We all know that getting sick in general is the worst. When you’re away from home for the first time, and not used to coping with being sick in a dorm, it can be a lot worse than usual. Something that can help, though, is getting a sweet care package. Whether it’s a friend or a family member, in person or the mail- it can be a game changer for being sick. So, here are some of the best things to receive when you’re sick in college. It’s the prime season for illnesses like the cold and flu, so this fall when someone you love is sick, you will know what to do to help.

1. Medicine

If you go to the doctor and get a prescription for your sickness, it can be helpful for someone to pick it up for you. If you don’t have a prescription, it’s nice to get some medicine to help you feel better. For example when you have a cough, getting cough syrup can be helpful. Medicine isn’t a cure-all, so getting other things in the care package is nice too.

2. Soup

A good ole’ can of soup can be just the thing you need to get back on your feet. Of course, you should make sure that the person you’re giving the soup to has a microwave and a bowl. Then you can provide them with a free meal (who in college doesn’t want that?) and a way for them to stay in their room and rest instead of walking to get food.

3. Tea

If you don’t like tea, then maybe this one wouldn’t help you very much. But if you like tea, or are willing to try tea, it feels great when you are sick. My personal favorite is Traditional Medicine’s Throat Coat tea, for when my throat is sore. It soothes your throat a little bit and tastes kind of like a marshmallow. Other types of tea will help you feel better; it just depends on what you prefer.

4. Heating pad/ice pack

Depending on what you are sick with, getting a heating pad or ice pack can help. Heating pads work especially well for muscle aches, chills, cramps, or stomach pains. An ice pack is good for most injuries; it can also be helpful for migraines or headaches.

5. Movies

Having someone bring you your favorite movies/favorite types of movies is wonderful when you’re sick. It shows that the person cares, and while you are doing your mandatory “resting,” you can at least enjoy it if you don’t want to sleep.

6. Tissues

If you have the sniffles, something you might frequently be needing would be tissues for sure.

7. Something comfy and thoughtful

Whether it’s a fluffy blanket, a pair of slippers, or anything you can snuggle up and rest with or in. Also, a sweeter thing to do is to get them something thoughtful. It can be as simple as a candy bar or gum or something, and then could be very elaborate. It’s the thought that counts on this one. The sky’s the limit, but fuzzy socks and a warm blanket would be on my list.