It is inevitable that sometime during the four years that your student is at college he will get hurt or sick.  Missouri S&T Student Health Services can care for students who are injured or sick, and the local emergency room or urgent care centers are available for more serious crises.  However, there will be many times through the college years when your student may just need a bit of help for minor injuries or ailments.  A good first aid kit never substitutes for a sympathetic parent, but when your student is on his own, he will be grateful if he has the necessary tools to help himself.

Put together a first aid kit to send to college with your student.  Of course, you hope she’ll never need it, but she will, and when she does, she’ll appreciate that you planned ahead.  Here are a few things to include in your student’s kit.

• Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for aches and fever
• Thermometer
• Bandaids (think about including some colorful fun ones)
• Gauze bandages
• First aid tape
• Ace bandage
• Alcohol pads
• Antibiotic ointment
• Calamine lotion
• Aloe lotion for sunburn
• Ice pack
• Hot pack
• Tweezers
• Allergy medicine
• Cold medicine
• Cough medicine
• Diarrhea medication
• Scissors
• Cough drops
• Sore throat lozenges
• Flu medicine
• Other standard medications that your student takes
• A small book of first aid procedures

Include anything else that may be standard first aid in your family. What if your student is required to isolate or quarantine due to Covid-19? Missouri S&T Care Management recommends your student bring the following with them to their quarantine space:

• Face coverings, thermometer, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer
• Two-week supply of personal medications/prescriptions
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Paper products (tissues, napkins, etc.)
• Important papers (your I.D., debit or credit card, insurance information)
• Prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lens solution
• Computer, cables, chargers, and surge protector (if needed)
• All schoolwork, books, lab materials, and supplies
• Self-care materials (books, art supplies, puzzles, portable exercise equipment, etc.)
• Pillow and blankets., Linens are provided, but you may bring your own.  
• Towels, toiletries, personal hygiene items, and any bathroom supplies
• Refillable water bottle and non-perishable snacks as desired
• Laundry detergent for washing clothing if needed

Your student will appreciate that you’ve planned ahead and will be ready for any of the small emergencies or illnesses that may occur.  You’ll feel better knowing that your student is prepared.

Source

Author of Article: Vicki Nelson. Article adapted from collegeparentcentral.com.  Please Note: Missouri S&T does not endorse or have a relationship with SOURCE and articles are provided for information purposes only.  Missouri S&T and SOURCE do not assume responsibility for error or omission in materials.  

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