It’s that time of year again: back to school! Whether you’re excited or dreading it, it’s sometimes hard to decide what you need in your backpack. Here is a list of 15 backpack essentials to get you prepared and set you up for the best school year yet!
1. Chargers
Long days on campus can quickly drain the batteries in your electronics, so laptop and phone chargers are essential to have on hand. There are lots of outlets in classrooms, study and seating areas on campus, so bring your charger to top off your batteries before heading to your next class!
2. Tissues
Tissues are useful for everything, from allergies to makeup touch ups, to even cleaning up spills. Carry a travel packet so they don’t take up too much space and you can transfer them to smaller purses or bags if needed.
3. Jacket or Sweater
Temperatures can be different anywhere on campus. Bring a jacket or sweater with you to throw on in cold classrooms or to provide extra warmth when waking around outside.
4. Mini Stapler
Assignments and projects that you hand in will need to be stapled. Carry a stapler in your backpack just in case you’re in a rush and forget to staple something before you leave. There are travel size staplers available at Wal-Mart and Staples that are nice and compact!
5. Sunglasses
Walking from one end of campus to the other can be pretty bright some times. Pack sunglasses to make your walks a lot easier and protect your eyes.
6. Water Bottle
It is important to stay hydrated, carry a reusable water bottle to fill up at one of the many water fountains around campus.
7. Travel-Size Umbrella
The weather can change in an instant. Always have a travel-size umbrella on hand, so that you don’t get soaked walking home, waiting for the bus or going from class to class.
8. Pads/Tampons
Pads and tampons are a necessity for that time of the month! Carry a couple in your bag just in case your period starts ahead of schedule. They are also good to have in case a friend ever needs one!
9. Note-Taking Tools
Whether you hand write your notes or type them, always make sure that you have your supplies with you. Nothing is worse then getting to class and realizing that you forgot your laptop or books.
10. Writing Devices
It’s always good to have pens, pencils, erasers and highlighters on hand. You never know when you might have to write something down or fill something out. Pack everything in a pencil case so that you can easily find them and you don’t lose them!
11. Band Aids
Situations always seem to come up where you need Band Aids. Shoes giving you blisters, paper cuts or scrapes. Keep a couple of band aids in purse or backpack pockets just in case of emergencies.
12. Advil/Tylenol
You never know when a headache or pain will strike. Make sure to have Advil or Tylenol on hand so that you can treat a headache as soon as it starts.
13. Gum/Mints
Gum or mints are good to have on hand to freshen breath or help you concentrate during studying or tests.
14. Hair Ties
Nothing is more annoying then having your hair in your face when you are trying to work or study. Keep a couple of hair ties or bobby pins in a small container so that you can throw your hair up whenever it’s needed. They’re also good to have as backups in case you don’t have any in your gym bag.
15. Snacks
Days on campus can be long, make sure to always have one of your favourite snacks with you. Snacks are a quick pick me up between meals and prevent any loud stomach rumblings during lectures!
Have a great semester everyone!