Michaelmas term at Cambridge can be a wonderful time: crisp winter mornings, crunching leaves on the way to class, and the fun and excitement of meeting new people. But with these experiences comes the less than wonderful soundtrack of coughing and sneezing in every lecture hall. If you’re reading this, you’ve either already sniffled your way through your weekly supervisions while friends and colleagues look at you askew, or you are said friend trying to subtly shift your seat away from your germ-ridden mate. If the former, then your immune system needs building back up again and, if you’re one of the lucky ones who hasn’t yet sneezed in the face of your lecturer, then eating these vitamin-rich foods will help to keep you healthy.

Oranges: This is an easy way to get plenty of vitamin C, which is known to boost your immune system and make you less likely to come down with flu. 

Carrots: Foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, are an excellent way to maintain a strong immune system. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which keeps the mucous membranes in our nose and throat functioning properly. 

Drink more tea: Green, black or white teas are abundant in catechins, antioxidants which boost your metabolism and overall immunity to diseases.

Manuka honey: If you are really keen on warding off unwanted bugs, opt for Manuka honey. It might be on the pricey side, but if it means you have a cold-free term, it’s surely worth it. Manuka honey has impressive anti-bacterial qualities which can help you recover from colds faster. To reap the maximum benefits, ensure regular consumption; up to one tablespoon a day is sufficient. If you don’t like the taste of honey, try stirring it into tea such as chamomile, or even drizzling it over porridge, vanilla ice-cream or yoghurt.