Health Q&A for Students Heading to Campus
MSU Health Care Pharmacy makes managing prescriptions, over-the-counter needs, and campus wellness simple—so students can focus on success and parents can rest easy.
It’s back-to-school season. For many students, heading to college means more than just buying books and supplies—it means moving away from home for the first time. The logistics of setting up a new space can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of college life: staying healthy.
For students, this may be their first time managing their own health without the support system they’ve always had. For parents, sending a child off to college comes with its own set of worries. That’s where MSU Health Care Pharmacy comes in. With convenient services and expert staff, they’re here to help ease the transition.
We sat down with Mary Passage, a certified and licensed pharmacy technician, to answer common questions from both students and parents—and to share tips that can help set everyone up for a healthy, successful school year.
Q&A with Mary Passage, Certified Pharmacy Technician
Q: Let’s start with the basics. Where is the MSU Health Care Pharmacy located, and what are your hours?
A: We’re located at 4660 S. Hagadorn Road, Suite 100, East Lansing, MI 48823, near Hannah Plaza across from the east end of campus. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Q: How can a student transfer their prescriptions to the MSU Health Care Pharmacy?
A: There are a few easy ways:
- Call us at 517-353-3500 and speak with a pharmacy staff member.
- Bring your current prescription bottle to the pharmacy.
- Visit our website at pharmacy.msu.edu and click the Transfer button on the homepage to submit your information online.
Q: What information is needed to transfer a prescription?
A: It helps to have:
- The name, address, and phone number of the pharmacy you're transferring from
- The names of the medications (prescription numbers are helpful, too)
- Whether you need the medication filled now or just transferred for future use
- Your full name, date of birth, phone number, permanent address, and any known medication allergies
Q: Where can I find the information for a prescription transfer on my current prescription bottle?
A: We have a handy graphic for you.
In the red square is the name of the pharmacy, address and phone number
In the blue square is the prescription number
In the green square is the name of the drug and the quantity
Q: Is there anything else that makes the transfer process smoother?
A: Yes! Stopping by or calling ahead to establish yourself as a patient helps us ensure your information is in our system and ready to go.
Q: What should every student bring with them in terms of pharmacy needs?
A: The most important thing is your insurance card. Keep a physical copy in your wallet or a photo of the front and back on your phone. If your prescription coverage is separate from your medical insurance, make sure you have both cards.
Q: How can you tell if your insurance card includes prescription coverage?
A: Look for these on your card:
- RX BIN
- RX PCN
- RX Group
- RX ID Number
Q: Does the pharmacy accept out-of-state insurance?
A: Yes, we accept most major insurance carriers, including out-of-state plans.
Q: Do you offer over-the-counter medications?
A: Absolutely! We carry a wide range of essentials, including cold and flu remedies, allergy medications, vitamins, eye drops, and first aid supplies.
Q: Are there any special services available for students?
A: Yes! One of our most popular services is campus delivery. We can deliver most prescriptions and over-the-counter items directly to dorms or apartments the next business day. Someone does need to be available to sign for the delivery, but it’s a great option if students can’t make it to the pharmacy. We also offer vaccinations, including the seasonal flu shot, which we recommend getting every year.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Q – What would you say to a new student and their parents?
A - Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities—especially when it comes to managing personal health. Whether it’s transferring prescriptions, stocking up on over-the-counter essentials, or knowing where to go when you’re feeling under the weather, being prepared can make all the difference.
The MSU Health Care Pharmacy is here to support students every step of the way, offering convenient services like campus delivery, expert guidance, and a wide range of health products. With a little planning and the right resources, students can feel confident, and parents can feel reassured.
For more information or to get started, visit pharmacy.msu.edu or stop by the pharmacy in person. Your health and peace of mind are just around the corner.