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D.I.Y. First Aid Kit - A College Must Have
Nobody ever thinks about packing a first aid kit... until they're sick at 2 a.m.
This is the first aid kit my mom (who's a nurse) helped me put together before I left for college, and honestly, it got me through all four years. From random headaches before exams and late-night stomach aches to surprise colds, cuts from projects, allergies, and even discovering I had a serious food allergy, I reached into this box way more than I ever expected.
The goal isn't to prepare for every possible medical emergency. It's simply to have the things you're most likely to need so you don't have to make a late-night trip to the pharmacy when you're already feeling awful.
I've organized everything by category so it's easy to find what you need when you're not feeling your best. For every item, I'll explain why I recommend it, who actually needs it, and leave links to both a name-brand and generic option (and sometimes my personal favorite) so you can choose what works best for you and your budget.
If you're still shopping for college, be sure to check out my Complete College Dorm Packing Guide too! It covers everything from bedding and bathroom essentials to school supplies, kitchen items, decorations, and all the little things I wish someone had told me to bring before freshman year.
👉 Read my Full College Dorm Packing Guide here: https://madisongreedy.wixsite.com/madison-reedy-2/about-6
Hopefully, you'll barely touch this box during college. But if you do need it, you'll be really glad you packed it.
Before You Shop
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through some of the links on this page. That being said, my goal is not to convince you to buy things you don't need or to recommend the most expensive products just because they pay more.
This first aid kit is based on the one my mom (who's a nurse) helped me put together before I left for college. Over the years, I've added a few things, swapped out others, and learned what I actually reached for and what just took up space. That's exactly what you'll find here.
For most items, I've linked both a name-brand option and a generic version so you can decide what's best for your budget. In a few cases, I'll also include my personal favorite if I think it's genuinely worth it. Most of the time, the generic version works just as well and costs a lot less.
Please don't feel like you need to buy everything on this list. Chances are you already have a lot of these things at home. Before buying anything, check your bathroom cabinet or ask your parents what they already have. A first aid kit doesn't have to be expensive to be a good one.
One of the biggest reasons this guide is so important to me is that it actually made a difference in my life. During college, I discovered I had a severe food allergy that I didn't know about. If my mom hadn't packed Benadryl in my first aid kit, things could have turned out very differently. Thankfully, I had it with me, got the help I needed, and now I carry an EpiPen everywhere. That experience taught me that having a few basic supplies on hand isn't just convenient, it can genuinely matter.
If you do decide to buy anything, I like Amazon simply because it's easy to compare products, read reviews, and get everything in one place. I also recommend downloading the free Chrome extension, Honey. I've used it for years, and it's saved me a surprising amount of money. It automatically searches for coupon codes, lets you know when prices have dropped on many websites, and helps you avoid buying something when the price is unusually high. It's not great for Amazon coupons, but it's fantastic for almost every other online store.
You can download it here: joinhoney.com/ref/krtould
Most importantly, I hope this guide gives you peace of mind. Hopefully, you'll barely have to touch your first aid kit during college. But if you wake up sick the morning of an exam, get a random cut while working on a project, or your roommate comes knocking because they need a Band-Aid, you'll be really glad you took the time to put one together.
And if you choose to shop through one of my links, thank you. It helps support my website and allows me to keep making free resources like this for future students. ❤️
The Box
You need somewhere to put everything!
First Aid Bin
You don't need anything fancy for your first aid kit. My mom (who's a nurse) put mine together in a simple plastic shoe box-sized bin, and it got me through all four years of college.
It wasn't the prettiest or the most organized, but it fit under my bed, was easy to find, and held everything I needed.
If you're someone who likes things a little more organized, I also linked a toolbox-style organizer with trays and compartments. It's much easier to find things quickly, especially when you're sick or someone asks, "Do you have a Band-Aid?"
Whatever container you choose, the most important thing is keeping everything in one place. Trust me, you don't want to be digging through five drawers at 2 a.m. looking for cough medicine.
