How to safely travel to college campuses for move-in day, according to an infectious disease expert

Consider where the college is located

Where the college or university is located should be a major factor to keep in mind above all right now. As Dr. Russo put it, "Any conversation about risk should be prefaced by what the prevalence of community disease is where you're going."

As such, do your research on the area where the college is located so you can properly weigh the risks. "Moving into a school right now in certain hotspot states, you're more likely to run into someone that's infected versus if you're moving into a school in one of the states that are doing well," says Dr. Russo.

Another key factor to consider is where other students will be coming from. Depending on the school, the majority of students may be coming from regional and local areas. However, according to Dr. Russo, the risk factor increases when students from all across the country and different outside communities all converge. 

Lastly, if you will be traveling from out of state, you'll need to check current local and state guidelines when making travel plans. Some states have mandatory 14-day quarantines in place, and you'll have to add that additional time to your move-in and travel plans.

Drive to college instead of flying

You should also understand the risks associated with different forms of travel. While experts say driving and rental cars are largely safe, there are considerations to be aware of in regard to flying, trains, and safety.

"Driving is always going to be safer than flying," says Dr. Russo. "If you travel by bus, train, or plane, you're going to have more interactions with more individuals and the risk is going to be much higher with any of those travel venues."

But that also comes with a condition. "That's assuming you'll be driving with people in your social bubble." 

While road tripping with another family or a friend who is headed to the same college may sound like a fun idea, and a good way to save on gas, it's not a wise choice right now. 

"If you're inviting someone in, you don't really have a clue if they're infected or not. And if you're in a long car ride with someone that's infected, that's going to be a high-risk exposure," says Dr. Russo. 

If you don't have your own car or need a larger vehicle to fit all the necessary dorm essentials, Dr. Russo also says renting a car, or even a U-Haul, is largely safe. However, be sure to wipe down high-touch surfaces like the steering wheel, console, and buttons.

Dr. Russo also points out that a long drive is an ideal time to have a talk with your child about responsibility and taking proper precautions themselves after you've left them on their own. 

"The real danger with college kids going to back to school is that when kids get together they're going to party, and they're eating and drinking, maybe vaping, all in close quarters. That's all going to increase their risk. When kids show up on campus the peer pressure is going to be tremendous to participate in all the usual activities. But it's vital that they take this seriously and dial back until the vaccine is available." 

Read more about how safe flying is here

Read more about how safe rental cars are here

Pack plenty of extra masks — and some eyewear

Book a vacation rental rather than a hotel

If you aren't from the local area, and especially if you'll need to quarantine ahead of move-in day, you'll need to find a place for the family stay.   

Dr. Russo recommends booking a private home vacation rental rather than a hotel. "At the end of the day, a rental is safer than a motel, which is probably safer than a hotel. It goes in that order, and that all has to do with the likelihood of interactions."

Private home rentals minimize contact with others since reservations are for the entire home and offer contactless check-in. A vacation rental such as those listed on Airbnb or Vrbo eliminates the chance of run-ins with other guests in crowded areas like lobbies or elevators.

Read more about vacation rental versus hotel safety here

The best vacation rentals in college towns

With Dr. Russo's advice in mind, we rounded up top-rated vacation rentals in popular college towns across the US. All are highly-reviewed listings for an entire private home, so you won't have any run-ins with other guests or homeowners.

Each rental also has multiple bedrooms so both parents and college kids have plenty of space and privacy before move-in day.

At the time of publishing, these rentals are available at the end of August and in early September.

However, per Dr. Russo's advice, be mindful that many of the most popular college towns are also in current hotspot areas. You'll need to weigh all of the risks associated with traveling to these places right now. Your family should also be extra mindful of your actions both while staying in any hotspot areas and when traveling back home after.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Austin, Texas

Charlottesville, Virginia

College Station, Texas

Columbus, Ohio

East Lansing, Michigan

Gainesville, Florida

Madison, Wisconsin

Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota

San Diego, California

Tampa, Florida

Tempe, Arizona

University Park, Pennsylvania