When you send a child off to college, there are many concerns. Parents often worry about the same things—will they eat enough, will they sleep enough, will they manage their time appropriately? Cars are packed with all the usual dorm supplies, and tearful goodbyes are par for the course. But with all the planning and worrying that goes into sending a child to college for the first time, you might overlook a few college safety essentials that can give a worried parent greater peace of mind.
Safety Tips for College Students
The safety of college students is one of the primary concerns all parents share. While most campuses are well policed and generally safe, ensuring your college student is prepared for negative encounters is a must. Supplies like safety whistles and self-defense tools can help keep your child safer as they cross the quad after late-night study sessions. Before heading off to college, self-defense courses are a great idea, and reminders to walk with a buddy in less populated areas or at night are important as well.
Encourage them to familiarize themselves with campus-security resources—most colleges offer escort services, emergency call boxes, and safety apps. Remind them to keep their dorm room locked (an inexpensive door alarm can add an additional layer of security), even if they’re just stepping down the hall, and to never loan out their key or student ID.
Healthcare Tips for College Students
Young adults at college don’t always take the best care of their health. From poor dietary decisions, late nights and other activities not “parent-approved,” college students are not known for their healthy lifestyles. Living in close quarters also contributes to more frequent illness, and risky behaviors can lead to injury. Be sure that, among all the dorm décor and personal belongings you pack, a well-stocked first-aid kit is included. From medications for headaches, colds and flu, anti-emetic and anti-diarrheal pills, disinfectants, and bandages—make sure they are prepared for any mild illness or injury. Including a thermometer and pulse oximeter is also a good idea, considering respiratory infections like flu and COVID spread easily in dormitories. Vitamins are also a great way to give them a healthy boost!
If your child needs emergency medical care and becomes hospitalized at college, you may want to consider ensuring they can return home, closer to family and familiar medical care. To make sure the cost of long-distance, hospital-to-hospital medical transportation isn’t a barrier, parents might choose a Fly-U-Home membership with AirMedCare Network. Not only would your college student be covered at college or anywhere in the continental US, but so would the rest of your household for $159 per year*. Learn more about this additional peace of mind for parents sending their children off to college and enroll today!
*Membership terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When a program provides bedside-to-bedside service, the transport medical team accepts the patient at the bedside in the originating facility and delivers the patient to the bed of the receiving facility.
Yes, although it’s not always possible. It will solely depend on available space on our aircraft. All aircraft have the ability to accommodate a passenger, however, this space could be lost due to additional medical staff or medical equipment.
Anyone that resides in the household.
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