Best for: everyone.
Bandage Organizer
This is one thing I didn't have in college, but I honestly wish I did.
I recommend having a few different types of bandages in your first aid kit, like regular Band-Aids, waterproof bandages, blister bandages, gauze, and medical tape. The problem is they all come in separate boxes, and those boxes take up way more room than you'd expect. Mine eventually got crushed, the Band-Aids spilled everywhere, and every time I needed one I found myself digging through my entire first aid kit trying to find the right size.
I recently found a few different bandage organizers, and they honestly seem like a great solution. Some are made specifically for Band-Aids, while others are just small organizer boxes with adjustable dividers. Either one gets the job done. Of course, if you're happy keeping everything in the original boxes, that's totally fine too. It's your first aid kit! If you do decide to get an organizer, just make sure it actually fits inside your first aid bin before ordering it.
Best for: anyone who likes to keep their first aid kit organized.
First Aid Kit Supplies
These are the things I think almost every college student should have in their first aid kit. Hopefully you won't need most of these very often, but when you do, you'll be really glad you packed them instead of making a late-night pharmacy run.
The Basics
Thermometer
A thermometer is one of those things you don't think about until you're laying in bed wondering, "Do I actually have a fever, or do I just feel terrible?"
I recommend getting a no-touch thermometer because it's quick, easy to use, and much more convenient if you ever need to share it with a roommate. It also takes up almost no space in your first aid kit.
Best for: everyone.
PPE Kit
This isn't something you'll probably use often, but it's one of those things that's really nice to have. There are small disposable PPE kits that have everything you need. Including gloves, a face mask, hand sanitizer or wipes, and a few other basic protective items, all packed together.
It's perfect for keeping in your first aid kit because everything stays clean, organized, and ready to use if you ever need it. Hopefully, it just sits in the box for four years, but it's good to know it's there.
Best for: everyone.
Disposable Gloves
Even if you have a PPE kit, I still recommend keeping a small box of disposable gloves in your room. They're useful for helping a roommate with a cut, cleaning up something gross, or handling anything you really don't want to touch with your bare hands.
I recommend nitrile gloves since they're durable and don't contain latex, making them a good option for almost everyone.
Best for: everyone who thinks they will use a lot of gloves or doesn't want to buy the PPE Kit above.
Scissors
A small pair of scissors ends up being useful for way more than just first aid. They're great for cutting gauze, paper tape, bandages, clothing tags, and opening stubborn packages.
You don't need anything fancy. Just a small pair that stays in your first aid kit so you always know where to find them.
Best for: everyone.
Tweezers
Tweezers are one of those little tools you'll be glad you packed. They're great for removing splinters, pulling out small pieces of glass, grabbing ticks if you ever end up hiking, or even just dealing with the occasional stubborn ingrown hair.
A good pair lasts for years, so it's worth spending a few extra dollars on one that actually grips well.
Best for: everyone.
Cotton Pads
Cotton pads are useful for way more than just skincare. They're great for applying antiseptics, cleaning small cuts, removing makeup, or even holding pressure on a scrape before putting on a bandage.
A small pack barely takes up any room, and you'll probably find yourself reaching for them more often than you expect.
Best for: everyone.
Instant Heat Pack
Instant heat packs are perfect for sore muscles, cramps, stiff necks from studying all day, or just warming up on a cold morning. Since they activate when you squeeze them, you don't need a microwave, which makes them great for dorms.
I still recommend having an electric heating pad too, but these are nice when you need heat immediately or don't have access to an outlet.
Best for: everyone.
Instant Ice Pack
Whether you bump your head or roll an ankle, instant cold packs are incredibly handy. Just squeeze them to activate, and they're ready to use in seconds.
Since they don't need a freezer, they're perfect for dorm rooms where freezer space is limited or shared with roommates.
Best for: everyone.
Cuts & Wounds
Bandages (Variety Pack)
If you're only buying one thing for your first aid kit, make it a variety pack of Band-Aids. You never realize how many random cuts and scrapes happen until you're living on your own. Paper cuts, shaving nicks, cooking accidents, blisters from new shoes... they all happen.
