Move-in day at college is an exciting milestone. You’ll have new roommates, new routines and a whole lot of newfound freedom. But it also means you are on your own when it comes to your health, sometimes for the first time.
Most students don’t think about getting sick until they’re already dealing with a fever, sore throat or injury. But when you’re away from home, being prepared can make all the difference.
A dorm room health kit helps you manage minor illnesses and injuries. More importantly, it gives you quick access to the medical information, supplies and resources you’ll need if something unexpected happens.
Read on to learn what to expect from your first year and six steps to build a dorm room health kit and create a health plan before move-in day.
What you’re up against
It helps to know what may be coming, health-wise. Shared bathrooms, dining halls and close quarters make dorms one of the easiest places to pick up an illness.
“The most common health issues for first-year students are upper respiratory infections, mental health concerns and sleep problems,” said Russell Horton, DO, a pediatrician with Banner Health. “Freshmen can have significantly higher rates of respiratory illness than upperclassmen, plus the stress of adjusting to college life can trigger or worsen anxiety, depression and poor sleep.”
Common culprits in the first year:
- Colds and upper respiratory infections
- Flu (influenza)
- Stomach bugs (gastroenteritis)
- Strep throat and sinus infections
- Headaches and minor injuries
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep problems
- Allergies flaring in a new environment
The good news is that most of these are manageable, especially when you’re prepared. Here’s your college move-in checklist:
Step 1: Gather your health information
The most important part of your health kit may not be medicine at all. Before heading to campus, keep key health information with you and store a backup copy in your kit.
Dr. Horton recommends keeping this information in an easily accessible phone note or on a “pocket card” you can keep in your wallet or purse.
Include:
- Health insurance card
- Current medications
- Drug allergies
- Medical conditions
- Immunization records
- Primary care provider contact information
- Emergency contacts
- Campus health center contact information
- Health care power of attorney (students age 18 and older)
“Privacy laws change at 18, so a health care power of attorney is important,” Dr. Horton said. “This way, your mom, dad or a trusted person can help make medical decisions in an emergency.”
Step 2: Get up to date on vaccinations
Before leaving for campus, confirm that all immunizations are up to date, including those that are easy to overlook.
“Meningitis can and has caused serious injury, loss of limbs and death in college students,” Dr. Horton said. “We vaccinate around ages 16 to 18 with two meningitis vaccines because this is a high-risk period. These safe, simple vaccines can save their lives.”
Check to see if you are up to date on these vaccines:
- Meningococcal (MenACWY and MenB)
- Tdap
- HPV
- Annual flu and COVID shots
Step 3: Pack a health kit
You don’t need much; a small tote or a shoebox is enough. The goal is to handle common issues (headaches, minor cuts, colds) without leaving campus at midnight.
First-aid supplies:
- Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers
- Digital thermometer
Health essentials:
- Pain and fever relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Antihistamine (allergy medicine)
- Antacids
- Anti-diarrheal medicine
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Hydrocortisone cream
If you have asthma, keep a rescue inhaler on hand at all times. If you have severe allergies, always keep an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) nearby.
Step 4: Learn how to use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines safely
Many college students take OTC meds without fully understanding what they’re taking.
“The biggest mistake college students make is not reading the drug label, taking more than the recommended dose and combining medications that contain the same active ingredient,” Dr. Horton said.
Be careful when combining prescription and OTC medicines. Some combinations can increase or decrease their effects.
If you’re unsure which medication is right for your symptoms, ask a pharmacist or health care provider.
Step 5: Create a plan for chronic conditions
If you have asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, mental health conditions or other ongoing medical concerns, take extra steps before leaving home.
Before arriving on campus:
- Refill prescriptions
- Understand your medications
- Locate nearby pharmacies and transfer your prescriptions
- Connect with the student health center
- Register for accommodations with the campus disability or health office, if needed
- Keep emergency action plans accessible
- Schedule follow-up appointments with your home care team
Step 6: Know where to go when you need care
Don’t wait until you’re sick to figure out where to get help.
Use student health services for:
- Colds and flu
- Sore throats
- Rashes
- Birth control and sexual health concerns
- Mental health concerns
- Medication refills
- Routine medical issues
Use urgent care for:
- Sprains and strains
- Ear infections
- Minor burns
- Cuts that may need stitches
- Minor injuries
Go to the ER for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe allergic reactions
- Chest pain
- Serious injuries
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Save the phone numbers and locations for these services before classes start.
One more thing for parents: Talk about tough stuff
College brings new situations and students do better when they feel they can ask for help. Before move-in, have open, judgment-free conversations about sexual health, alcohol and substance abuse. Help your child understand what resources are available on campus, such as counseling, peer support and health clinics.
“The stress of adjusting to college life can trigger anxiety, depression and poor sleep, all of which can make school harder,” Dr. Horton said. “Knowing resources are available to you and feeling comfortable using them makes a real difference.”
[Also read: How to Tell If Your Child Is Struggling With Their Mental Health.]
Bottom line
A dorm room health kit is more than a box of medicine and bandages. It’s a plan.
By packing a few basic supplies, organizing your medical information and knowing where to go for care, you’ll be ready to handle common health issues with confidence and focus on making the most of your college experience.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a college health kit?
A college health kit should include a thermometer, first-aid supplies, common OTC medicines, prescription information, insurance details and emergency contacts.
Should college students bring their insurance card?
Yes. Students should bring a physical or digital insurance card and know how to use it for student health, urgent care, pharmacy visits or emergency care.
Can students keep medicine in a dorm room?
Yes but medications should stay in their original packaging, be stored safely and be used only as directed.
When should a college student go to urgent care?
Urgent care may be appropriate for non-emergency symptoms that need same-day attention, such as fever, sore throat, minor injuries, urinary symptoms or worsening cold symptoms.
When should a college student go to the ER?
Go to the ER or call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reaction, severe injury, confusion, fainting, alcohol poisoning or thoughts of self-harm.
When should a college student go to student health services?
Student health services are often the best choice for routine illnesses, colds, flu symptoms, sore throats, mental health concerns, medication refills and preventive care.
What vaccines should college students have before moving into a dorm?
Students should be up to date on all recommended vaccines, including meningococcal which helps protect against meningitis. Talk with your health care provider before move-in day to review your immunization record.
