Sending a child off to college is a mix of excitement and nerves. You hope they never have to deal with late-night fevers, headaches before exams, or minor injuries—but life happens. When it does, having a well-prepared first aid kit can make all the difference.
College students often don’t think to stock up on medicine and essentials until they actually need them. By assembling a simple yet effective first aid kit ahead of time, you’re ensuring they have instant access to remedies—whether it’s for a sudden cold, an unexpected stomachache, or just a much-needed bandage.
Here’s everything I included in my daughter’s college first aid kit—designed to provide peace of mind for both of us in case she ever needs it.

What to Include in a College First Aid Kit
To make sure my daughter and her roommate have everything they might need, I packed the essentials:
- Assorted bandages
- Alcohol prep pads
- Antiseptic cream
- Cold medicine
- Cough Drops
- Thermometer
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Digestive relief (Pepto)
- Gas-X
- Tums
- Zantac
- Ace bandage
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Cold packs
Having all of these items in one place ensures that when my daughter or her roommate needs relief, they have everything at their fingertips without rushing to the pharmacy.

Choosing the Right First Aid Kit Container
Before selecting a storage container, I gathered all the first aid supplies to ensure I picked a box big enough to fit everything. I opted for a small tub with a secure lid, preventing medication from spilling everywhere—especially when someone isn’t feeling their best.
For an extra personal touch, I used my Cricut cutting machine to create vinyl labels for the First Aid Kit box. While completely optional, this small addition made the kit look more intentional and organized.
Peace of Mind, No Matter What
Knowing that my daughter has everything she needs to handle minor illnesses or injuries brings me comfort as she starts her college journey. It’s a simple yet practical way to ensure that, no matter what happens, she’ll be prepared and ready to take care of herself.
Looking for more college must-haves? Check out my other dorm-related posts for easy organization hacks, dorm-friendly essentials, and move-in day tips!
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