Before the coronavirus pandemic, college students and their families would focus on buying twin xl sheets, mattress toppers, and command hooks to prepare for college life.  However, this year certain items are not only new to the college packing list but are essential. 

While many colleges are still grappling with the planning and logistics for the upcoming semester, it seems that millions of college students will be heading back to campus.  As the number of cases in numerous states soar, one thing is certain – the fall semester of 2020 will require flexibility on the part of universities, students, and families. 

Here are some items that every college student should consider if they are heading back to campus!

Masks:

Masks will play an essential role on college campuses this fall.  While colleges may provide starter kits for students, having your own supply will be important.  Most colleges have not released specifics about what types of masks they will require and the effectiveness of different types of masks runs the gamut. 

While the N95 is the gold standard for protection, there are some pros and cons associated with them.  N95s are often reserved for health care workers and therefore hard to find.  They can also be expensive and often they are not as comfortable as other options.  KN95s offer much of the same protection, are less expensive, and are more comfortable. Another good option are 3-ply level two surgical masks. If you opt for cloth masks they should be made with three layers ideally- some even have filter pockets.

 

The most important thing to keep in mind is to wear your mask diligently. Find one that fits well, and preferably has an adjustable nose bridge.  Avoid face masks with exhalation vents, as these may protect the user, but not those they come into contact with. 

We recommend sending a mix of masks.  Have a small amount of N95s on hand for high risk situations such as doctors visits, and have some KN95s, and surgical disposable masks.  Also send some cloth masks (non medical) that will need to be laundered. Cloth masks should be washed according to CDC recommendations.  A lingerie bag is a useful item to have for laundering reusable masks.

Masks can be layered as well- For example, if you wear a cloth mask over a KN95 you can put a fashionable spin on masking up. 

Many colleges will be making masks to show their school spirit.  Fanatics carries licensed merchandise for the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, PGA, and over 500 college and universities.  These are bound to make mask wearing more enjoyable for any fan! Shop now:

 

Athletic brands such as Adidas, Reebok, and Athleta are making masks as well.

 

 

Clothing brands are making some cute masks:

Etsy has over 100,000 masks and we particularly like the ones from BeWellGroup:

 

Vista Print is making masks that you can add a filter to.  You can even customize your own mask:

To Go Bag:

With strict protocols in place at many universities, students may need to quarantine or isolate with little notice.  For example, if a student gets tested because they are symptomatic or have been in close contact with someone with Covid-19, they may be forced into quarantine in another location over night or until the results come back.  Because of this, we are recommending that students bring their to go bag with them when going to get tested. The bag should contain:

• 2 Changes of clothes
• Something to sleep in
• Wallet and insurance card
• Computer, cell phone and chargers
• Thermometer and oxomiter
• Fever and pain medicine: motrin, advil, aleve, tylenol
• Cough Medicine
• Water bottle/drink
• Snacks
• Masks
• Hand sanitizer
• Wipes or Sanitizer
• Gloves
• Toiletries
• Any prescriptions needed
• Eye glasses
• Copy of Documents

Organize items beforehand using ziplock bags to make it easy to find in the grab and go bag .  Computers, chargers, and wallets can be added in.  Here are some backpacks that will work well as a to go bag:

Shop now: Vaschy

 

Shop now: Jansport

Shop now: Herschel

Luggage:

Many colleges are limiting what students can bring for move in day to two suitcases and one backpack.  Additionally, parents may be scheduled for a small window of time to help or may not be allowed into the dorms at all.  This is particularly hard for freshman and their families and move in day unfortunately is another example of ambiguous loss for college students.

Ship whatever you can beforehand.  Some colleges are working with specific shipping companies to offer in room delivery.  Remember that package rooms at universities can be backed up at this time of year, so only ship what your student can live without for a week or so.

This semester it is smart to pack light because colleges may be forced to close with little notice.  I’m sure we all remember what happened this past spring and the scramble that happened to pack and leave.  Keep in mind, since there will not be a lot of socializing, so clothing normally worn to parties can be left at home.  Also, many colleges have cut the semester short and will send students home at Thanksgiving to complete the semester virtually.  That means that you may not even need to send the heavy coat or boots for the fall- of course this depends on the climate.

You can also order from companies that offer all in one dorm essentials. Dormco offers packages that are worth looking at. The items can be sent directly to college for a shipping charge of only $2.95.

To maximize space on move in day, you will need two large duffles on wheels and a large backpack. Also Ikea bags are great to send for packing in a hurry if needed for a quick move out- they take up very little room.  If you need to buy some we suggest these:

Shop now: LL Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle:

Shop now: Mother Load Travel Backpack (fyi- many students love these for a semester abroad)

 

Shop now: Ikea Bags

 

First Aid Kit:

During the pandemic it will be extra helpful to have a well stocked first aid kit on hand.  We recommend making your own and using a container like this:

Shop now:

Here are some suggested items to include:

• Pain relievers: Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, Aleve
• Cough Medicine
• Cold Medicine/Decongestant
• Neosporin
• Bandaids
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Benadryl
• Allergy medicine
• Thermometer
• Oximeter
• Ice Pack
• Throat lozenges
• Antacids
• Gauze pads
• Surgical tape
• Ace bandage
• Alcohol pads
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Chapstick
• Vaseline
• Tums
• Imodium
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Aloe vera gel
• Sunscreen
• Prescriptions
• Rubbing Alcohol (70 percent)

Do not forget to add in any items that your college student uses.  Also take a photograph of the box so if you get a call that they can’t find an item, you can identify it for them.  Often college students do not have any experience taking over the counter medicine by themselves so make sure they know what to take when.  Encourage them to call you or consult with a medical professional if they are unsure. The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness by Dr. Jill Grimes, is a helpful resource.