I recommend getting a variety pack with different sizes and shapes so you always have one that fits. Trust me, those tiny fingertip bandages come in handy way more often than you'd think.
Best for: everyone.
Neosporin
Whenever I get a cut or scrape, I usually clean it first and then put on a little Neosporin before covering it with a bandage. It helps keep the wound protected while it heals.
A small tube lasts a long time and barely takes up any room in your first aid kit, making it an easy thing to always keep around.
Best for: everyone.
Antibacterial Wound Spray
Cleaning a cut is never fun, but it's one of the most important steps before putting on a bandage. I like keeping an antibacterial wound spray because it's quick, easy to use, and you don't have to touch the cut as much.
It's especially nice for scrapes or awkward places that are harder to clean with soap and water right away.
Best for: everyone.
Gauze Pads
Sometimes a Band-Aid just isn't big enough. Gauze pads are great for larger cuts, scrapes, or wounds that need a little more coverage.
I recommend keeping a small pack in your kit. Even if you never use them yourself, they're nice to have if a roommate ever needs help.
Best for: everyone.
Paper Tape
Paper tape is made to hold gauze in place without being too harsh on your skin. It's easy to tear by hand, removes much more comfortably than regular tape, and is a staple in just about every first aid kit.
Even if you don't use gauze very often, a roll of paper tape is inexpensive and lasts for years.
Best for: everyone.
Self-Adherent Sports Wrap
This stretchy wrap sticks to itself instead of your skin, making it great for wrapping sprains, supporting sore joints, or keeping gauze securely in place.
It doesn't replace a brace for a serious injury, but it's incredibly handy for minor aches, strains, or keeping a dressing from moving around.
Best for: everyone, especially active students.
Waterproof Bandages
Regular Band-Aids are great, but sometimes you need one that can survive a shower, washing dishes, or a day at the beach without peeling off five minutes later.
I like keeping a few waterproof bandages in my kit alongside my regular ones because they really do stay on much better when they get wet.
Best for: athletes, if you spend time in the water.
Waterproof Medical Tape
If you ever need to keep gauze or another dressing on while showering or being around water, waterproof medical tape is incredibly useful.
I don't think you need a huge roll, but having one in your kit gives you a lot more flexibility than relying on regular paper tape alone.
Best for: athletes, if you spend time in the water.
Blister Bandages
If you've ever had a blister, you know a regular Band-Aid just doesn't cut it. Blister bandages are designed to cushion the area, reduce friction, and stay on much better while you're walking.
These are especially great if you're a big hiker, athlete, or spend a lot of time on your feet. They're also a lifesaver if you're rushing a sorority and end up wearing heels for hours on end. (Trust me... I've been there.) I always like keeping a few in my first aid kit because they take up almost no space, but can save your feet when you need them most.
Best for: hikers, athletes, anyone breaking in new shoes, or students rushing in heels.
Cold and Flu
Airborne/Emergen-C
I always keep a few packets of Emergen-C in my first aid kit because they take up almost no space and are easy to throw in a backpack if you're traveling home for the weekend.
The second I start feeling like I'm coming down with something, I usually mix one into a bottle of water. Is it a miracle cure? Definitely not. But it helps me stay hydrated, gives me a little vitamin C boost, and makes me feel like I'm at least trying to fight off whatever is coming.
Best for: everyone.
Cold Medicine Day & Night
If you're only going to keep one type of cold medicine in your room, I'd make it a daytime and nighttime combo pack. When you're sick in college, life doesn't stop. You still have classes, homework, and probably an exam you can't miss.
Daytime medicine helps you get through the day without feeling completely miserable, while nighttime medicine can help you actually get some sleep when you're congested or coughing all night. I usually buy the generic version because it works just as well and is almost always cheaper.
Best for: everyone.
