I won't sugarcoat this for you: going away for college is...freaky. Not just because you're suddenly going to be thrown into a world of mass diversity, but because that diverse mass has brought illnesses from back home. Plus, depending on where you go to college, the town or city is already waiting to infect you with whatever diseases its citizens are already immune to. Face it: you're like a newborn baby in a big, bad, germ-filled world. You're definitely going to get sick at least once (or four times, like I did). I'm in my second semester of my sophomore year, so I've figured out what a college student needs to hopefully survive college.

1. Vapor Rub.

I can't stress the healing powers of vapor rub. If you rub it on your feet and then put socks on, it helps your cough. Rub it on your chest and back, it helps clear your lungs. Dab a bit under your nose, it helps clear your nasal and sinus passages.

2. Ibuprofen.

Buy this in bulk, because you're going to need it A LOT. Tylenol is also a good pain reliever as well. Just be careful not to take too much and eat a little before taking it, even if it's just a small pack of saltines.

3. Vaseline.

Vaseline is so great for healing the skin. I used it on my lips when they were chapped. I used it on my hands when they were chapped. I used it on my feet when bowling caused them to crack. Vaseline is a life saver!

4. Biotene.

Biotene is a mouthwash that is specifically to help with dry mouth. They advertise this mouthwash for people who take medications that can cause dry mouth, but, let's be reasonable, when you get sick (and you know you will), your mouth will get incredibly dry from dehydration. This mouthwash helps to keep your mouth moist.

5. Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera gel is so soothing for all kinds of burns: sunburns, stove burns, lighter burns, etc. It can also be moisturizing as well. It's handy to have around just in case an accident happens!

If someone had told me that these would be handy before I went to college, I think I would have had a much better time!