Health checklist
Here are a few health checklist items you can tackle with your student this before they start their journey at CU Boulder.
Review and complete health requirements
Incoming students must complete a set of health and wellness requirements. Make sure you review these requirements, deadlines and information before your student comes to campus. We also recommend completing all requirements (regardless of the deadline) before students move in to ensure they are able to take full advantage of health and wellness services on campus.
Review insurance information and health history
It’s important for your student to know about their personal health, especially as they start to make appointments and see healthcare providers on their own. Before your student comes to campus, be sure to review the following information with them:
- Medications (doses, frequency, why they are taken, etc.)
- Allergies (e.g. medications, foods, reactions, etc.)
- Significant family medical history (e.g. cancer, asthma, diabetes, etc.)
- Personal medical history (e.g. diagnoses, conditions, surgical history, etc.)
You can use this free, printable Personal Health Information form to review health topics with your student. Be sure they keep this saved somewhere secure that they can also easily access if they need to schedule a healthcare appointment. You can also encourage your student to schedule an annual physical before they arrive or shortly after they arrive on campus. Establishing this habit can empower your student to be proactive and understand the importance of preventative care.
Transfer prescriptions
The Apothecary is a full-service, on-campus pharmacy available to all students. It accepts most national insurance plans and is operated by University of Colorado Hospital. We recommend students complete a set of new patient forms before they come to campus so that they are in the system when classes begin.
Assemble a first aid kit
Having a basic first aid kit ensures your student is prepared for any minor illnesses or injuries that may happen while they’re here. We recommend including:
- Bandages and antibiotic ointment
- Cold/sinus relief medication, cough drops and nasal spray
- Digital thermometer
- Hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Reusable cold pack
Free supplies: Students can stop by the Figueroa Family Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center to pick up most of these supplies for free! Additional supplies are available for purchase at the Apothecary Pharmacy on the second floor of Wardenburg Health Center.
Practicing good hygiene
Germs spread fast, especially on college campuses. Talk with your student about some of the ways they can continue to stay healthy and prevent illness:
- Regular hand-washing is one of the best ways to protect against germs, including COVID-19, the flu, common cold and more. If warm water and soap aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a great alternative.
- Remind your student to avoid sharing personal items that can exchange saliva with others. This includes things such as water bottles, lip balms, cups and beverages, eating utensils and vapes or other smoking devices.
- Encourage your student to keep their living areas clean by regularly wiping down common objects and surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and keyboards with disinfectant.
- If your student feels ill, encourage them to rest, drink plenty of fluids, stay home when possible and wear a mask to prevent others from getting sick.
Build healthy habits
Building healthy habits at home can help your student transition more smoothly onto campus. Suggest a few activities you can both try together like yoga, meditation, journaling, playing a new sport or finding a new walking path. Try to do something together or commit to checking in with each other regularly to ensure you’re both practicing self-care.
You can also encourage your student to schedule a meeting with a Peer Wellness Coach to discuss how they can build or maintain healthy habits throughout college.