With summer vacation underway, you’re probably already lounging on a beach in your mind. While it’s nice to be carefree through the balmy months, you’re bound to find yourself in a scramble to prepare for going to college three days before the fall semester begins. Folks, if it’s your first year going away from home, I assure you, Target and Walmart will be sold out of your necessities if you wait until right before school to start buying off that packing list.
When you’re packing up for school, you may automatically think of things like toiletries, school supplies, and clothing. Unfortunately, what you don’t realize is that that over-stuffed, pharmaceutical-grade medicine cabinet in your mom’s bathroom took years of colds, viruses, and bruised knees to build; and trust me, you will need a versatile medicine box when you head off to your new home. If you don’t plan ahead, you might find yourself rummaging through your dorm bathroom for Nyquil in the middle of the night only to realize you don’t have any. (Been there.) So, before you catch the frat flu, avoid the late-night Walgreens run by stocking up beforehand. Here are some medicine cabinet essentials to pack with you for college.
Mucinex DM
This will be your new best friend. Living in a new environment can make you more susceptible to viruses and allergies you might not have caught at home. Mucinex DM contains dextromethorphan, which helps suppress cough, and you don’t get the sped-up heartbeat that can stem from regular Mucinex.
Muciniex DM, Mucinex, $14
Nyquil
In college, the last thing you want is to spend the night before an important exam simply trying to breathe through a stuffy nose. NyQuil is great because it’ll treat your cold symptoms while giving you the rest you need to ace your exams the next day.
NyQuil, Vick’s, $11
Ricola Cough Drops
Throat lozenges are a necessity. It might just be me, but it seems like whenever I have exams and papers due, my throat always starts to itch. And sometimes, dorm-room vents can blow a little too strongly. Popping one of these babies in your mouth before hitting the hay will prevent that cold air from irritating your throat. Honey Lemon is my personal fave, if you were wondering.
Honey Lemon Cough Drops, Ricola, $5
First Aid Antiseptic Spray
Please do not wait until you scrape your knees at a bonfire to buy this. Antiseptic spray is a medicine cabinet staple that is sure to come in handy. Your whole dorm hall will thank you — trust me.
First Aid Spray, Dermoplast, $7
Bandages
I shouldn’t even have to put this on the list, but it’s always the most obvious items that end up being skipped over. If you’re an athlete, participate in intramural sports, or just klutzy like me, you’re definitely going to want to make sure you have these on hand.
Bravery Badges, Welly, $7
Thermometer
You’re almost bound to get a cold, and a thermometer will help ensure that those sniffles aren’t anything more serious. You should also get some thermometer covers to go with it!
Digital Oral Thermometer, Easy@Home, $4
Hydrocortisone cream
This is great to have on hand for rashes, hives, or bothersome mosquito bites. Although it’s not an everyday use type of deal, you’re going to wish you had it after a mid-semester camping trip. Been there, bestie.
Hydrocortisone Ointment, GLOBE, $6
Triple Antibiotic cream
This is another must-have ointment. You never know when one of your friends is going to get too adventurous. Preferably, apply after using antiseptic spray and before putting your bandaid on!
Triple Antibiotic + Pain Relief Dual Action Ointment, GLOBE, $8
Biofreeze
Another medical necessity I really regretted not having. You might not be a star athlete or gym junkie, but I assure you this will help alleviate the finals-induced back and shoulder pain. And hey, you can always lend it to your athlete friends.
Menthol Gel, Biofreeze, $14
Ice pack
If you’re taking any fitness classes, you’re going to want to have this. It’ll be put to use whether it’s your roommate spraining their ankle during intramurals, you tragically missing a step in your rush to class, or even just to soothe stress hives. Life happens, you never know when you’ll need some ice!
Reusable Ice Packs, Tutmyrea, $15
Heating pad
Ladies, this one’s for you. Whether it’s for period cramps or an angry back knot, a heating pad is always a good thing to keep around.
Heating Pad, Medical King, $20
Emergen-C
It’s important to take some form of vitamin C to keep your immune system strong, especially with all those late-night study sessions. Folks, your mom will not be around anymore to remind you to take some Emergen-C, so make sure you stock up before the school year begins.
Vitamin C Powder, Emergen-C, $6