Cough Drops
Cough drops are one of those things you'll be happy to have before you actually need them. Whether your throat is sore, you're losing your voice, or you just can't stop coughing during lecture, they're a lifesaver.
I recommend keeping a bag in your first aid kit and tossing a handful into your backpack too. Trying not to cough your way through a quiet classroom is never fun.
Best for: everyone.
Vapor Rub
As a Hispanic, I feel legally obligated to include Vapor Rub.
Growing up, Vicks was basically the cure for everything. Congested? Vicks. Coughing? Vicks. Sore muscles? Vicks. Just got dumped? Vicks!
Jokes aside, I still keep a jar in my first aid kit because it really does help when you're stuffed up and trying to sleep. Even just rubbing a little on your chest before bed can make those miserable cold nights a little more bearable.
The Abuela trick, rub it on the soles of your feet and put on some fuzzy socks.
Best for: everyone.
Saline Nasal Rinse
If you've never used a saline rinse before, it honestly feels like magic when you're really congested. It helps flush out mucus, allergens, and everything else that's making it hard to breathe.
It's especially nice during allergy season or if your dorm gets really dry in the winter. It can seriously save you if you have an exam, presentation, or interview, and you don't wanna be sniffing your way through it.
The classic ones are great, but let's be honest, who has distilled water in their dorm? Buying one ready to go is the way to go!
Best for: everyone.
Stomach Aches
Pepto-Bismol
Nothing ruins your day quite like an upset stomach. Whether it's food poisoning, something from the dining hall that didn't agree with you, or just one too many late-night snacks, Pepto-Bismol is one of those things that's nice to have before you need it.
I personally like the chewable tablets because they don't take up much room, don't expire as quickly once opened, and you don't have to measure out a liquid when you're already not feeling great.
Best for: everyone.
Anti-Diarrheal Medicine
This isn't the most glamorous thing to pack, but future you will be incredibly thankful it's there. Sometimes your stomach just decides it's having a bad day, and the last thing you want is to run to the pharmacy while you're already feeling awful.
Hopefully you'll never need it, but it's definitely one of those "better to have it and not need it" items.
Best for: everyone.
Tums
Whether it's pizza at midnight, way too much coffee during finals week, or just random heartburn, Tums are something I reached for more often than I expected.
The chewable tablets work quickly and barely take up any space in your first aid kit.
Best for: everyone.
Gas-X
Let's be honest... nobody likes talking about gas, but everyone deals with it at some point.
Gas-X can help with uncomfortable bloating and trapped gas that sometimes comes from eating differently than you do at home. Between dining hall food, eating too fast between classes, and surviving on ramen during finals, your stomach might need a little help every once in a while.
Best for: everyone.
Amazon Link to Gas-X: https://amzn.to/4fojFpc
Allergies & Skin
Daily Allergy Medicine
If you have seasonal allergies, don't assume they'll be the same in college. My college town was surrounded by agriculture, and my allergies were absolutely terrible. I remember having to skip class, take the bus to CVS, and wander around hoping to find something that would help because I was so miserable.
After a lot of trial and error, I eventually figured out that taking Allegra along with Flonase worked best for me. My sister, on the other hand, swears by Zyrtec. Everyone is different, so don't be afraid to try a few options (or talk with your doctor) to figure out what works best for you before allergy season hits.
Best for: anyone with seasonal or environmental allergies.
Sorry, this is a long one :|
Amazon Link to Allegra: https://amzn.to/4prSfmK
Amazon Link to Zyretc: https://amzn.to/4b1R4EM
Amazon Link to Claritin: https://amzn.to/4fNv2Hx
Amazon Link to Flonase: https://amzn.to/4bSvNNY
Amazon Link to Allegra Generic: https://amzn.to/4fcj8I5
Amazon Link to Zyretc Generic: https://amzn.to/4pz4P3U
Benadryl
This one quite literally saved my life.
During college, I found out I had a severe food allergy that I never knew I had. Thankfully, my mom (who's a nurse) had packed Benadryl in my first aid kit before I moved out. Having it on hand gave me enough time to get help, and I'm incredibly grateful she insisted I bring it. I now carry an EpiPen everywhere I go.
