College Packing Checklist During COVID

As coronavirus cases continue, this is a difficult time for parents and college students trying to determine what’s next for college classes. Some students will remain at home and study virtually while others will return to apartments and dorms. Universities are working overtime to make the environment as safe as possible.

There are many different scenarios. High school seniors who missed their prom and graduation are now entering their freshman year of college with much trepidation. Current college students have been taking classes online and preparing for a different type of fall school year. Everyone is in flux. Professors, university staff and all those associated with college life have seen their world change dramatically compared to last August.

The reality is no one can predict what the new academic year will actually look like as the situation changes quickly. We now know that younger people must be as cautious as other age groups.

If your child is heading back to college in the fall, whether to get their own apartment and continue to study online or cautiously move into a dorm, here are some things to pack.

COVID-19 Test Results

Some universities require their students, faculty and staff to take a COVID test and show proof of negative results before coming back to campus.

Face Masks

CDC recommends strict guidelines when it comes to covering your nose and mouth in order to protect yourself and others. Make sure to pack several face masks that can be washed or tossed after every use. Go over the proper care of face masks with your adult child to make sure they know how to use them properly. Purchase large box of disposable face coverings and include some cloth masks that your kids can wash and reuse.

Hand Wipes and Sanitizers

It has become tough to purchase disinfecting wipes and other types of cleaning products in the store. There is a limit to the number of hand sanitizers and cleaning products you can buy (one per person) so you may have to raid your closet and share a few with your college student. 

Talk to them about what needs to be cleaned regularly such as computer keys, mouse, light switches, doorknobs, steering wheel and any other high touch areas.

Virtual Tech Tools

Your child is going to be working virtually more than ever. While they are very adept at using technology, they will be using the computer screen to work online, join groups and talk to professors. Make sure they have everything they need to make the process a success. 

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Everyone’s eyes get tired when staring at a screen. Now is the time to find a good pair of blue light blocking glasses to help your student make the most of their computer time when working on projects. You can buy them almost anywhere and the cost is fairly reasonable. 

Contact Lenses and Medical Supplies

Save a trip to the doctor’s office by ordering everything before your child goes off to college: contact lenses, regular prescriptions, EpiPen and anything else your kid uses regularly. Make a first aid kit with simple things like ibuprofen, Band-Aids, Polysporin and antacids. Personalize the kit specifically for your own child’s particular needs.

Medical Records

Send along a copy of your child’s medical records (you keep the original), including up to date shot records. Note when their last tetanus shot, flu shot and important medical exams were last given. You never know when they will need a list of medications or special medical instructions and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Insurance Cards

Have your adult child check their wallet and make sure they are carrying an updated medical insurance card. Before they drive away, check to see if they have a current insurance card in the glove compartment. Check the spare tire and any other last-minute details before sending your child off to college. It will undoubtedly be a trying year, but doing everything possible to alleviate potential problems is the best we can all do as parents.

Snacks

Pack lots of healthy snacks! Kids get hungry and having some readily available, nutritious snacks at their fingertips will be a welcome treat. As they get their bearings and learn their new routine having some easy go-to snacks is one less thing to worry about.

Finally, remind your college kid it will be great to see friends and get back to a semblance of a normal routine. They will be tempted to drop their guard and socialize but encourage them to do it cautiously. Social distance, good hygiene and sound judgment will be critical to staying healthy and safe at college.

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