Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home

Public Health Matters Blog

Sharing our stories on preparing for and responding to public health events

Share
Compartir

Getting Prepared, the College Years

Categories: General, Preparedness

 College students sitting on steps

By Kathleen LaPorte

Twelve years of school, countless numbers of standardized test, a tassel, a diploma, and a college acceptance letter and you are fully prepared for college, or are you?  We’ve put together a few helpful tips on how to get ready for college.

Be in the Know

First and foremost get a map. No one wants to be that lost freshman who doesn’t know how to get to class.  In addition to knowing where your classes are, check-out where the on-campus health center and local emergency services are located. It’s always important to know where to go for a twisted ankle or the flu (don’t forget your flu shot!), remember your mom isn’t going to be there to take your temperature and make you soup.

Dorm Life

Boy studying in dorm roomNow let’s talk dorms. Get ready to squeeze your entire living space into your bedroom, oh and add a roommate to share it with. Pack the essentials and learn to organize. Your dorm may be packed tight but you always have room for an emergency kit.

Here are a few extra things to add to your list when shopping for college:

  • Extra supply of water
  • Non-perishable food (cans, dried fruits, and the college staple–ramen–are all good choices)
  • First aid kit
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
  • Additional personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.

Put all these items in a plastic container or bag that can slide easily under your desk or bed. You may have limited space but if a disaster does strike you’ll be glad you were prepared. 

Stay Connected

College student using laptopIt’s time to put all those fancy new graduation gifts to use. You’ll soon discover that new laptop can be used for more than watching movies and checking Facebook.  You now can take your homework with you anywhere, lucky you!

But let’s be honest nowadays we wouldn’t leave home without our phone or computer.  Always having them with you makes them the perfect tools to use to alert you of an emergency.

Many colleges are using new online sources to communicate information about natural disasters or threats. Tools such as text-messages, Facebook post and tweets are some of the methods used to instantly communicate alerts to the entire campus during an emergency situation.

In order to benefit from these communication sources, make sure that you are on an email or contact list to receive real time updates during an emergency and know the best resources to get accurate and up-to-date information during an emergency. [You can also follow @CDCReady for emergency information tips]

A+ in Planning

Most dorms conduct fire-drills, often conveniently timed for right when you step in the shower or around 3 a.m. when you’re fast asleep. Even though it’s a drag  to get up and leave your dorm in the middle of the night, take these alerts seriously. Knowing how to react in an emergency could make a big difference in ensuring your safety.

Take time to prepare for other disaster as well. Do you know where the safest place is in your dorm in case of a tornado or how about an earthquake? It’s important to understand the threats in your area and what to do.

CDC provides information that can be helpful for students about the proper way to handle different natural disaster. Information can be found on the CDC’s emergency preparedness and response website at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/.     

The ‘Rents

Now that you are off to college don’t forget about your parents. You’ll be begging for a home cooked meal and someone to do your laundry soon enough.  Make sure to include your parents in your emergency plan too.

Graduates in cap and gownIf a disaster does happen they will be the first ones who want to know if you’re ok. It’s important to talk to family and friends about how to get in contact during an emergency and the best plan to reduce panic back home.

You learn so much in college, inside and outside the classroom, so here’s a head start on all those lessons you have to learn, always be prepared.  Have a plan and stay informed. Being ready for anything will help you be ready for everything college, and life, has to throw your way.

For more preparedness tips, follow @CDCReady.

Leave a Comment

Are you headed to college or know someone that is? Tell us what you’ve done to get prepared…

Public Comments

Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Read more about our comment policy ».

  1. August 15, 2012 at 4:13 pm ET  -   Sable

    Wow! What a great article! I would recommend this to anyone beginning college and their families. This article contains great information and all the facts. As a college student, I could have been much better off had I seen this article prior to departing for school.

    Link to this comment

  2. August 16, 2012 at 8:01 pm ET  -   Frances

    This was such a great help! I was really nervous to start a new school but I feel more prepared! :)

    Link to this comment

  3. September 22, 2012 at 2:23 am ET  -   health

    hello,
    this is nice for shareing.Here are a few extra things to add to your list when shopping for college:

    Extra supply of water
    Non-perishable food (cans, dried fruits, and the college staple–ramen–are all good choices)
    First aid kit
    Battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
    Additional personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins.It’s time to put all those fancy new graduation gifts to use. You’ll soon discover that new laptop can be used for more than watching movies and checking Facebook. You now can take your homework with you anywhere, lucky you!It’s time to put all those fancy new graduation gifts to use. You’ll soon discover that new laptop can be used for more than watching movies and checking Facebook. You now can take your homework with you anywhere, lucky you!
    thank you
    health

    Link to this comment

Post a Comment

We welcome your comments and expect that any comments will be respectful. This is a moderated blog and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. Read more about our comment policy »

* All fields are required

Name will be visible to all users E-mail is confidential and will remain hidden
You can add a handful of basic html tags to your comment. The commenting function supports the following tags:
<b> <i> <a href=""> <strong> <em> <abbr title=""> <acronym title="">

All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. This is a moderated blog and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. Read more about our comment policy »

 
  • Page last reviewed:
  • Page last updated: September 22, 2012
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
A-Z Index
  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z
  27. #