Even if you don't have known allergies, allergic reactions can happen unexpectedly. Benadryl is something I think every first aid kit should have. Just remember that it can make you very sleepy, so don't drive or operate anything if you've taken it.
Best for: everyone.
Anti-Itch Eye Drops
If your allergies make your eyes itchy, watery, or constantly irritated, these are a lifesaver. During allergy season, I reached for these almost every day because my eyes wouldn't stop watering.
They're especially helpful if you wear contacts or spend long hours staring at a computer screen while your allergies are acting up.
Best for: anyone with seasonal allergies or itchy eyes.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is great for those random itchy rashes that seem to appear out of nowhere. It can also help with bug bites, poison oak or ivy, mild skin irritation, and other itchy spots that don't really need a doctor's visit.
A small tube lasts a long time and barely takes up any room in your first aid kit.
Best for: everyone.
Amazon Link to Cortizone-10: https://amzn.to/4pNUFfX
Amazon Link to Benadryl Itch Relief: https://amzn.to/3TbM7TJ
Aloe Vera
Whether you spent a little too long at the beach, forgot sunscreen, or accidentally touched something hot, aloe vera is great for soothing irritated skin.
I like keeping a small bottle around because it doesn't only work for sunburns. It also feels nice on minor skin irritation and can help cool things down after a long day outside.
Best for: everyone
Bug Spray
Depending on where you go to college, bug spray might be something you use every weekend or never touch at all. If your school has hiking trails, lakes, camping trips, or lots of mosquitoes, you'll definitely be glad you packed some.
A travel-size bottle is usually all you need, and it's easy to toss into your backpack before heading outside.
Best for: everyone.
Amazon Link to OFF Aersol Bug Spray: https://amzn.to/3Tu9vMh
Sunscreen
Wear your sunscreen. Seriously.
One thing I didn't realize before college was just how much time I'd spend outside. Walking to class, eating lunch with friends, studying on the lawn, sporting events, and trips to the beach all add up. Even if you're only outside for 10 or 15 minutes at a time, those little walks across campus happen multiple times a day.
While I'm not sure if this is a formal first aid kit item, it is still very important to bring it to college. I recommend keeping a small bottle in your first aid kit as a just-in-case, or just bring a big bottle with you and keep it with your beach towel. Your future self will thank you, and your skin will too.
Best for: everyone
Amazon Link to Coppertone Every Tone Face & Body: https://amzn.to/4gM4oRp
Amazon Link to Sun Bum Face + Body Stick: https://amzn.to/4vzrdeF
Amazon Link to Sun Bum Reef-Safe Mineral Body Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4w7k5as
Amazon Link to Sun Bum Reef-Safe Mineral Body Aerosol Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4fIIY6t
Amazon Link to Sun Bum Reef-Safe Mineral Face & Body Spray Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3RO7qdD
Pain Relief
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Tylenol is one of those medications I think everyone should have in their first aid kit. It's great for headaches, fevers, sore throats, body aches when you're sick, or just those random days when you wake up not feeling your best.
I usually reach for Tylenol when I have a headache or a fever from being sick. It's one of those basics that's worth keeping stocked because you never know when you'll need it.
I like it because if I'm not up for eating, Tylenol is still safe to have.
Best for: everyone
Advil (Ibuprofen)
Advil is another first aid kit staple. Unlike Tylenol, it also helps reduce inflammation, making it a great option for sore muscles after a workout, minor injuries, swelling, dental pain, or period cramps.
I like having both Tylenol and Advil in my first aid kit because they each have their strengths. Depending on what you're dealing with, one may work better than the other, so it's nice to have both available instead of wishing you had the other one. Just make sure you eat or have something in your stomach with Advil.
Best for: everyone.
Women's Health
Emergency Period Supplies
Even if your period is usually super predictable, college has a funny way of changing that. Stress, lack of sleep, traveling, and changes in routine can all make it show up early, late, or when you least expect it.
