Let’s face it: illnesses and injuries occur at university, and no one wants to leave their space in search of medicine and food. Before my daughters left for school, I picked up a medium-sized toiletry bag from IKEA. Inside, we included items that my children were used to having at home. If your child takes prescription medications, it is essential to connect with a local pharmacy near the college, and your primary doctor should have the local pharmacy phone number on file in case of an emergency.
These first aid kits lasted my children throughout college. At the end of each school year, I would replenish any supplies that had been used and added any items that had been forgotten. By the end of the four years, we perfected the first aid kits with all the necessary items. Below, I’ve included what the bags contained, but feel free to tailor it to what fits your children.
Good luck!
Illnesses:
- Tylenol and/or Advil
- Ibuprofen
- Allergy medication
- Cold and flu medication for day and night
- Tea bags
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamin C tablets
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
- Hydration powder to mix with water
- COVID tests
Injuries:
- First-aid manual
- Antibiotic ointment with pain relief
- Thermometer
- Different-sized sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Band-Aids in several sizes.
- Elastic bandage (like Ace wrap)
- Disposable latex or synthetic gloves
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
- Medical scissors
- Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
- Bug bite spray and bug repellent spray
- Instant cold pack
Miscellaneous:
- Sewing kit
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
It’s also important to purchase cans of your child’s favorite soup, and/or items that they like to eat when sick. We stored these items in their room near the medical bag.