothes and shoes in a small closet or under-bed area to maximize space.
What is use slim hangers, double hanging rod, under-bed bins labeled by season; roll clothes to save space?
A calm step-by-step approach to resolving repeated issues like a roommate who frequently leaves common areas messy
What are address calmly soon after issue, use “I” statements, propose solution, set follow-up check-in; if no change, escalate to written agreement?
Explain burnout (depletion). Give two lifestyle changes that help prevent it and one quick daily habit to restore energy.
What are emotional/physical exhaustion, cynicism, reduced efficacy?
Suggest a 3-color palette (primary, accent, neutral) optimized for relaxation AND productivity in a tiny apartment. Explain the role of each color.
What is a palette with soft blue (calm), warm yellow accent (motivation), light gray neutral (balance). Roles: calm base, energizing accent, grounding neutral?
Explain how to safely reheat cooked proteins in a microwave to reduce food-safety risks (one temperature/time guideline and one technique).
What is reheat to internal temp of 165°F (165∘F165∘F); Technique: cover food, stir halfway, let stand 1 min?
When it’s appropriate to use telehealth/virtual care versus an in-person visit. (Give two examples of conditions suited to telehealth.)
What are telehealth good for medication refills, infections with clear symptoms, mental-health check-ins; n-person for exams requiring tests or physical procedures?
A furniture layout or arrangement (words only) for a shared dorm room to balance study, sleep, and social space when square footage is limited.
What is place beds against opposite walls, shared desk area near window, divider (curtain) between sleep and study, common zone for socializing by door?
If a roommate is consistently violating boundaries (e.g., bringing guests late, taking food), outline a plan that escalates from conversation to administrative support.
What are 1) One-on-one conversation with examples of behavior and desired change; 2) written agreement; 3) involve RA or housing office; 4) mediation or formal complaint if unresolved?
Describe how cognitive reframing works. Provide a short example showing how to reframe “I can’t handle this” into a more helpful thought, and name one evidence-based therapy that uses this technique.
What is identify negative thought, challenge evidence, replace with balanced thought. Example: “I can’t handle this” → “I’ve managed hard things before; I can try one step now.”?
Describe one cultural or individual factor that can change how someone responds to a color, and explain why it matters when choosing colors for shared living spaces.
What are cultural/individual differences: e.g., white symbolizes purity in some cultures, mourning in others; personal experiences affect reactions — important for shared spaces?
A complete 7-minute “one-cup” meal using an electric kettle and microwave that includes a vegetable, whole grain, and protein; list exact ingredients and brief steps.
What is "instant couscous" (electric kettle—pour boiling water, cover 5 min), microwaved frozen mixed veg (2–3 min), canned chickpeas (drained, rinsed) warmed in microwave 60–90s, olive oil + lemon? Steps: kettle water to couscous, microwave veg, heat chickpeas, combine.
A short decision flow (steps only) a student could follow when deciding whether to: self-care at home, use telehealth, visit urgent care, or go to the emergency room.
What is Flow (short): Assess severity (life-threatening? → ER). If non-life but urgent → urgent care. If moderate or unclear → telehealth. Minor/self-limited → self-care at home with watchful waiting; if worsening → escalate?
List five compact, must-have organizational purchases under $50 total (items and approximate price) that significantly increase usable space in a tiny studio or dorm.
What are example purchases: bed risers $15, under-bed storage bins $10, over-door hooks $5, hanging shelf $10, clip-on lamp $8 = $48?
A sample written roommate agreement section that covers guests, shared groceries, and quiet hours. Include one clause for conflict resolution or mediation.
What are