TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — COVID-19 has already brought a lot of changes to 2020. Life on college campuses, both locally and nationally, are no exception.
ABC 27 reached out to Florida State, Florida A&M and Valdosta State and asked what essentials students should make sure to bring with them. Here's what they told us:
1) Bring the essentials and pack lightly
While each university is taking extra precautions to prevent community spread of COVID-19, an outbreak on campus could still happen. That's why school officials at FSU recommend that on-campus students pack lightly for the year and bring only their essentials to live and study on campus.
That's because students need to be prepared to move only essential items to an isolation location if they receive a positive COVID-19 test.
2) Grab extra bedding and snacks
Snacks are a staple of any college experience but are even more important now amid the pandemic. University officials say students should be prepared with their academic materials, extra clothing, towels and wash cloths and non-perishable food items in cases they have to quarantine on-campus.
At FSU, Rogers Hall will serve as isolation housing for any on-campus student who tests positive for COVID-19. At FAMU, the Palmetto North units will house any students living in on-campus housing that have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
At VSU, students who test positive for COVID-19 will be given the choice to either go home or go to an isolation suite in Georgia Hall.
However, students will need to provide their own bedding and other necessary supplies while in isolation housing, including snacks and some dishes that are microwave-friendly or can be used on the stove to prepare food.
FSU students can arrange with SODEXO or off-campus vendors for contactless delivery of food.
3) Don't forget your cleaning supplies
Each university will have stringent sanitation procedures to protect students, however, students are encouraged to also bring their own supplies like hand sanitizer, extra face coverings, thermometers, and EPA-registered disinfectants.
At FAMU, students will be provided with one disposable and two reusable face coverings as well as two personal sized containers of hand sanitizer that can be refilled on campus. Each student will also have access to "student kits," which include complimentary face coverings, resources, and hand sanitizer.
Students are also allowed and are encouraged to bring their own face coverings.
Over at FSU, on-campus students will be supplied with a face covering at move-in, but are encouraged to bring additional face coverings and gloves to use throughout the semester. Students should also have a thermometer to help them assess their health each day.
Once screened, students at VSU will get a "welcome kit" that includes personal protective equipment, a thermometer and other medical COVID-19 related information.
As far as other, non-COVID supplies are concerned, here's what each university recommends:
FAMU [Full size PDF here]
FSU [Full size image here]
VSU [Full size PDF here]
For more information on each university's reopening plan, click here: FAMU / FSU / VSU
