Have you ever been on one side of campus and realized you forgot something in your dorm on the complete other side of campus? Me too. No matter how many times I try to be prepared, I always find myself missing something I need. So, here’s a list of 10 things to keep in your backpack to (hopefully) minimize the risk of needing to scramble up the hill:
- Gum
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I’m someone who needs to chew gum when I’m anxious/need to focus, so I always keep a pack in my backpack. Plus, your breath will never smell bad!
- Hair Ties/Clips
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Sometimes the wind can be brutal walking across the quad, so it’s nice to have a clip or hair tie to aid in a hair emergency! Claw clips are also trending right now, so your hair solution will be stylish as well as practical.
- Lip Balm
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As it’s getting colder, I’ve found it super helpful to keep some lip balm in my backpack for when my lips get chapped. My favorite is the Glossier Balm Dotcom!
- Granola Bar
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I like to keep a granola bar or another small snack in my backpack in case hunger strikes while studying in the library and Chobani Cafe is backed up with orders!
- Pencil/Pen
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This one might seem obvious, but the amount of times I’ve accidentally left my pencil case in my room is a little embarrassing! I like keeping one in a separate pocket for easy access.
- Water Bottle
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It’s super important for your health to stay hydrated, and having your own water bottle reduces the waste that would come from a disposable one!
- Umbrella
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I started keeping an umbrella in my backpack after I once got caught in the pouring rain and my notebooks got soaked. It may sound crazy, but you’ll thank me later!
- Advil
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Headaches can happen anywhere, especially if you’re running low on sleep. Having your own stash of Advil or Tylenol can ensure quick relief and save you from having to rely on others.
- Menstrual Products
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I like keeping my own menstrual products in my backpack in case of an emergency, especially to avoid the added stress if the nearest bathroom doesn’t have any.
- Phone Charger
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Realizing your phone is about to die when you need to finish a phone call or approve a Duo Push is a dreadful feeling. Investing in an extra phone charger to keep in your backpack is worth it!
Hopefully incorporating these tips will make you feel more prepared!