As you pack up your old life and put it into boxes and duffel bags, put aside an extra box for a health kit. Even though your health is probably the last thing on your mind as you’re getting ready to go to college, you’ll find that having the following supplies on hand will make your life there easier. One of these days you’ll thank me for this list—like when you have a pounding headache at one a.m. and you don’t have to go looking for an all-night pharmacy, because you have all the pain relievers you need right there in your health kit; or when your roommate twists her ankle racing down the stairs to class and you’re the only one in the dorm with an instant ice pack; or when there’s a power outage across campus, and you’ve got a working flashlight.

“The Complete College Girl’s Health Kit” is specifically designed for female students going off to college for the first time. It contains all of the basics necessary to keep you safe, healthy, and well taken care of while away from home.

STOCKING YOUR KIT

First, you’ll need a large and roomy box—not as big as a laundry basket, but maybe about the size of two shoe boxes. Next, you’ll need to go shopping at a drugstore for the following supplies:

  • Bandages (in all different sizes).
  • Ace bandage with clips.
  • Instant or refreezable ice packs—for injuries that involve swelling. Use as soon as possible, and keep applying every few hours during the first two days.
  • Pain relievers—ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), which is good for muscle pain and cramps; and acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is good for fever control and headaches.
  • Antihistamine (Benadryl)—for allergic reactions (if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, include an EpiPen).
  • Antibiotic cream—to help prevent infections in cuts, scrapes, and minor burns.
  • Hydrocortisone cream (1%)—for common rashes and insect bites.
  • Antacids (Tums or Rolaids)—to treat heartburn.
  • Pepto-Bismol—for minor stomachaches (great for adjusting to cafeteria food).
  • Antidiarrheal agent (Imodium/Kaopectate)—to control diarrhea (like after half-price sushi night).
  • Yeast infection treatment—for those nasty vaginal infections you occasionally get.
  • Athlete’s foot spray—you’ll know why once you see the showers! (Don’t forget your flip-flops, and hopefully you’ll never have to use this one.)
  • Digital thermometer.
  • Cough drops.
  • Cold/flu nighttime medication (Nyquil)—when you have a cold and need to get to sleep.
  • Earplugs (especially if your roommate wakes up at five a.m. to row crew!).
  • Saline eyedrops.
  • Tweezers—to remove splinters or ticks.
  • Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (with SPF of at least 15)—to apply all year round, so your skin will stay young (not to mention cancer free) for many years to come.
  • Emergency acne medicine (benzoyl peroxide cream/gel or whatever works for you)—a must for that unexpected breakout before spring formal or any oral presentation!
  • List of emergency numbers—Mom, Dad, Grandma, and your family doctor at home.
  • Flashlight and batteries.