You may find that you become short of breath doing everyday activities like climbing stairs. During the first week or two, you may feel slightly dizzy at times or complain of headaches. These symptoms may be a sign of altitude sickness and should pass. However, if these symptoms become severe, it is important that you let your host family or someone at the College know so that you can see a doctor. It is very easy to become dehydrated in Colorado's arid climate.
Drinking water can help to offset some of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Other effects of the arid climate are dry lips and skin and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Some students even complain of nosebleeds during the dry winter months. If you find that you are particularly bothered by the dry climate, having a humidifier in your dorm room can help to alleviate some of the problems. Boettcher Health Center can also give you advice on ways to stay hydrated if you're having recurring problems. Local Transportation Unfortunately, public transportation in Colorado Springs is not as convenient as most students would like.