Know Before You Go: Local Resources Every College Parent Should Research

Know Before You Go: Local Resources Every College Parent Should Research


Affiliate note: I’ve linked to some of my favorite delivery and shopping resources below -  if you use these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Health & Medical

College life can be full of late nights, germs, and the occasional unexpected injury. Make sure you (and your student) know where to go for:

  • Pharmacies – Note locations, hours, and whether they offer 24-hour service.

  • Urgent Care Centers – Great for non-emergency but time-sensitive medical needs.

  • Emergency Rooms – Identify the nearest hospitals and check if they’re in-network for your insurance.

  • Specialty Doctors – Dentists, optometrists, allergists, and any ongoing care specialists your student may need.

  • Insurance Info – Call ahead to confirm which local providers take your plan.

2. Deliveries & Supplies

Sometimes you can’t be there in person, but you can still get what your student needs right to their door.

Local grocery delivery services

  • National retailers with reliable shipping & delivery - Amazon Prime (perfect for quick restocks), Target, Walmart. Consider these student programs for even more perks and savings (check out site for all details and terms):

    • Walmart+ for Students
      • Enjoy a 30-day free trial!
      • I like this one for the free delivery from their local store, free shipping with no minimum and their new free pharmacy delivery!

  • Restaurants that deliver directly to campus

  • Courier services for time-sensitive or same-day delivery

3. Off-Campus Dining (Including Dietary Needs)

Whether it’s a weekend treat or an allergy-friendly necessity, having a go-to list of off-campus dining options is essential.

  • Ask around for restaurants with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan menus.

  • Many campus towns have hidden gems - bakeries with nut-free treats, cafés with plant-based menus, or restaurants that cater to specific diets.

  • Save menus and phone numbers for quick ordering, and check if they offer student discounts.

4. Services

Sometimes it’s the little things that make life easier.

  • Dry cleaners or laundry services for dress clothes and uniforms

  • Hair salons, barbers, and beauty services

  • Tailors for last-minute adjustments or repairs

5. Gifts & Surprises

Birthdays, big exam weeks, and “just because” moments are perfect times to send a little love.

  • Local florists that deliver to campus

  • Bakeries that make custom cakes or cookies (bonus if they deliver)

  • Local gift shops or boutiques with delivery services

  • National chains that make gifting easy (Starbucks, DoorDash, Amazon gift cards)

  • CarePaks 101 for a ready-to-ship, personal-from-home care package that’s just a few clicks away

6. Transportation

Whether it’s getting across town, heading to the airport, or making the trip home for the holidays, it’s helpful to know what’s available before your student is in a rush to leave.

  • Campus Shuttle & Local Bus Routes – Check maps, schedules, and student discounts.

  • Ride-Share Services – Confirm Uber, Lyft, or local taxi availability.

  • Airport Transportation – Look for shuttles, shared vans, or buses with service to nearby airports.

  • Train & Bus Lines Home – If applicable, check Greyhound, Amtrak, or Megabus routes and schedules.

  • Bike or Scooter Rentals – Many college towns have rentable bikes or e-scooters for short trips.

Quick Parent Tip:
Create a shared Google Doc or phone note with all these addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Include your student’s exact mailing address as required by the campus mailroom. Trust me - it will save you both a headache when the time comes.

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