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Listen, every girl dreams of the college experience. A beautifully curated dorm room, a hall lined with your future friends, and a roommate sent from the gods above. For me, I took the word “dream” literally, as that is not my reality.
Some would say my room is curated beautifully, my best friend lives down the hall (hi mom), and I have the most perfect roommate: my dog. If I have not made it obvious already, I live at home, making my commute to UB every morning.
With that being said, I LIVE out of my car from the months of August to May. And being the most opinionated person I know, I have a few thoughts on what commuters actually need in their cars.
Must Haves:
Snow Brush:
This might seem like an obvious, but if you knew how many times I have had to lend someone my snowbrush you would not believe me. Being in Buffalo during prime lake effect means a snowbrush is not a suggestion, it is a necessity. I personally recommend a brush that extends so you can brush the hard-to-reach places (the top of your car).
Windshield De-icer:
I can hear it already “why do I need deicer if I have a scraper on my snowbrush.” Take it from a Buffalo semi-native, ice gets thick and it can be incredibly hard to scrape off. Take it from someone who has had to call her father to scrap ice off of her car because she could not get it off, it is better to have the tools and never use them than to not have them and need them.
Jumper Cables:
Another obvious, as everyone should have these in their car. I am guilty, on multiple occasions, of leaving my headlights on in my last car (it was a 2007 CRV okay, automatics were not common back then). I have called my dad at least three times to drive to UB to jump my car.
Blanket/Sweatshirt:
Listen, you have no idea how nice it is to nap in your car during a break with a blanket. This one is more so for comfort rather than an absolute need.
First Aid Kit:
Listen, it may seem stupid, but if you are like me and are clumsy in Bio Lab with your scapple, then you need a first aid kit. It does not have to be a big one, but it should have band-aids and cleansing wipes.
Snacks/Drinks:
Listen, days are long at UB and food is expensive. It is better to have a bulk pack of Chex Mix or granola bars than to pay $12 for a bag of chips. It is important to note that you should not keep things that can melt in your car because Buffalo summers (especially August) are really hot.
Drinks are another must, however, it is important to note that you must take them out of your car when the temperature drops below zero. If you keep cans, like energy drinks, they can explode if they freeze. When it comes to that time, I recommend keeping drinks with your bag, so you do not forget them on your way out the door.
Cleaning Products:
Being in your car as much as I am, your car can get very messy. I like to keep car wipes, air fresheners, and a mini vacuum in my car in case things get a little crazy. This is also applicable to hygiene products like hand sanitizer, deodorant, perfume, and gum. It is important to keep your area clean.
Commuting to school is not for the weak of heart. Gas is incredibly expensive and waking up 3 hours before class is brutal, but hey, at least I do not have a room