For Parents 
As parents, you can play a key role in your student's wellness. According to a survey of UM undergraduate students, parents are students' primary source of health information.
Find out why UHS is one of your student's best campus resources at:
For parents of new students: You can help your student make a healthy transition to college by taking the following steps.
This information is also available an easy-to-print Health Checklist (PDF format) -- click to open link.
On this page (for parents of new students):
- Immunizations, health examination and health history
- Print, complete and send forms
- Mental health
- Prescriptions
- Health insurance
- Help your student practice decision-making skills
- Assemble a health care kit
- For more information
Immunizations, health examination and health history:
Update immunizations before your student leaves for college and document them on the UHS Immunization Form. (See link below. UHS also provides immunizations for a fee).
A physical exam is not required by the UM, however athletic teams or clubs may have different requirements; check with team or club to be sure.
Be aware that certain incoming international student must be screened for tuberculosis, which is done free on campus. For details, see International Mandatory Tuberculosis Screening.
Make sure you student knows about his/her health history. If your student has a complex health history:
- Get a summary letter from your student's physician
- Encourage your student to schedule an introductory appointment with a UHS physician and hand-carry the letter (don't send it in advance) to that first visit
- See also Resources for Students with Chronic Illness
Encourage your student to carry a list of his/her medication allergies.
Print, complete and send forms:
Immunization Form (best completed by a health care provider)
Consent to Treatment Form (if your student is younger than 18 years old)
If your son or daughter is currently receiving mental health care, visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website for recommendations for transferring care to providers at the University of Michigan or other providers in Ann Arbor.
See also CampusMindworks, a U-M website that supports students with mental health disorders.
For info about getting a prescription for ADD/ADHD medication, read Prescription section below.
Arrange for prescription renewals and/or a supply of medications to bring to school.
Contact the UHS Pharmacy (734-764-7387) about transferring prescriptions. We want to be your pharmacy of choice.
If your student takes ADD/ADHD medications, help prepare. To obtain a prescription renewal at UHS, students must visit a UHS physician and bring both of the following to the first visit:
- Documentation of diagnosis for ADD/ADHD
- Documentation of current management plans for ADD/ADHD
If your student wears glasses or contact lenses, send a copy of the current prescription with him/her, to make getting replacements easier. (Students can get eye exams, contact lenses and glasses at the UHS Eye Care Clinic and Optical Shop.)
If your student takes allergy shots, arrange for him/her to bring antigen and continue shots at UHS. The UHS allergist reviews all treatment programs. If your student wants to start treatment, schedule an appointment for evaluation by the allergist. UHS can prepare antigens for a fee. Call 734-764-8325 for more information.
All students should have health insurance.
Know how health care works on campus: UHS provides most services at no or low cost. Payment for health care outside UHS is your student's responsibility, which is the reason your student should have health insurance.
If your student needs health insurance:
- U-M offers a Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan.
- International students who are required to have health insurance will get it when they arrive through the U-M International Center Health Insurance Office
- Inform your health insurance company that your student will be away at college, and inquire about the level of coverage in the Ann Arbor area. Ask whether your plan has network providers here.
Provide an insurance card (with policy numbers, billing address and pharmacy information) or a photocopy (front and back) and encourage your student to carry it with him/her.
Discuss with your student when and how to use health insurance.
Consider purchasing the Tuition Refund Plan, which significantly reduces financial loss if a student is unable to complete a term due to illness (physical or psychological).
Help your student practice decision-making skills:
Talk with your student about decisions s/he is likely to encounter in college such as alcohol and other drug use, getting enough sleep, managing time, handling stress, exercising, eating, sexual behavior, hygiene (e.g., hand washing, covering coughs), and being financially responsible.
Help your student practice making important choices before leaving for college.
Tell your student what you expect.
Offer non-judgmental listening and let your student know you're available.
Send your student to school with a kit. Many medications are available generically. Ask a pharmacist for recommendations. Suggestions include:
| Supplies: | Medications: |
| Ace bandage for sprains | Pain / fever reliever e.g. Acetaminophen |
| Adhesive bandages, tape | Antibacterial hand sanitizer e.g. Purell |
| Cotton swabs | Anti-inflammatory e.g. ibuprofen |
| Heating pad | Antiseptic skin cleanser e.g. hydrogen peroxide 3% |
| Ice pack | Antibiotic cream or ointment e.g. Bacitracin |
| Scissors | Anti-diarrheal e.g. Imodium |
| Sterile gauze pads | Antihistamine for itching and allergies e.g. Benadryl |
| Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) | Calamine lotion for relief of itching |
| Thermometer | Decongestant e.g. Sudafed, phenylephrine |
| Tweezers | Heartburn medication e.g. Tums, Pepcid AC |
For more information, you can:
- Complete an online Questions and Comments Form
- Email ContactUHS@umich.edu
- Telephone 734-763-1320 (UHS Health Promotion and Community Relations)