I always recommend keeping a small stash of pads or tampons in your first aid kit, but also keeping a few in your backpack. You do not want to wake up the morning of your exam only to realize your period started early and you only have one pad left. Then, to make things even funnier, your roommate asks if you have one because somehow you both synced up. It happens more often than you'd think.
Best for: anyone who gets a period.
Plan B
This is one of those things you hope you never need, but if you do, you'll be glad you already have it.
Plan B works best the sooner it's taken, and the last thing you want is to be driving around to different pharmacies hoping someone still has it in stock. Keeping one on hand can give you a lot of peace of mind, especially since it's usually good for several years before it expires. Just be sure to check the expiration date every once in a while.
Best for: anyone who may need emergency contraception.
Electric Heating Pad
Just like the sunscreen, I actually didn't keep my heating pad inside my first aid kit because it was just too big, but I kept it right next to it in my dorm room. I ended up using it way more than I expected.
It's great for period cramps, sore muscles after a workout, back pain from sitting at your desk all day, or even just warming up on a cold night. If you have the space, I'd definitely recommend bringing one. Just make sure your dorm allows them and remember to unplug it when you're done.
Best for: anyone who gets a period.
Specialty Items
Liquid I.V. / DripDrop
Electrolyte packets are one of those things that's nice to have for more than just being sick. They're great if you're dehydrated, have a stomach bug, spent all day in the sun, had an intense workout, or just forgot to drink enough water.
Personally, I can't have regular Liquid I.V. because I have a stevia allergy, so I usually buy DripDrop instead. If you don't have any dietary restrictions, either one is a great option to keep on hand.
Best for: everyone.
Latex-Free Condoms
If you're sexually active, it's always a good idea to keep condoms on hand. Even if you don't think you'll need them, it's much better to have them and not need them than the other way around.
I specifically recommend latex-free condoms because they're safe for people with latex allergies and work just as well for everyone else. Plus, you never know if you or your partner may have a latex allergy.
Best for: everyone, but espeically anyone who is sexually active.
Melatonin
Melatonin is one of those things that's nice to have just in case.
College can be stressful, and sometimes your brain just refuses to shut off. Maybe your roommate is still up gaming, maybe you're anxious about your 7 a.m. exam, or maybe you're just in a new environment and can't fall asleep.
I don't recommend taking it every night, but it's really nice to have for those occasional nights when you just need a little help falling asleep.
Best for: anyone who occasionally has trouble falling asleep.
EpiPen
If you have a severe allergy, this is probably the most important thing in your first aid kit.
After discovering my food allergy in college, I don't go anywhere without my epinephrine auto-injector. Thankfully, I've only had to use Benadryl so far, but having an EpiPen gives me a lot of peace of mind.
There are now several epinephrine auto-injector options available, including the brand-name EpiPen, authorized generics, and newer options like Neffy, a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray. Talk with your doctor about which one is right for you and always carry it if you've been prescribed one.
It is also essential that you and, possibly, your roommate know how to use an EpiPen in the event of an emergency. I have linked below a trainer EpiPen to learn from or teach others how to use.
Best for: anyone with a severe allergy who has been prescribed epinephrine.
Lactase Pills
If you're lactose intolerant, these are absolutely worth carrying around. College dining halls love cheese, milk, ice cream, and pretty much every other dairy product imaginable.
Keeping a small container of lactase pills in your backpack or first aid kit can save you from having to avoid your favorite foods or deal with an upset stomach later.
Best for: anyone who is lactose intolerant.
Narcan (Naloxone)
Narcan is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and has saved countless lives. Even if you don't use opioids yourself, you never know when someone around you might need help. Many colleges actually provide free Narcan and short training sessions because it's become such an important part of emergency preparedness.
Hopefully, you'll never have to use it, but if you ever find yourself in that situation, having Narcan available could save someone's life while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. It's easy to use, and most versions are a simple nasal spray.
