Packing Your On-Campus First Aid Kit
There are so many items to consider as you pack for college. A quick Google search will spit back thousands (and thousands) of packing lists. We even have a few lists and videos of our own.
We’re usually advocates for the “less is more” packing mentality (Oxford does, after all, have its own stores. And Amazon delivers!). But we also know that while living on campus, you’ll come into contact with new germs… and venturing out for medication when you’re sick is no fun. In fact, GETTING sick is no fun. So we touched base with our friends at Student Health Services (with TriHealth) on some health-related items to keep in mind while packing to move onto campus.
Over the counter medication
To help aches, chills, fevers, and headaches, over-the-counter medications with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin are good to have around.
For common colds and coughs, bring cold and cough medication and cough drops. Although these medications cannot cure you, they can reduce symptoms while you recover.
Allergy medicine
Seasonal allergies are sometimes confused with the common cold. And allergies in southwest Ohio are no joke. If your cold-like symptoms last longer than several weeks, allergies are most likely the cause.
Allergy medication can help ease symptoms you may experience. Keep in mind that it may take a couple weeks of consistent use for allergy medications to work.
First-aid supplies
Put together a small first aid kit with band-aids in all sizes, gauze pads, medical tape, alcohol wipes, peroxide, and antibiotic ointment. Just because you are in college now doesn’t mean you’re immune to cuts, scrapes, bruises, and falls.
Thermometer
A thermometer is super useful when you are starting to feel under the weather. Being able to take your own temperature can help you make decisions about if you should go to class that day or visit Student Health Services.
Masks
While the COVID-19 pandemic has seemed to slow down, we have learned you can never be too cautious. Definitely bring a handful of masks for both the possibility of a COVID-19 surge or if you end up with the flu or another contagious virus and want to reduce the chance of spreading the illness to your roommate.
Hand sanitizer
This one may seem obvious, but it’s always good to have a reminder. Make sure to pack a big bottle. Plus you might also want little travel size bottles to stick in your backpack to use when you’re around campus.
Air purifier
Air purifiers remove dust, bacteria, and viruses that might be floating around your room. It’s certainly not a “must-have,” but an air purifier can help as a prevention method for different sicknesses. You can buy mini sized air purifiers that sit on top of your desk or other surfaces if you are tight on space.
All these items are great to have on hand for the occasion that you might need them. If you are sick or not getting better once on campus, you can always schedule an appointment with Student Health Services by calling 513-529-3000.