The back to school season is finally upon us and many parents and students are wary about heading back out into public spaces due to the coronavirus pandemic. The number of Covid-19 cases are still rising globally and the public is urged to take extra precaution when stepping out into public spaces. Wearing of cloth face masks and coverings and frequent handwashing are still highly recommended by the CDC, especially during the back to school period. With some schools opening back up, it is essential to be aware of the things that one may need to equip him or herself in the face of a health crisis. Here, we’ve outlined some of the back to school college essentials during the coronavirus pandemic. These are some items you’ll need to keep strong and healthy to avoid catching Covid-19. (Read: CDC’s Guidelines on Colleges, Universities, and Higher Learning)
Back to School College Essentials for Overall Health and Wellness
1. Perry Ellis Reusable Rounded Woven Fabric Face Masks (Pack of 6)
Heading back to school is daunting with the coronavirus or Covid-19 pandemic still in full swing all over the world. To keep one’s self and loved ones protected from catching or spreading the virus, the CDC recommends using a fabric face mask or cover that covers the nose and mouth, just like this set of 6 reusable woven fabric masks from Perry Ellis. This set is made of 100% cotton and come in stylish designs in basic colors to match any back to school OOTD. This set of masks has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Great masks. Very comfortable. They do have a strip of metal to form across nose. Love how soft and adjustable the ear straps are. Buying myself a second set. Would like to see more fabric patterns, but the blue and white is great.” Shelly W.
2. Suave Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer (Pack of 24)
Before heading off back to school this year, make sure you’re equipped with a supply of hand sanitizer. Consider the Suave Hand Sanitizer, which is alcohol-based and effectively kills 99.9% of many common harmful germs and bacteria. It comes in a gel formula that isn’t sticky or too smelly. It is an antibacterial hand sanitizer that is handy for cleaning and disinfecting one’s hands when you don’t have access to soap and water. It comes in a convenient 8 oz. bottle that can you can place in your bag, car, locker, dorm room, bathroom, and more. It contains 65% Ethyl Alcohol, meaning it meets CDC recommendation for hand sanitizers. It has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “It took a while to get, but I received all 24 bottles with no leaking. This gel is pretty thick, so you won’t need to use much of it. I like that. There is a mild odor, but it goes away when dry and is not sticky. It would be nice if they offered it with pumps, but I’m not complaining.” Pauljk
3. Method Gel Hand Soap in Sea Minerals (Pack of 6)
Before shipping yourself off to college this season, make sure you’re equipped with enough hand soap to last you the entire year. This set of liquid hand soaps from Method feature a paraben-free and biodegradable formula that’s not harmful to the environment. It even comes in a 100% recycled and recyclable plastic bottle. This naturally derived gel hand wash leaves hands soft, clean and sublimely scented unlike other hand soaps with synthetic ingredients that tend to dry out the skin. During the pandemic, it’s imperative to keep hands clean through frequent hand washing. Make sure you have Method Gel Hand Soap to clean your hands. This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Easy on your skin. Effective at cutting kitchen grease. The container is durable and can be refilled many times. The bottle shape is stable and fits well next to your sink. The tear drop shape causes the last drops of soap to be within reach of the bottom of the pump. So a lot of thought has gone into the design of the container. In the [Covid-19] era, when all of us are washing our hands more, this soap is a pleasant and efficient way to handle that task.” Maneki Neko
4. Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Face & Body Bar for All Skin Types (3 Count)
Keeping clean is a must especially with the Covid-19 threat. But frequent bathing need not strip the skin of its essential moisture. Thankfully there’s Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Face and Body Bar, which deeply cleans and rids the skin of dirt and impurities without drying it out. It’s also perfect for use on sensitive skin, as it is non-irritating and non-comedogenic. It does not contain triclosan and triclocarban, ingredients that tend to strip skin of its natural moisture. This product has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I was looking for a good soap for my dry skin for a while and this is the best I have found so far. I use it for my face and body and it keeps my skin moisturized and soft. Highly recommended!” Paloma
5. Germ-Away Antibacterial Hand Wipes (80-wipe Canister)
Keep this convenient canister handy when you don’t have access to soap and water. These sanitizing hand wipes from Germ-Away are pre-moistened wipes that feature a BZK antiseptic formulation that leaves skin clean and moisturized with its lemon scent. Its unique formula is tough on dirt and bacteria, while remaining gentle on skin. It’s perfect for different uses, from classrooms to daycare, gardening, households, and more. When hand hygiene is a must, having Germ-Away handy is also a must. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “It came neatly packaged, the towelettes are moist and don’t dry out to fast. It also feels good on the hands and easy to use to wipe down surfaces.” Andre Cluff
Back to School College Essentials for a Healthy Breakfast (and Other Meals)
1. Amazon Elements Adult One Daily Multivitamin
Keeping healthy starts within. That’s why you need an extra boost of multivitamins to ensure a good supply to keep your overall health optimal. The Amazon Elements Adult One Daily Multivitamin features 23 vitamins and minerals plus a botanical blend in a formula that is 59% whole food cultured, vegan, and gluten-free. This daily multivitamin does not contain any artificial colors or flavors or chemical preservatives. It only contains vitamins A, C, D2, E, K2, K1, B complex, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum. It also contains organic blackberry, organic raspberry, lemon balm leaf, and rose hips. This product has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Amazon Elements Multivitamin is a good way to start my day. Compared to my normal multi-this one is a higher quality for purity and includes nutrients like K and selenium which is not common in a regular multivitamin. This is a fairly big vitamin but for me, it’s easy to take and causes no stomach upset when I take it with my other supplements.” C. Irish
