08/05/2026
Starting college is often the time when students will be managing their own healthcare. Preparation will be the key to access the best care when it is needed. Here are some things we recommend:
* Copy of insurance card as well as contact information for their prior doctor
* List of all medications, including over-the-counter medications and how to access refills
* List with dates of chronic medical conditions, significant illnesses, and previous surgeries
* Make sure all required immunizations have been completed with a copy of immunization records
* Go over family health history- great opportunity to discuss healthy lifestyle choices to prevent diabetes, liver, and heart disease
Hopefully you have already had multiple open & honest conversations about issues that may be encountered- Drugs, Alcohol, S*x, Peer Pressure, as well as Mental Health. Review consent, safety tips such as not walking alone, staying at a party alone, telling others of your plans, drinking and driving, and not drinking something you haven’t opened yourself. Be sure to scope out and visit the health clinic and counseling centers on campus.
It may be wise, in case of an emergency, to have a signed HIPAA authorization- this will allow healthcare providers to disclose health information to anyone specified. Be sure to fill out forms relevant to the home state and the school state to avoid any challenges.
* Send along a basic first aid kit- cold medicine, throat lozenges, cough drops, gloves, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, thermometer, OTC pain medication, TUMS, Gas X, Benadryl, nail clippers and tweezers.
For the Parent: Accept that your job as a parent has changed. Communicate with your student as a young adult. Trust them to problem solve, every “crisis” is going to sound much worse when you’re miles away, at the same time listen to your gut feelings. If homesickness persists or worsens after two weeks it is recommended to seek help. Embrace your role as a guide rather than as a decision maker. Negotiate how you will communicate and your communication expectations before drop off day. Send love from home - packages and real mail will brighten their day. Most importantly keep the conversation going and let them know they can come to you for help.
All of us at WCS wish you a year full of bright beginnings, perfect attendance, and a spectacular GPA!
*Name one thing you didn’t take with you but needed at college.
*Name something you had but was absolutely unnecessary.
Any advise you can offer our students or college parents? Something you wish you had known in advance.