Preparing for health and wellness is an important step as you plan for your time at GVSU. We want to help students feel like they are equipped to take an active role in staying healthy and well. Make sure you have all of the supplies and knowledge to be prepared.

Things to Bring

Plan Ahead & Be Prepared

Printable Checklist

MEDICATIONS

• List of your current allergies & medications 
• Keep up supplies for managing chronic conditions (i.e. contact lens solution, sharps disposal container, etc)
• Prescriptions
  • Get prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near campus
  • Know where to get refills & have enough for first semester 
  • Set up delivery if no transportation
  • Set up refill reminders at least 1 week before they’re gone
  • Set up reminders to take medication as needed
• Transportation plan for appointments/picking up medications

RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATIONS

• COVID-19 
• Hepatitis A 
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Influenza (Flu)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 
• Meningitis (ACYW) 
• Meningitis B 
• Pneumococcal 
• Polio
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis 
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Learn more about specific dosages and frequency.

FIRST AID / HEALTH KIT

Don’t forget these essential items that many students don’t plan for. Think about items you use regularly or seasonally.

• Antibiotic ointment & hydrocortisone cream
• Bandages, ace bandages, first aid tape, & gauze 
• Bug spray & calamine lotion
• Cold, flu, and cough medicine
• Cloth face covering
• Diarrhea medication (& any other medications you take)
• Ice pack/hot pack
• Medicine for aches and fever (e.g. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen)
• Sore throat lozenges
• Sunscreen & aloe for sunburn
• Thermometer* 
• Tweezers, scissors, nail clippers, nail file 

HOME HEALTH ESSENTIALS

• Cleaning supplies
• Disinfectant spray/wipes
• Fire extinguisher 
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues

For a complete list of items to pack for on-campus housing: gvsu.edu/housing/packinglist

LOCAL RESOURCES & CONTACT INFO

Find local providers for when you need healthcare while at GVSU & write them down or save phone numbers and addresses in your phone. If you have insurance, consult your insurance company to help locate in-network providers in the area. 

• Dentist: ________________________
• Disability Support: ________________________
  • Disability Support Resources
• Hospital:  ________________________
• Medical: ________________________
  • Campus Health Center (Allendale)
• Mental Health Crisis: _____________________________
  • National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Ongoing Mental Health Services: _______________________
  • University Counseling Center
• Pharmacy: _____________________________
• Urgent Care:  ______________________________
• Other Wellness Resources for student wellness: 
  • ______________________________________
  • ______________________________________

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Identify names, phone numbers, and addresses and write them down, or save them in your phone.

• ________________________________
• ________________________________
• ________________________________
• ________________________________
• ________________________________

ALCOHOL & DRUG EXPECTATIONS

• What are family and cultural expectations around alcohol consumption and drug use?
• What are your values, beliefs and attitudes towards alcohol consumption and drug use? How will you make informed decisions regarding alcohol and other drug use?

Learn more about prevention, education, intervention & recovery options offered by Alcohol & Other Drug Services.

HEALTH & WELLNESS STRATEGIES

• Take steps towards being well in all 8 dimensions of wellness.
• Eat healthy when away from home.
• Move your body often with exercise & physical activity.
• Get enough sleep.
• Learn techniques to manage stress.
• Have a plan for managing your time: class, homework, job, relaxation, and social life. 
• Have a plan for COVID-19 and other illness. 

SEXUAL HEALTH PREPAREDNESS

• Know that beginning (or continuing) to explore your sexuality in college is normal.
• Your beliefs & values about sex may change; don’t forget to check in with how your relationships and/or sexual experiences make you feel.
• If you engage in sexual activity, practice safer sex - use barrier methods & get tested for STIs regularly. 
• Learn more about Sexual Health at GVSU, including free condom locations, communication tips, safer sex practices, STI testing info, & trusted resources.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• Have a copy of your insurance card with you. 
• Know how to use your insurance (co-pays, in-network providers, preauthorizations). 
• Should you use an HSA card to pay for medical related expenses? Do you have your own copy to use?
• If you need health insurance, visit our Student Health Insurance page. 

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

• Download the American Red Cross First Aid app for free on iOS or Android. 
• Talk with your parent / supporter about when (& how) to seek care & have them walk you through the steps.
• Don’t wait until last minute to get treatment; act before an illness turns into a potential crisis.
• Know when is an appropriate time to call for an ambulance.
• Know when to visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room.
• Know when to use self-care methods.
• Ambulance rides to Emergency Rooms are one-way; be prepared to provide your own transportation back to campus or your apartment.

MEDICAL HISTORY

• Know your own medical history & your family medical history, if known
  • medical conditions, including any hospitalizations
  • mental health treatment or inpatient care
  • past surgical procedures
  • chronic conditions you have & how to manage them
  • immunization history
• If you have a chronic health condition:
  • Know what accommodations you may need for your chronic health condition & how to get this arranged.
  • Know how to dispose properly of medical supplies (needles, etc.)

PREVENTION

• If you have a primary care provider, counselor, or any other health care provider, see them before the semester starts.
• Practice making appointments & filling out paperwork yourself.
• Discuss referrals for providers closer to campus. If you need help identifying your level of care, set up a consultation call.
• Sign any necessary releases for your health care providers to get records shared as needed.
• If you want, you may also want to execute a medical power of attorney and/or a HIPAA authorization giving your parent / supporter access to your medical records & the right to speak with your care providers. When you turn 18, they will not have access to this information.
• Take preventative steps to stay healthy, such as getting your flu shot, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing.*