The Often-Overlooked Step in College Prep: Emergency Contact Designations That Matter
As parents and students rush to check off items on the college prep to-do list—dorm supplies, tuition payments, course registration—there’s one crucial detail that rarely gets the attention it deserves: updating and confirming emergency contact information.
In a real emergency, having the right people listed in the right places can make all the difference. Whether it's a medical crisis, housing issue, or something unexpected at work, ensuring your child’s emergency contacts are current, complete, and accessible is essential. Here’s how to make sure you’re covered.
1. Confirm Emergency Contacts at School and Housing
Most colleges and universities request emergency contact information during the admissions or orientation process—but this isn’t something to fill out in a hurry and forget.
Make sure your student includes:
A parent or guardian
A secondary trusted adult (in case you’re unavailable)
Someone local, if possible (especially helpful in case of local emergencies or delays in travel)
And don’t stop with the main school contact:
Resident Advisors / Residential Life: Ensure your student has introduced themselves and that their RA knows how to reach their emergency contact.
Off-Campus Housing: If your student lives off-campus, make sure the landlord has updated contact information as well.
Roommates: Encourage your student to share their emergency contact list with roommates or close friends.
2. Include Employers—On and Off Campus
If your student is working while in school, ask them to provide their employer with emergency contact info too. Whether it’s a student job in the library or a part-time gig at a local café, their workplace should know whom to call in case of an emergency.
3. Keep Emergency Contacts Up to Date in Their Phone
Most smartphones now allow users to add emergency contact info accessible even when the phone is locked. Double check that your student has this feature activated and that it reflects current information.
iPhone users can do this through the Health app → Medical ID.
Android users can add emergency info through the Settings → Safety & Emergency section.
4. Store Powers of Attorney in a Secure, Accessible Place
If you’ve taken the important step of getting a Medical Power of Attorney or Durable Power of Attorney for your student, it’s not enough to just sign the papers. These documents should be stored in a way that makes them quickly accessible in an emergency.
Tip: Many password managers (like 1Password or LastPass) allow secure storage of important documents. If your student uses one, they can upload a copy there. You might also keep a physical copy at home and a digital copy on a secure shared drive.
5. Don’t Forget Digital Legacy Designations
Though it may seem far-fetched, digital legacy settings are worth a quick setup. Platforms like Apple, Google, and Facebook allow users to designate a person who can access their account in the event of incapacity or death. It’s a small step that offers peace of mind, especially when digital records could be needed in a crisis.
Emergency contacts might seem like a small box to check—but when something goes wrong, those names and numbers become the front line of support.
Take the time now to walk through these steps with your college-bound student. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected, supported, and ready for whatever this next chapter brings.
And if you haven’t yet set up essential legal documents like powers of attorney, HIPAA releases, or FERPA waivers, we’re here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.