We’ve seen a lot of questions from students & families around the web about campus COVID-19 protocols, and the best ways for students to access COVID-19 testing.
What are your college’s campus/class protocols?
Every college or university is different concerning COVID-19 protocols. However, three main COVID questions span the academic realm:
- What, if any, level of COVID-19 vaccine status is required at your college or university?
- Are masks required – and if so, when & where?
(related: are remote online classes still mandatory? or available as an alternative to in-person attendance for some courses?) - What is the COVID-19 testing accessibility/availability for students?
Regarding vaccine requirements, mask requirements, and the status of online classes, etc. — We recommend the following: Perform a google search containing the keywords “[Your College/University”] COVID protocols and requirements”…
Example: “Tulane University New Orleans COVID protocols and requirements” — In almost all cases, the top search result will be a main page for your college or university containing general info, and links to more specific topics (such as, vaccine requirements & campus resources).
Testing availability for students
Most COVID-19 protocol pages also feature info on availability of testing for students. For example, your campus may have on-site locations that offer free testing with a current student ID.
However, as our THURSDAY TIP, we recommend that students also have personal access to at-home tests – our suggestion is that each student have at least four at-home tests in their apartment, dorm, or home (perhaps stored in their preparedness kit).
THURSDAY TIP: At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits
Although free student testing is available on many campuses, it’s less frequent that colleges or universities offer free at-home tests to students.
Getting Free COVID.gov At-Home Test Kits (via USPS) – Receive two kits with 4 tests each (8 tests total):
- Visit the COVID.gov free at-home tests site; Click “Order Free At-Home Tests” to be brought to the USPS order page
- Enter student name & mailing info, along with an email address to receive order confirmation & est. delivery updates
Important Note: Only one order per address (not per person) is allowed. This may be problematic for off-campus students sharing an apartment address with a roommate or roommates. Further, there have been a number of reports that the USPS ordering form has difficulty processing orders to college or university dormitory addresses.
… for these reasons, you may want to purchase at-home test kits to ensure student access to COVID-19 testing.
Suggested At-Home Test Kits (for affiliate purchase) — Recommended, “relatively” reasonably priced (unfortunately, these kits are costly!), well-reviewed & FDA-approved kits:
- iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, (2-Test Kit) — FDA Emergency Use Authorized (EUA) OTC at-home self test, Results in 15 minutes with non-invasive nasal swab, Easy to use, Low-to-no discomfort (Cost, on 8/25/22: $15.28, free shipping)
- Roche Diagnostics Rapid Antigen COVID-19 At-Home Test, (4-Test Kit) — FDA Emergency Use Authorized (EUA), Quick Results, Easy to use nasal test (Cost, on 8/25/22: $39.99, free shipping)
- BOSON Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card, (8-Test Kit) — FDA Emergency Use Authorized (EUA) OTC at-Home self test, Results in 15 minutes, Convenient and comfortable to use (Cost, on 8/25/22: $42.98, free shipping)
… you can also include COVID-19 test kits as part of a custom preparedness kit, available in our Supply Shop (10% off code: STUDENT10).
Other COVID-19 Suggestions (“Thursday Tips Lagniappe“)
Although it may not be “chic” or always comfortable, we highly recommend that students continue to wear masks during on-campus classes and when out & about (grocery store, social settings). We suggest wearing a KN95 or N95 mask for the greatest level of protection.
Also, continue to seek outdoor settings for socializing (when possible), practice social distancing, and keep up with local reports on COVID-19 case rates (usually accessible via online search using keywords “[Your Area] COVID-19 Cases”). Specific updates on campus case rates may also be sent in student email notices, or available via info links on the main COVID-19 protocol page for your college or university.
Staying aware of who is being COVID-safe (wearing masks, etc.), who has tested positive recently that you’ve been in contact with, and regular testing either at on-campus COVID-19 testing locations, or by using at-home test kits is also recommended.
As we always say – be informed, prepare, & don’t panic …
… Keep up with campus protocols, continue to be COVID-safe in your activities, remain aware of case rates & cases close to you (people you know), test regularly & accordingly … You may also want to find your local collegiate Facebook group, where additional info on testing sites, campus requirements, area case rates, etc. may be available.
Be Well, Stay Safe!
– The disaster.guide Team
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