The present work is divided in three sections. First, it presents a review of research about the stress-illness relation. Second, it shows a characterization of the student body from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNC). Finally, it presents the findings of a recent study by the authors that makes a comparison between students admitted through the regular admission process, and those admitted through one of the Special Admission Programs (Best high school graduates from impoverished districts) at UNC. It is emphasized the need for research aimed to know the students life conditions and to identify risk factors for some stress-related health problems as well as alcohol and drugs abuse, in order to plan prevention strategies.