A Mom’s Medicine Box for My College Girl
When my daughter Ava headed off to the University of Georgia this fall, I knew one of the hardest parts would be not being there for her every time she needed me. Sending your child off to college is bittersweet—equal parts excitement and worry. And sure enough, during her very first week, Ava called to let me know she wasn’t feeling well. Thankfully, I had prepared a medicine box haul just for her, filled with everything she might need to take care of herself when I couldn’t be there.
I can’t tell you the peace of mind it gave me to know that when Ava came down with a little bug that first week, she had exactly what she needed within arm’s reach. I packed her box with essentials for every situation I could think of—stomach troubles, colds, allergies, cramps, headaches, and more.
For tummy troubles, I added Imodium A-D Diarrhea Relief Softgels, TUMS Chewy Bites Antacid Tablets, The Ginger People Ginger Rescue Digestive Wellness, and Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets. Just in case of nausea, I tucked in Nauzene Non-drowsy Upset Stomach Relief and Dramamine Nausea Relief.
To keep her immune system strong, she has Emergen-C 1000mg Vitamin C Immune Support Powder and AZO Cranberry Urinary Tract Health Supplement.
For pain, cramps, and fevers, I made sure she had Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels, Advil Liqui-Gels Minis, Midol Complete Menstrual Pain Relief Caplets, and even a BouZaFoFa Portable Heating Pad for Cramps.
Since college kids always end up fighting off colds, I included Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Combo Pack, Robitussin Adult Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM, Afrin No Drip Extra Moisturizing 12 Hour Nasal Spray, and of course, Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment.
Ava’s medicine box also has Gas-X Ultra Strength Gas Relief Softgels, Colace Regular Strength Stool Softener, and Amazon Basic Care Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream with Hydrocortisone for unexpected situations.
For first aid, I made sure she had an ACE Brand 2 Inch Elastic Bandage, Band-Aid Travel Ready First Aid Kit, BH Supplies Alcohol Prep Pads, Globe Hydrogen Peroxide Spray, and Bacitracin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment. I also threw in AllSett Health Hot and Cold Gel Ice Packs for bumps and sore muscles.
To round it all out, she has LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops, Ludens Throat Drops, a Pedialyte Electrolyte Drink Mix, and even a Life-Saving Choking Rescue Device (because moms think of everything!). For organization, I used a Buxiffod Double Layer Medicine Organizer Box and a YIXIAN Pill Organizer with Labels, so she’d always know what she was reaching for.
And finally, just in case of the unimaginable, I included NARCAN Nasal Spray 4mg. As a mom, I pray Ava never has to use it—but I want her to be prepared, not just for herself, but in case someone around her ever needs help. College life is unpredictable, and having it on hand gives me comfort knowing she could make a difference in an emergency.
I also added a Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer so she can keep track of fevers on her own.
It may seem like a lot, but trust me, when your child is away from home and feeling sick for the first time, you’ll be so glad they have a fully stocked medicine box ready to go. Ava may not need everything at once, but she’s prepared for anything—and that makes both of us feel better.
If you’d like to create your own college medicine box, here’s the full list of what I packed for Ava. You can shop all of these through my Amazon storefront:
College Medicine Box Checklist
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Robitussin Adult Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM
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Amazon Basic Care Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream with Hydrocortisone