As the temperatures begin to drop, the effects of cold and flu season appear on campus. With the possibility of taking time off of school due to illness, it’s necessary to find something to pass the time.
Many students cope by indulging in their favorite media. Whether it be movies, TV shows, books or music, UMKC students enjoy a wide variety of entertainment while sick.
Natalia Rosales, a freshman majoring in psychology, said her sick day watchlist included old-animation Disney films, such as “Cinderella” and “Lady and the Tramp.”
“I enjoy these because they are usually low-stimulating and the soundtracks are very whimsical and calming, which is best when your brain feels swollen from being sick,” said Rosales. “I recommend these so students have an excuse to get in touch with their inner child when sick.”
Similar to Rosales, Liliana van Eijndt, a sophomore biology major, stated she enjoys early 2000s movies like “Legally Blonde,” “The Princess Diaries” and “A Cinderella Story.”
“Honestly they’re all classics in my opinion,” said van Eijndt. “They have really good casting and the soundtracks are good and if you like cheesy 2000s romance they’re good for that.”
Sophomore information technology major Tori Jones had a specific movie in mind for her sick days.
“I enjoy ‘Little Women’ while I’m sick because it makes me feel very cozy and at home. It also reminds me of how grateful I am to still be here,” said Jones. “I remember ‘Little Women’ was the last movie I saw in theaters before the COVID-19 pandemic. It makes me feel very nostalgic and it makes me think of how much times have changed since then.”
The romance genre seemed to be a common favorite amongst sick students. Junior biomedical engineering major, Asanti Mohamed’s go-to is “Jane the Virgin.” She stated she finds romance shows comforting and they distract her from her ailment.
Tanya Hladky-Bly, a freshman exploratory student, stated she prefers rewatching her favorite TV shows while sick from “Vampire Diaries” to “Modern Family.”
“I like taking naps when sick, so I still know what’s going on in the show when I wake up,” said Hladky-Bly. “I don’t have to worry about paying attention a lot especially if I don’t feel good.”
Opting for more literary comfort, Luis Zuniga, a freshman majoring in civil engineering, stated that he likes to read “Calvin and Hobbes” while sick.
“I have the whole collection that my parents gave me as a kid,” said Zuniga. “I like it because it’s a nice break from all the technology and it takes me back to being a little kid.”
Andrew Tracey, a senior student majoring in sociology and psychology, recommended the movie “Schizopolis” on Prime.
“I had COVID one time and I found this while browsing through movies,” said Tracey. “It was really disorienting and I thought it was funny to watch while sick.”
The students did not just watch movies and shows or read books while sick, some listened to specific music to feel better.
“When I’m sick I listen to a lot of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Evans. It [Jazz music] is very calming and it’s easy on the ears,” said Zuniga. He specifically stated for others to “listen to Blue and Green by all three.”
“Smile Please by Dean Blunt, it’s a really good song,” said Tracey. “It’s a vibe. I feel like when I’m sick I’m kinda sad, and it just resonates with me. I rock with it.”
