Going from class to class can be risky if you’re not prepared. You never know what could happen on a long day of lectures. That’s why having an essentials bag is crucial to staying clean and put together.
Over the summer, I spent many days scrolling through TikTok and shopping at Target and on Amazon to curate the perfect essentials bag to bring with me each day. I want to help make the perfect essentials bag, while making it personalizable and as cheap as possible, while still having everything you need!
First, you need to pick out your favorite scent. We all have those days where we stop and think, “Wait, maybe I forgot to put deodorant on…” and that’s okay! That’s why the two most important things in my bag are a mini deodorant and mini perfume. I personally picked the Secret Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant Invisible Solid that goes for around $2 and the Being Frenshe Hair Body & Linen Mist in Vanilla Cashmere that goes for $10. 
Next, a hairbrush or hair styling tool. Personally, I keep the WetBrush Mini Detangler with me my bag at all times; it goes for around $6. My hair always seems to be getting messed up and ends up needing to be brushed, so this is always very helpful! Another thing that goes with this is extra hair ties. You never know when you may feel overwhelmed and need to put your hair up or if your hair tie breaks; they’re always great to have.
For your teeth, I have a product that I’ve been raving about! They are mini toothbrushes with toothpaste and a pick on the back. They are great for when you’re going from the dining hall to class and have stuff in your teeth. The Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Mini goes for around $6 for 24.
Another thing I always recommend, which is always basic, is gum. This definitely depends on personal preference, but I always go for the Extra Polar Ice flavor gum that goes for around $1- $5 depending on the size of the pack. This is always great for when you feel like the coffee you got from Starbucks this morning wasn’t the best option.
Hand sanitizer is always the best way to avoid getting sick. Many people have different preferences for their hand sanitizer; personally, I use the moisturizing one from Bath & Body Works, but any type that keeps germs off your hands is the best. The Warm Vanilla Sugar Moisturizing PocketBac Hand Sanitizer goes for around $2, and it is a great combination of smelling great, keeping your hands moisturized, and staying clean.
To put it all together, you need a cute bag to put all of this in! For mine, I went to my local Paper Store and picked out a large size of the Strawflower Heritage Quilted Block Print Cosmetic Pouch. These are such a cute collection of bags at an affordable price of around $15- $20, while still having so many prints to customize your look.
All of the products I mentioned above aren’t necessarily needed to have the perfect essentials bag. Each person can adjust theirs according to their individual needs and interests, but having one is extremely important to having the least amount of stress in your day.
Can’t get enough of HC UMass Amherst? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Spotify, like us on Facebook, and read our latest Tweets!