How to Make Important Appointments: A Life Skill Every Gen Z Student Needs
By Ashley Moore
Starting college means more than showing up to class with a backpack and a syllabus. It’s often the first time you are responsible for the full range of adult responsibilities—cooking your own meals, managing money, and even scheduling your own appointments. That last one may sound simple, but for many students, it’s one of the most intimidating.
Research shows that 90% of Gen Z feels anxiety about speaking on the phone.¹ For many young adults, making a call ranks as one of life’s top stressors, sometimes above public speaking or final exams.² Add to that the complexity of health insurance, figuring out which doctor to see, or how to refill a prescription, and it’s no wonder that preventive care rates are lowest among people in their late teens and twenties.³
But here’s the truth: learning how to confidently schedule appointments is a foundational life skill. It’s not just about managing your health; it’s about developing independence and resilience. Let’s break down what every college student should know.
How Often to Schedule Preventive Care
Preventive care may not feel urgent, but it is one of the most responsible steps you can take in college. Skipping it often leads to bigger, more expensive problems later.
At minimum, plan for one annual physical exam with your PCP. This is where a doctor tracks your long-term health, checks vitals, and orders labs if needed. Dental cleanings twice a year are non-negotiable, even if flossing feels optional.
And while it’s easy to forget about eye health, regular vision checks every one to two years can catch problems before they interfere with your studies.
If a specialist is recommended—say a dermatologist for skin issues or a therapist for mental health—book those visits as advised. Preventive care is like keeping up with oil changes on a car: routine maintenance saves you from costly breakdowns.
Navigating Insurance and Referrals
Insurance can feel like a foreign language, but understanding a few basics will help you avoid unnecessary costs. Many college students remain on their parents’ plans until age 26, which means you may need to double-check whether providers near campus are considered “in-network.” In-network simply means the doctor or clinic has agreed to accept your insurance at lower rates.
Before you book an appointment, check your plan’s website or call the number on your insurance card. Ask directly: “Do you accept my insurance?” If you’re being referred to a specialist, some plans require a formal referral from your PCP before covering the visit. Always confirm this ahead of time to avoid surprise bills.
For students without insurance, options still exist. Community clinics, student health centers, and discount prescription programs at pharmacies can reduce costs. The key is not to avoid care altogether but to seek out the resources available to you.
Preparing to Make the Call
Phone anxiety is real, but preparation makes it manageable. The easiest way to reduce stress is to have everything written down before you dial. Offices almost always ask for your full legal name and date of birth to locate or create your file. If you have insurance, keep the card in front of you so you can provide the ID number quickly.
Be ready with a short reason for your visit. Receptionists don’t need your full health history, only enough detail to know which type of appointment to book. For example, “annual checkup,” “tooth pain,” or “sprained ankle” is sufficient.
Here’s a simple script you can practice ahead of time:
“Hello, my name is [full name]. I’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. [name]. My date of birth is [DOB]. The reason for my visit is [short reason]. Do you have availability next week?”
It may feel awkward at first, but repetition makes it natural. Receptionists handle these calls all day long. They aren’t judging you—they’re simply matching needs with time slots.
Explaining Symptoms Without Oversharing
Another common hurdle for students is deciding how much detail to share. While it may feel tempting to explain every background detail, keep your description simple and factual. If you tell the receptionist your throat hurts, that’s enough for them to place you on the schedule. Save the full story for the doctor who will actually evaluate you.
A helpful rule of thumb: aim for two sentences or less when describing your reason for calling. Clear and concise communication helps the process move quickly and lowers the chance of miscommunication.
Pharmacies and Prescriptions
Making appointments often connects directly to managing prescriptions. If a doctor prescribes medication, you’ll need to pick it up at a pharmacy. Many students stick with major chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart), but smaller local pharmacies can also be convenient.
When registering, you’ll need your insurance card and a valid ID. If you don’t have insurance, ask about discount programs—many pharmacies offer reduced rates for common medications. Once you’re registered, refilling prescriptions is usually as simple as using an app or calling the automated refill line.
Why This Matters for College Students
You may wonder why a life skills session about making appointments matters in a college setting. Here’s why: independence doesn’t happen all at once. It’s learned step by step, through ordinary responsibilities. The ability to manage your health proactively demonstrates maturity, reduces stress, and frees you to focus on academics and relationships.
It also sets a pattern for your future. Students who learn to keep up with preventive care, address health issues early, and advocate for themselves in professional settings carry those habits into adulthood. The phone anxiety may not disappear overnight, but each call you make builds confidence.
Takeaways
Phone anxiety is common: 90% of Gen Z reports feeling anxious about phone calls. You are not alone.¹
Know where to go: PCPs, dentists, urgent care, and ERs serve different purposes. Learning the difference saves time and money.
Preventive care matters: Annual checkups, dental cleanings, and vision exams keep problems from escalating.
Be prepared: Have your name, DOB, insurance, and reason for visit written down before calling.
Keep it concise: Receptionists only need brief information; details go to the doctor.
Pharmacies are part of the process: Register early, keep prescriptions updated, and ask about discounts if uninsured.
Footnotes
CBS News, “Gen Z Developing Phone Phobia,” Aug 1, 2023. Link
Psychology Today, “Why Gen-Zers Keep Their Phones on ‘Do Not Disturb’,” May 23, 2024. Link
Murdoch University, “Young People Hate Making Phone Calls,” Jun 28, 2024. Link
SEO Kit
SEO Title: How to Make Important Appointments: A Life Skill for Gen Z Students
Meta Description: 90% of Gen Z feels anxious about making phone calls. Learn practical tips for booking doctor, dentist, and other appointments with confidence in college.
Slug: how-to-make-important-appointments-gen-z
Keywords/Tags: Gen Z phone anxiety, college life skills, how to make appointments, scheduling doctor visits, healthcare for students, managing prescriptions, independence in college, adulting tips for Gen Z