First Aid Kit for your College Student

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In less than a month, we will have two (TWO!!!) kids in College. Simon will be a Sophomore (second-year student) at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia and Sidney will be a Freshman (first-year student) at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia. How did this happen?!!

We have been working on their must-need items for college and a First Aid Kit was high on my priority list. In our house, we have a couple of different types of these kits. My main kit is on the main level and is focused on first aid items. I have a smaller kit in the kitchen that covers colds and headaches, aches and pains.

Upstairs, I have two – one in each bathroom. Both of these include a smaller collection of first aid items and some basic medications. When I created my guest space on the basement level, I also added some basic medications along with regular toiletries a guest might need.

First Aid & Medicine Kits for College

I needed a combination First Aid / Medicine Kit for the kids to take to college. I wanted them to be able to take care of basic First Aid scenarios themselves (at least until they can be seen by a professional), but then also be able to treat their own aches and pains when they happen. We all know it usually happens at 3 in the morning and pharmacies are either closed or it is too far to drive to, especially when you are not feeling well.

Not only am I showing you what went into my First Aid Kits, but I will also include my supply list and some handy tips for putting these kits together yourselves.

First Aid Category

For First Aid Items, I included the following:

• First Aid Pamphlet
• First Aid Antiseptic Spray
• Surgical Dressings
• Gauze Pads & Tape
• Fabric Bandage
• Liquid Bandaid
• Neosporin
• Bandaids
• Skin Closure Strips
• Gloves
• Hand Sanitizer
• Pair of Small Scissors

Colds & Flu Category

For Colds and Flu, I included the following:

• Covid-19 At-Home Tests
• Cough Syrup (Night & Day)
• Oral Relief Throat Spray
• Advil Migraine
• Ibuprofen
• Emergen-C Packets
• Alka Seltzer Tablets
• DayQuil/NyQuil Tablets
• Cough Drops

General Category

The last group of items are more general. I included

• Pepto Bismol
• Off Mosquito Spray
• A Large Heat Wrap
• Wipes
• Anti-Itch Cream
• Claritin
• Eye Drops
• Ear Drops
• Nasal Spray

Tips for Putting Together a First Aid & Medicine Kit for Your Student

Cost: First Aid / Medicine Kits are expensive. When I added up the costs to put together these two kits, I was (unpleasently) surprised at the price tag. Mine came to $195 each! Now, I didn’t spend all that money at once, since I had a lot of stock already. But still, it’s not cheap. Shop at your local stores and compare prices to make sure you get the best deal.

Brand Names vs Store Brands: As you can see in my pictures, not all items are the brand name versions. I have no problem buying the store brands. Make sure you check the active ingredient list so you can compare apples to apples.

Usual Medications: We all use different types of medications. Make sure you pack what your student is familiar with. Otherwise, they are just not going to know what to do with it or how much to take of a medication.

Personalize: Since Simon also uses an inhaler from time to time, I added a spare inhaler and his prescription medicine to his First Aid Kit. Your student might have other individual medication needs. I would recommend reviewing the list together and personalizing your First Aid Kits to fit your needs.

Sturdy Container: I picked a clear plastic container with a lid that I bought at BigLots. It is about the size of a regular shoebox. This one from Amazon is also a great option. Not everything will fit inside the container. The larger bottles will be packed with each of my kids’ bathroom items.

You can download a PDF list of items by following the link: https://gariesgirl.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/garies-girl-first-aid-kit-for-college.pdf

Did you remember to put together a First Aid Kit for your college student? Do you have additional items in yours? I would love to hear your feedback!

Continue reading about the items we got together for Sidney’s first year in the College Dorms: Preparing for College Move In Day – Again