Be Prepared
You’re off to college. Congratulations!
While packing your laptop, your band posters and your toothbrush, don’t forget to include a basic medicine and first aid kit. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Antacid (Digel)
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
- Antidiarrheal (Imodium)
- Anti-emetic (Pepto Bismol)
- Antihistamine (Benadryl)
- Band-Aids
- Bandages (3 x 4)
- Cough medicine
- Decongestant (Sudafed)
- Heating pad
- Ice bag
- Pain medicine and fever reducer (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Saline nasal spray
- Thermometer
- Throat spray or lozenges
- Tweezers
- Waterproof tape
Remember to bring any prescriptions you are taking, including inhalers and peak flow meters. Students are responsible for keeping and dispensing their own medication(s), including injections. Health and Wellness Services does not store prescription medicines or controlled substances. There are several pharmacies near campus where prescriptions can be transferred.
Insulin dependent diabetics and students on other forms of injectable medication are required to have a milk carton or other plastic container in which to store used syringes and needles.
Health Insurance
Be sure to bring all your health insurance information, insurance cards and doctors’ contact information. If you should become ill or injured and need off-campus medical care, x-rays, or lab work, you’ll need your insurance card. Otherwise, unless you are in a life-threatening situation, most facilities will require you to pay the entire cost of the visit – or may refuse to treat you.
Please note that if you enroll at Christopher Newport before you turn 18, you must submit a new patient health history form and a patient statement of understanding and financial agreement form, signed by a parent or guardian, in order to receive nonemergency care in the clinic.