Quick answer: Pack basic first-aid supplies, personal medications with their prescription info, OTC basics appropriate for the student, and a short list of emergency contacts saved in their phone. This is general packing information, not medical advice.
This guide is general packing information, not medical advice. Students should follow personal medical guidance, product labels and campus policies. A first-aid kit is also one of the things everyone forgets to pack, which is exactly why it gets its own checklist.
Basic first-aid supplies
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Sterile gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment, if appropriate for the student
- Hydrocortisone cream, if appropriate
- Instant cold pack
- Digital thermometer
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
- Disposable gloves
- Blister bandages
- Elastic wrap
- First-aid reference card
Choose a compact case that opens easily and keeps supplies organized.
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If you would rather not assemble the basics one box at a time, one compact kit covers most of the list above:
BAND-AID Brand compact first aid kit, 160 pieces
Covers the bandage and wound-care basics in one small case; add your own medications and personal items to it.
- Best for
- A starting point that lives in a desk drawer.
- Check before buying
- It covers wound care, not medications. The OTC basics below still need to be added separately.
Personal medications
Bring an adequate supply of prescription medications according to the prescriber's instructions. Keep medicine in the original labeled container and store it securely.
Also consider:
- Copies of prescription information
- Pharmacy contact details
- Insurance card
- Allergy information
- Emergency contacts
- Instructions for any emergency medication
- A plan for refills away from home
Students should not share prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Over-the-counter basics
What belongs here depends on the student, their health history and guidance from a healthcare professional. Common categories may include pain or fever relief, allergy relief, stomach remedies, cough drops and cold-care basics.
Check active ingredients so products are not accidentally doubled. Follow age restrictions, dosage instructions and warnings on every label.
For a shelf-by-shelf shopping guide to this whole category, see The Dorm Medicine Box.
The dorm sick-day kit
- Tissues
- Electrolyte drink packets
- Reusable water bottle
- Easy-to-prepare food
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes approved for the intended surface
- Extra clean pillowcase
- Small trash bags
Students should know how to contact the campus health center before they need it.
Emergency information to save now
Add these contacts to the student's phone:
- Campus police or public safety
- Campus health center
- Residence hall front desk
- Resident assistant
- Local urgent care
- Local pharmacy
- Insurance support number
- Parent, guardian or trusted emergency contact
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Do not rely on a packing checklist when urgent help is needed.
Storage and safety
Keep the kit accessible but secure. Follow residence hall rules, medication storage instructions and expiration dates.
Do not store medicine in excessive heat or humidity. A bathroom is usually not the best location. Review the kit at the beginning of each semester and replace expired or used items.
What not to pack
- Unlabeled pills
- Expired medication
- Prescription medicine belonging to someone else
- Large quantities the student cannot store securely
- Products the student does not know how to use
- Anything prohibited by housing or campus policy
Add health and first-aid basics to My Stuff, then keep medications and emergency information easy to find.
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