2. Nature’s Path Variety Pack Instant Oatmeal (Pack of 6)
College days will most likely keep you rushing to meet deadlines. Make sure you have a quick yet healthy breakfast to get you going in the morning with Nature’s Path Instant Oatmeal that comes in a variety of delicious flavors you’ll love to alternate on days when you need a quick fix. This collection of flavorful options comes in the brand’s four most popular flavors: apple cinnamon, multigrain raisin, flax plus, and maple nut. It is certified USDA organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. This oatmeal features a classic homestyle flavor and offers a low-fat meal option and a good source of fiber in a convenient package. Whether it’s for breakfast or a midday snack, this is sure to deliver both nutrition and satisfaction. This variety pack has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I have been eating this everyday since my first purchase. Flavor is excellent and it is a fantastic start to my day. I normally throw in a scoop of hemp or some raw almonds and it holds me over for a few hours. I really enjoyed it.” V&B
3. KONA French Press Coffee Maker With Reusable Stainless Steel Filter
If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable French press coffee maker, look no further than the best-selling KONA French Press Coffee Maker. It features a unique and attractive insulated outer shell that protects from chips and cracks to protect the extra thick 34 oz borosilicate glass coffee pitcher. It is equipped with a sturdy and durable handle with a clever design and a detachable stainless steel filter screen system with a quick and easy press, rubber plunger knob. It’s a must-have for students who plan to keep their energy levels up throughout the day with their favorite caffeine boost. This product is highly rated because it is easy to use, easy to clean, has a great blending power, and is versatile. It has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “After making a habit of going over to a friend’s apartment to start making my coffee with her French press, I decided it was time for me to invest in a French press of my own. As a college student, it is well worth Every short second needed to make a perfect cup of coffee. This press is large enough for me to make lots for my friends or still just a cup for me. Can’t wait to try brewing loose leaf tea in it! Very sturdy build, aesthetically pleasing, and some great rich coffee with no grinds in the bottom of my mug. Well worth the buy!” Norman Chapman
4. SnackNation Ultra-Premium Healthy Snack Box Subscription Deluxe Variety
Get your monthly dose of munchies with the SnackNation Healthy Snack Box, which lets you discover and indulge in tasty tasty chips, nutrition bars, savory jerkies, better-for-you sweets, nuts and more, without having to leave your dorm. It’s also a great snack box size for care packages to be sent to kids who are away at college. Its specially curated selection of tasty bars, nuts and seeds, chips, jerky, and sweets offer a wide variety that you’ll surely love. These subscription boxes offer delicious, feel good options with real ingredients and no added chemicals. Shop at Amazon.
Promising review: “This is perfect. I love the small sizes. If given the opportunity, I can eat a whole bag of chips or crackers. But with this, it takes the craving away after a surprise treat. After 3 1/2 boxes, I have only had to throw two things away because I didn’t like it. I think that’s pretty good.” Linda Sklov
5. Fit Snack Healthy Snack Subscription Box
Being in college can sometimes give you easy access to unhealthy snacks. With the Fit Snack Healthy Snack Subscription, you can keep yourself from reaching for ultra-processed snacks. This monthly subscription provides up to 10 premium healthy snacks ranging from high-quality chips, delicious jerky, seed and nut blends, granola, whole fruit snacks and exotic, healthy bars, and more. The snacks are hand-selected by a nutritionist and include a monthly Fit Life Guide, which includes nutrition tips, snack facts, discounts, a trainer developed workout challenge, guided meditation and recipes so you can maintain overall health even while away from home. Grab your subscription at Amazon.
Promising review: “My sister who eats very healthy loved trying out this box. I sent it to her as part of her birthday gift and she raved about how many quality items she received. I wouldn’t mind trying it out myself but it’s a bit out of my budget at the time. She gave it 2 thumbs up!” Michelle
Back to School College Essentials for Health and Prevention
- Genius Mushroom Immune System Booster & Nootropic Brain Supplement, with reishi mushroom extract, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps Sinensis, mushroom extracts that enhance performance, concentration, and energy. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
- Amazing Grass Energy Booster Energy Greens Powder, Maca, Cordyceps & Chaga, Smoothie Booster, packed with B vitamins Thiamin, Niacin, Riboflavin, B6, and Folate, with wheat grass and Peruvian maca root, revitalizing mushrooms and vitamin rich superfoods. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
- Migrastil Migraine Stick ® Roll-on, an essential oil roll on mix that relieves migraines and tension headaches, featuring therapeutic grade peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oil in a base of fractionated coconut oil. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
- Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil SEVERE Cough, Cold and Flu Relief for Day or Night, a formula that delivers maximum symptom-fighting ingredients for faster relief from cold and flu symptoms, with two formulas: non-drowsy and nighttime relief. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
- Steep by Bigelow Organic Lemon Ginger Caffeine-Free Herbal Tea, featuring a blend of organic spicy ginger root and zesty citrus flavors in a tea that is uplifting and comforting, and perfect sweetened with honey or taken on its own. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Take a look back at some of our back to school stories in the links from our archive below. For daily curations and the newest deals in the market, make sure to bookmark The Teelie Blog or sign up for the Teelie Turner newsletter.
Back to School Makeup Tips for College Students
Get Ready for College with these Back to School Outfits
Your Complete Back to School Guide for Kids!
Back to School Essentials You Need to Prepare for Your Preschooler
Back to School Backpacks for Kids of All Levels
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