If your dorm has an old heating or cooling system, buy vent filters. Or if your budget allows, buy a HEPA air cleaner. Change the filter often.

Try to stay out of rooms with forced hot air heating.

If mold is present or you have a roommate who smokes, ask about changing rooms. A note from your health care provider may help you prevent a room-change fee or other fees.

Ask for a room without wall-to-wall carpeting.

Don't use second-hand rugs or upholstered furniture in your room.

Cover your mattress and pillows with allergy-free covers.

Wash bedding and towels weekly with hot water.

Clean all surfaces, including the floor, every week. If your roommates won’t help you clean, offer to do it in exchange for another favor.

Ask your health care provider which vaccines you need. People with asthma need annual flu vaccines. Discuss with your provider if you should also get vaccines for pneumococcal infections, meningitis, and hepatitis B. Check with your student health center about low-cost choices.

Wash your hands often. Or use hand cleaners or sanitizers.

Eat balanced meals, get regular exercise, and get plenty of sleep. These can help you stay healthy. And don't do all-nighters. The stress on your body can increase the risk of an asthma flare-up.

If you’re sick, take care of yourself. You may feel as though you’re missing out. But you’ll miss more if you end up with a serious asthma flare-up. Check with your professors and administrators about attendance policies. Tell them about any special needs you have.

If college pressures, social challenges, or other stress get to be too much for you to handle, look into student counseling services. They are often free or available at a reduced fee.

Keep an asthma diary for a few weeks. This will give you a baseline for measuring how severe asthma flare-ups may be. If you use a peak-flow meter, include peak-flow readings in your diary.

Make sure you get answers to any questions you have about your Asthma Action Plan. Make sure it's up-to-date and that you have copies with you.

Try to stay away from triggers. Many young people on college campuses smoke. Try to stay away from smoking areas.

Take your controller medicines every day or as directed by your health care provider.

Watch for early signs of asthma that gets worse. If you use a peak-flow meter, check your peak flow as directed. If you notice changes, use your quick-relief medicine.

Remember to use your quick-relief medicine if you take it to prevent symptoms from exercise or physical activity. Keep an inhaler in your purse or backpack.

Make sure your roommates, friends, and dorm leaders know what to do if you have symptoms. Know how to get emergency help.

Learn about your new city's Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI measures the outdoor air quality. It runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health risk. For example, an AQI value over 300 is hazardous air quality. This information can help you manage your outdoor exposure risk.

Make sure you are familiar with the campus health system and know where the closest hospital is in case of emergency. And ask your current provider if you should find an asthma specialist on or near campus.