Beyond the normal college packing list: college essentials are taking on a new meaning in 2020. What should you be adding to the shopping list of college supplies? Consider this list of quarantine go-bags essentials in case a quick get away is needed while your kid is at school. Here’s a list of college essentials for a COVID go-bag.
I think I’ve said it about 50 bazillion times since March: 2020 is W-I-L-D, y’all.
And while my son is doing a dual enrollment senior year combined with community college, the whole “sending a kid to the dorms” craziness is on my mind.
Class of 2020 parents: I’m thinking about you and all these tough decisions right now!
So while I wait and see how things fall out, I also plan. Because planning somehow makes me feel useful, even though who knows what things will look like a year from now?!
That being said: here’s a plan in case your child needs a college quarantine go-bag this fall.
College Essentials: Quarantine Go-Bags
What’s a go-bag and why would my college kid need one?
The simple answer comes down to preparation.
If your kiddo is exposed to the virus, or even tests positive, and needs to quarantine, this go-bag will be packed with essentials to help them get through a few weeks on their own if needed.
I mean, it would be easier to ask a roommate or RA to grab the big backpack in my closet or the yellow duffle in the corner vs trying to ask them to hunt through their room for all they need.
Yes. This IS 2020 and this IS reality, even if we don’t like the way it looks!
A go-bag is a backpack or duffle bag with essentials kept ready for use in case your college kid needs to leave home quickly.
What Should Be In the College Quarantine Go-Bag?
Most of those things are pretty self-explanatory and probably easy for your child to get.
And I’m adding Amazon affiliate links below for anything you might need to buy.
- Mid-size backpack or duffle bag
- phone chargers and chords
- copy of insurance cards
- prescription medications
- printed, not electronic, list of important phone numbers for emergency contact
- 3 full comfy outfits: think sweats, t-shirts, PJs
- thermometer
- alcohol wipes
- tissues
- toilet paper
- hand sanitizer goes into the quarantine go-bags
- hand soap
- pulse oximeter
- Tylenol and Ibuprofen
- Cough suppressant
- Personal hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, razor, shampoo and conditioner, hand lotion)
- fleece blanket and inflatable pillow
- cloth masks- at least 3, or disposable ones (many)
- Power of Attorney and HIPPA form if they are over 18-years old
- headphones/earbuds
- cash for emergencies or credit card
A few they may have on them at all times, regardless, such as the insurance card, credit card or the earbuds.
However, you never know what might become the next toilet paper this fall and in case your child needs to be quarantined from their roommate or classmates for a period of time, the college essential go-bag is a must.
Let’s be careful out there!
More Mom Posts
Before She Goes to Kindergarten
My Younger Friends Are Having Babies
18 Stocking Stuffers For Travelers
Patty Holliday is a Marvel loving, Disney obsessed wife, and mother of four. She’s a travel agent specializing in Disney & Universal vacations- and loves a candid confession. Find her in Virginia (or anywhere frequent flyer miles or her trusty minivan takes her.)
Leave a Reply