These items can be purchase at Walgreens, CVS, Amazon, and Walmart.

Cleaning Supplies:

In many parts of the country cleaning supplies are still hard to find- especially Clorox and Lysol wipes.  If you can’t find them there are items you can send instead.  For example rubbing alcohol (70 percent isopropyl alcohol) in a spray bottle is a good alternative.  Spray on surface, wait five minutes and then wipe.

Liquid hand soap and paper towels are a must!

Hand sanitizer in desk size and pocket size are easier to find these days.  Make sure to send extra!

Don’t forget to send these additional cleaning supplies: Glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner, paper towels, laundry detergent, and a dust buster cordless handheld vacuum.

Hepa Air Purifier:

While the jury is still out on whether air purifiers can help in the battle against coronavirus, they do help clean the air from dust, mold, smoke and pollen. If your college student suffers from allergies it may be just what they need.  Allergy symptoms can often be similar to Covid-19 symptoms, so its best to tackle allergies head on this semester.  This hepa air purifer is just the right size for a dorm room!

Shop now:LEVOIT Air Purifier

 

PhoneSoap:

Phones go with us everywhere!  That means they are a magnet for germs and a hot spot for transmitting bacteria and viruses. Cleaning your phone is as important as washing your hands. Think of it as your third hand that needs to get washed!

While Covid-19 is new, and no company can claim that their product definitely kills the virus, there is compelling evidence that UV-C lights can be effective.  Similar viruses have been studied and UV-C light has been shown to kill 99.99 percent of germs. Other methods of cleaning, such as alcohol wipes can damage your screen and are not as effective at removing germs. 

PhoneSoap is a great device that allows you to use this UV-C technology to clean and sanitize your electronics, including phones, ear pods, and keys. The PhoneSoap Pro fits all phones and cases and cleans your phone in five minutes while the PhoneSoap 3 takes 10 minutes and fits all phones and most cases.  Additionally, you can charge your phone with the device and you can hear your phone notifications even when it is in the unit. 

PhoneSoap is sure to become a go to item for any college student in the age of the coronavirus pandemic. Empty Nest Nation Readers can receive 10 percent off by using this link: PhoneSoap

Do Not Forget These Documents!

Last year we wrote an article about documents that every college student should sign before college.  Today it has never been more important!  If your college student is over 18 then they are actually considered a legal stranger to you and doctors and hospitals will not talk to you or release information because of strict HIPAA laws.  With the coronavirus pandemic we have seen that many patients are not allowed to have anyone accompany them or even visit while hospitalized.  As doctors are overwhelmed it is essential to have these documents in place so there are no issues.  Keep a copy of these documents at home, with your student (in the to go bag) and on each of your cell phones.     

You can fine the article here detailing the documents college students need to sign before they leave for school!

Delivery Services:

This semester more than ever, many students will be relying on delivery services.  If you do not have an Amazon prime account your student can sign up for a student account which gives 6 months free, a discounted rate after that, and offers almost all the benefits of a regular membership including in many cases two day free delivery.  You can find the details here.

Depending on where your college is located, services such as Instacart or PeaPod can deliver groceries and other items right to the dorm or off campus apartment.     

Try Instacart using this link and get 10 dollars off your first order.

Postmates and Uber Eats offer delivery services that may come in handy. Get $5 off your first two Uber Eats orders over $15 using code eats-luf65

 

Consider a bike or scooter

Getting around with campus shuttles, public transportation, taxis or Ubers can be a risky proposition during the pandemic.  Depending on the college, a bike or scooter can help as options have become more limited.  Here are some good choices:

Shop now: Hikole Scooter

Shop now:                                            

      Shop now: Razor electric scooter

Shop now: Check out this folding Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike:

Don’t forget a helmet and bike lock.

Noise Canceling Headphones:

Many college students, whether on campus or at home, will be taking online classes.  Noise cancelling headphones can help students focus better and block out the noise of a roommate that may be taking online classes as well.

Shop now: AirPod Pro

Shop now: Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Refrigerator and Coffee Maker:

The landscape of on campus and off campus dining will look very different this semester.  Many meals will be grab and go and communal kitchens in dorms might be closed.  Therefore you should rent or buy a micro/fridge combination for food, drinks and leftovers.  This year its probably easier to rent one and most colleges will allow them to be delivered before arrival.  If your student loves coffee this may be the year to send a Keurig since coffee runs will be harder to do with more limited options.  This is perfect for a dorm room or apartment and comes in black, pink, mint green and grey.  Don’t forget to send some pods, like this variety pack.

Shop now: Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Stay Connected:

It is important to stay up to date with the ever changing policies and announcements from universities.  Make sure to sign up for any email or text notifications.  Check your emails and have your student do the same.  If you are a new college parent you will soon see that colleges do not often send emails to parents (except when asking for donations of course).  Universities have set up special Covid-19 pages on their websites – so make sure to check that often.

Follow the college on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You may find it useful to join the Facebook parent groups of your student’s college.  Depending on the school it will either be run by the school or parents. The parent run groups tend to be more informative and can provide you with helpful information, but be careful not to disclose any personal details about your student that they do not want shared (friendly warning). Make sure you have the contact information for at least one friend or roommate of your college student- this is ONLY for emergency purposes and do not use it for any other reason (another friendly warning).

This semester will be different than any other for college students and their families!  Do your best to be prepared and stay flexible.  Empty Nest Nation wishes you and your family a safe and healthy semester!

Did we forget any items?  Let us know in the comments below!

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Empty Nest Nation does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on Emptynestnation.com.