Stay updated

COVID-19 testing protocols and availability are subject to change based on guidance from UI Health Care (UIHC) and the fluid nature of the presence of the virus in our community.

This page will be updated as we receive new information, but we encourage students to contact our Student Health Nurseline with any questions or concerns: 319-335-9704.

For more information, please visit the university's COVID-19 website.

Quick links

COVID-19 Testing

Students should complete the MyChart Self-Checker to determine their risk level and the appropriate next steps.

  • Those with mild symptoms and without any underlying medical conditions will be referred to alternative testing options (please see below).

  • If you have symptoms you feel need to be evaluated, call our schedulers at 319-335-8394 to schedule a visit with a provider.  

  • If you are unsure or would like to speak to a nurse regarding your symptoms, call the Student Health Nurseline at 319-335-9704. 

At the start of spring semester, the Welcome Center in the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU), Student Health locations in the IMU and Westlawn, and each residence hall front desk will have COVID-19 test kits available. We strongly encourage symptomatic students to pick up one test kit, if needed. Individuals may also consider requesting a free COVID-19 test for pick-up or mail delivery through Test Iowa.

Test kits may be dropped off at Westlawn or any other drop-off site listed on the Test Iowa website for analysis. If you bring your sample to Westlawn or IMU Nurse Care by 12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, the test will be taken to the lab same day. Any sample collected after 12:45 p.m. on Friday should be taken to a UPS drop-off site.  

There are a variety of alternative testing options available in our community, including:

Important note about home tests: The home rapid antigen test kits can miss COVID-19 in the early stages of illness. If your symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 but you receive a negative test, we recommend you continue to isolate, mask around others, and re-test with an additional home test 24 hours after your first test.  Alternatively, you can do a follow-up PCR-based (Test Iowa saliva test) test at any time . 

If you have an exposure or test positive for COVID-19, follow these CDC guidelines or refer to the UI Health Care guide for exposures and positive tests. 

Students who test positive:
  • For all those exposed, best practice would be to test for COVID-19 five days after exposure. Request a free COVID-19 test for pick-up or mail delivery through Test Iowa. 
  • Remember to complete the UI Self Reporting form. We also ask you to upload positive results from Test Iowa and/or home antigen tests into your MyChart so we can update your medical record. Your name and birthdate should be included on the test results. 

If you need a test for travel, home visits, events, or clinical rotations at care facilities you should use the Test Iowa saliva test kits or purchase a test from a local pharmacy.   

Students who need testing for international travel should review all travel guidelines carefully. Call our Nurseline (319-335-9704) with questions. 

COVID-19 Vaccination

The University of Iowa strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19 and is a safer way to build protection than through natural immunity. The vaccine will be provided free of charge no matter where you are vaccinated. 

Vaccination locations on campus:

UI Health Care has provided a comprehensive FAQ about COVID-19 vaccine safety, which we encourage you to review.

For more information, please visit the university's COVID-19 website.