SPRING COLLEGE &
EDUCATION GUIDE2021
ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN COLLEGE STUDENTS’
QUARANTINE BAGS
14
Millions of parents dropped their children off on college
campuses for the start of a new school year last August.
While that might not stand out in a normal year, 2020 has
proven to be anything but normal.
Many colleges and universities grappled with how
to approach the 2020-21 academic year as the world
continued to battle the COVID-19 outbreak. Some schools
chose to offer only remote learning and keep kids off
campus entirely, while others offered in person classes and
welcomed students back to campus. Still others created
hybrid learning plans that combined remote learning with
in person sessions.
Regardless of which option schools ultimately chose,
it’s fair to say that many recognized the potential that the
pandemic could once again upset the academic apple cart
after the semester began, forcing students and educators
to adjust to fully remote learning in much the same way
they did back in March. In addition to that potential outcome,
students who returned to campus must be prepared
to enter quarantine if they or a friend, classmate or roommate
tests positive for COVID-19. In anticipation of that,
it pays for students to prepare quarantine bags in case
they need to isolate themselves at any point during the
semester.
Colleges and families are hoping
for a more normal 2021-22 school
year, but only time will tell. It’s always
best to be prepared.
CLOTHING
Few college students have
exclusive access to washers
and dryers in their dorm rooms or apartments.
Shared laundry rooms will likely be off
limits while students are under quarantine, so
make sure to pack enough clothing to get through
two weeks of isolation. Take inventory of your supply
of pajamas, underwear and socks and purchase more if
necessary.
FOOD AND COOKING SUPPLIES
College students accustomed to eating their
meals at the dining hall food may need to prepare
their own meals while in quarantine. Stock up
on nonperishable items, such as pasta, soup,
rice, and cereal, that can be stored in your
room for long periods of time without expiring.
Bottled water can help you stay hydrated
should you feel ill, while decaffeinated tea can
help you stay warm should you feel chills. Bring
along a mini refrigerator, a toaster or toaster oven, a tea kettle,
some pots and pans, bowls and plates, and utensils as well.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Extra masks are a must-have when returning to campus, and
they can help students make it through quarantine as well. Masks
can be worn when using restrooms or showers, even if students
are attending schools that plan to isolate people who test positive
in buildings that cannot be
accessed by non-infected
community members.
In addition to extra masks,
make sure you have enough
daily medical supplies, such
as toothpaste, shampoo,
body lotion or soap,
deodorant, tissues, and
disinfectant, to last through
quarantine, which is typically
no less than two weeks.
TECHNOLOGY
While in quarantine, students
will want to stay connected
to the outside world
and parents will no doubt want to check in as often as possible
to see how their children are faring. A reliable laptop, desktop
or tablet can ensure students can chat with family and friends
and even stay up-to-date with their schoolwork via the Zoom
conferencing app. A backup phone charger also can make sure
students stay connected throughout their quarantine period.