Stay Healthy and Prepared for Anything: Your Ultimate Guide to College First-Aid Kit and Medicine Cabinet

Going to college is a big adventure, but it can also bring unexpected challenges, including minor illnesses and injuries. Whether you’re living on your own or with a roommate, having a well-stocked first-aid kit and personal medicine cabinet is essential to staying healthy and prepared for anything.

Unfortunately, bathroom medicine cabinets can attract damp and humid air, which may cause the ingredients in pills or capsules to change. To avoid this, we recommend shopping for a clean, functional, and lightweight plastic container that opens easily to serve as your very own personal medicine cabinet. Check out the Hershii Containers Organizer on Amazon for a great option with compartments for all your essential medications.

It’s also important to have emergency phone numbers on hand for local health care providers, including a local pharmacy, the student health center, urgent care, and the regional poison control center. To take your preparedness to the next level, consider requesting a PIMS (Private Individual Medical Summary) from MyAbroadMds  [email protected]. With PIMS, you can access all of your private medical information on one page, along with necessary legal documents, all from your phone.

But what should you include in your first-aid kit? The American College of Emergency Physicians suggests packing the following items:

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin (check with your family health care professional or pharmacist to see which one they would recommend for you; aspirin should not be used to relieve flu symptoms or be taken by anyone under 18). Please note that the regulations on taking medication abroad may vary by country, so be sure to check before packing any medication.
• Nose drops, such as AYR
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions (speak with your health care professional about how to best treat an allergy)
• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) for minor cuts and scrapes
• Gauze in rolls or pads and adhesive tapes (to dress larger cuts and scrapes)
• Triangular bandage (to wrap injuries or make an arm sling)
• Elastic wrap (for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries)
• Bandage closures
• Safety pins
• Antiseptic wipes (to disinfect wounds or clean hands, tweezers, or a thermometer)
• Antibiotic ointment (to prevent burns, scrapes, and cuts from becoming infected)
• Disposable, instant-activating cold packs (for cooling injuries and burns)
• Sharp scissors with rounded tips (for cutting tape, gauze, or clothes)
• Tweezers
• Hydrogen peroxide (to disinfect wounds)
• Cough suppressant
• Decongestant tablets
• Thermometer in a container (consider buying a digital one with disposable covers)
• Sunscreen (30 SPF or higher is recommended)
• Calamine lotion (for itching from insect bites and stings, poison ivy)
• Antacid (for heartburn and indigestion—college food has a notorious reputation!)
• Insect repellent
• Ace bandages
• Diarrhea remedy
• Throat lozenges

When traveling abroad, regulations on taking medication may vary by country.

It’s also important to keep in mind that if you plan on traveling abroad, certain medications may not be available or may be restricted in certain countries. It’s always a good idea to research and check the laws and regulations of the countries you plan to visit, as well as to speak with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to ensure you have the necessary medications and supplies for your trip.

In addition to packing a first-aid kit and necessary medications, it’s also a good idea to have a plan in case of an emergency. Make sure to have important phone numbers readily available, including local healthcare providers, the student health center, an urgent care, and the regional poison control center. You may also want to consider registering with MyAbroadMDs,(www.myabroadmds.com), a platform that connects travelers with English-speaking doctors while traveling abroad, to request their PIMS (Private Individual Medical Summary), a trade-marked personal medical information sheet that can be accessed from your phone.

By taking the time to prepare and pack the right supplies, you can ensure that you are ready to handle any minor medical emergencies that may arise while you’re away at college, whether it’s a headache, a minor cut, or an allergic reaction. Remember to always read medication labels, check for expiration dates and usage instructions, and consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medications. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can stay healthy and focused on your studies, making the most out of your college experience.