What to Do When Your Student Gets Sick at College
At some point, it's probably going to happen.
Maybe it's a cold.
Maybe it's the flu.
Maybe it's food poisoning, strep throat, or an injury that needs medical attention.
Whatever the situation, getting a call or text that your student is sick can be stressful—especially when they're hours away and you're not there to help.
The good news?
A little preparation before your student ever gets sick can make the situation much easier for both of you.
Before They Get Sick
Most parents spend time preparing for move-in day.
Far fewer spend time preparing for sick day.
Before the semester starts, make sure your student knows:
-
Where the campus health center is located
-
How to schedule an appointment
-
Which urgent care centers are nearby
-
What pharmacies are close to campus
-
How to access their health insurance information
-
How they would get to a medical appointment if they don't have a car
Many colleges provide this information on their websites, making it a great place to start your research. If you've already created a list of local resources before move-in, this is when that preparation pays off.
Build a Basic Sick-Day Kit
Your student doesn't need an entire pharmacy in their dorm room.
But having a few basics on hand can prevent a late-night trip to the store when they're already feeling miserable.
Consider including:
-
Thermometer
-
Pain reliever or fever reducer
-
Cold and flu medicine
-
Cough drops
-
Tissues
-
Electrolyte packets
-
Crackers or easy-to-eat snacks
-
Hand sanitizer
Every student and situation is different, but having a few essentials available can make a big difference.
Make Sure They Know Their Insurance Information
This is one of those details that often gets overlooked.
Can your student:
-
Access their insurance card?
-
Find a digital copy if needed?
-
Know which providers are in-network?
-
Understand where to go for urgent care versus emergency care?
You don't want to be searching for insurance information while they're sitting in a waiting room.
Help Them Learn to Navigate the System
One of the challenges of college is learning how to handle situations independently.
When your student calls because they're sick, resist the urge to immediately take over.
Instead, help them think through the next step.
Questions you might ask include:
-
Have you contacted the health center?
-
Do you know where the nearest pharmacy is?
-
Is there a friend who can go with you?
-
Do you need transportation?
-
Have you been able to eat and stay hydrated?
Often, students are capable of managing the situation. They just need a little encouragement and guidance.
Know When It's Time to Get Involved
There are also times when parents should become more involved.
Pay closer attention if:
-
Symptoms are severe or worsening
-
A hospital visit is involved
-
Your student seems confused or unable to manage the situation
-
Transportation becomes a problem
-
There are concerns about safety
Trust your instincts.
You know your student better than anyone.
After They're Feeling Better
Once the crisis has passed, take a few minutes to review what worked and what didn't.
Did they have the supplies they needed?
Was transportation easy to arrange?
Did you have the right insurance information available?
Did you discover resources you wish you had known about sooner?
Every experience becomes a chance to make the next one easier.
A Final Thought
Most students will get sick at some point during college.
That's normal.
The goal isn't to prevent every illness.
It's to make sure your student knows what to do when it happens.
A little preparation before move-in day can make an uncomfortable situation far less stressful for everyone involved.
And sometimes, knowing there's a plan is reassuring for parents too.
Related Resources
• Know Before You Go: Local Resources Every College Parent Should Research
• Turning 18: What Changes
• Important Documents for College Students
• Parent Checklist Before College