My sorority required me to carry it, and I always had it with me at parties, bars, concerts, and events. I never had to use it, luckily, but I had friends who don't partake and used it at parties. It's very small, can fit in your purse, be the hero, carry it!
If you ever have to administer Narcan, always call 911 immediately, even if the person wakes up afterward. The effects of Narcan can wear off before the opioids leave the person's system, so medical care is still necessary.
Best for: anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency, especially students living in dorms, apartments, or attending social events.
Tips for Prescription Medications
One thing a lot of people forget to think about before leaving for college is how they're actually going to get their prescription medications. Things like birth control, insulin, ADHD medication, inhalers, and other prescriptions usually aren't something you can just grab from the university convenience store when you run out.
My biggest recommendation is to make a plan before you move in. I had Kaiser, and honestly it made things really easy because I could have my prescriptions shipped directly to my dorm and simply pick them up from the mailroom. Since COVID, a lot of pharmacies have started offering mail-order prescriptions for little to no extra cost, and in my opinion, that's by far the easiest option if your insurance allows it.
Another great option is your campus health center. Most colleges have a surprisingly good student health center where you can get prescriptions and even many over-the-counter medications for a reduced price. Some pharmacies can transfer your prescriptions there, making it easy to stop by between classes instead of driving across town. It's definitely worth checking with your pharmacy and your school's health center to see what's available.
If you already use a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, transferring your prescription to a location near your college is usually a quick and easy process. Even stores like Target and Costco have pharmacies now, so you may have more options than you realize. It's nice being able to pick up your medication while you're already out grocery shopping or running errands.
If none of those options work, another possibility is having a parent or guardian pick up your prescriptions at home and mail them to you. Depending on your pharmacy, you may need to fill out paperwork allowing someone else to pick up medications on your behalf.
Finally, talk to both your doctor and your pharmacist before you leave for college. Let them know you'll be living away from home and ask what they recommend. Depending on the medication, they may be able to prescribe a larger supply, help you set up mail delivery, or suggest the easiest way to transfer prescriptions while you're at school.
Every doctor, pharmacy, insurance plan, and medication is a little different, so there isn't one solution that works for everyone. Taking a few minutes to figure out your plan before move-in can save you a lot of stress later when it's time for your next refill.
That's Everything... For Now!
If you made it all the way to the bottom, thank you so much for reading! I really hope this guide helped make putting together your college first aid kit feel a little less overwhelming.
If there's one thing I want you to take away from this, it's that you don't need to buy everything. Start with the basics, use what you already have at home, and build your kit around your needs. Some people may only need Band-Aids and Tylenol, while others may need allergy medication, insulin, an inhaler, or an EpiPen. Your first aid kit should be personalized to you.
The goal isn't to prepare for every possible emergency. It's simply to have the things you're most likely to need so you're not running to the pharmacy at 10 p.m. with a fever or asking your roommate if they have something for your headache before an exam.
If you're still working on your college shopping list, be sure to check out my complete College Dorm Packing Guide, where I cover everything from bedding and bathroom essentials to kitchen supplies, school supplies, decorations, and all the little things you don't realize you need until move-in day.
👉 Read my Full College Dorm Packing Guide here: https://madisongreedy.wixsite.com/madison-reedy-2/about-6
This page is still a work in progress, so if you notice any mistakes, broken links, or have something that saved you in college that I forgot to include, I'd genuinely love to hear about it! Feel free to reach out through my contact page or send me a message on social media. I'll keep updating this guide as I get more ideas from students, parents, and my own experiences.
And finally... enjoy every minute of college.
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Take care of yourself.
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Get enough sleep (or at least try).
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Drink some water.
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Call your parents every once in a while.
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Help your roommate when they're sick because chances are they'll return the favor someday.
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Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
And remember, being prepared doesn't mean expecting something bad to happen. It just means making life a little easier when it does.
I wish you the absolute best as you start this next chapter. ❤️
Stay healthy, have fun, and as always...
And Remember Maddy's Gotcha