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As a commuter in college this year, I basically live in my car. My drive is about an hour each way, so it makes for a lot of time in the car. Here is everything I keep in my car to make my commute as easy and manageable as possible.
1. Travel Bag
Okay, this is the big one. This is the most important essential I have in my car by far. My travel bag is fairly small, just big enough to fit in the side of my driver’s side door. In it, I keep travel-size necessities, including:
- Hand Sanitizer (I recommend the 1.2 oz Wish Liquid Hand Sanitizer Spray, it smells so good and it’s perfect for being on the go! I’m obsessed with the Sweet Guava and Fresh Coconut scent)
- Chapstick (a necessity for the colder seasons)
- Headache Medicine
- Menstrual Products
- Travel-Size Deodorant (I use a spray one instead of a stick so it doesn’t melt)
- Small Hairbrush
- Travel-Size Perfume
- Floss
- Hair Ties (I prefer these over claw clips because they hurt my head to lean against the seat with a claw clip, but I still keep one in my car regardless)
2. Garbage
My car would be a mess without a garbage can. There are so many little things you do that you don’t think about while driving (chewing gum, drinking from a straw, using napkins to blow your nose, etc.). Those small pieces of trash add up so fast, and having a garbage can is a great way to manage that.
I got the NBTEPEM Car Trash Can from Amazon, and I absolutely love it. It comes with the bin, garbage bags, and a clip to clip onto your car in case you don’t want to put it in the side of the door. I definitely recommend it!
3. Charger
Getting a car charger is an absolute MUST. Without fail, every time I finish class, my phone is dead. You can find chargers compatible with your phone most anywhere (I think mine was from Marshalls), so go get one!
4. Snacks
After a long day, I get super hungry on my ride home from school. So, in my backseat, I keep a basket of snacks that are easy to eat on the go.
My favorites are the Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers from Costco, but I also love granola bars for breakfast and any type of chip. As long as they’re packaged and accessible, they’re a perfect snack for being on the go. Just make sure that you don’t have snacks that can melt (some chocolates/cheese) or snacks that can go bad without a regulated temperature (yogurt/mayonnaise).
5. Change of Clothes
Having a change of clothes is super important. Especially in New England, the weather can change vastly just in a couple of hours.
I keep an extra set of clothes for all weather occasions (a tee-shirt, long-sleeve, hoodie, shorts, leggings, beanie, and a rain jacket). This has really relieved my anxiety about what clothes I wear when I leave in the morning, since I know I have spare clothing just in case.
6. Pillow/Blanket
I wouldn’t say this is as essential as others on the list, but it makes a huge difference if you have time in between classes to rest or if there is an emergency where you can’t leave campus. My friends also like using my blanket when they are sitting in the backseat, and it is cold outside!
7. Water Bottle
Having a large, insulated water bottle is my savior throughout the day. I keep my water bottle in my backpack to bring with me to class, but it’s still important to include it on this list because I get even thirstier during long rides!
I use the Ello Cooper Stainless Steel Water Bottle from Target. I have the 32-ounce one, and it is just enough to get me through the day.
8. Sunglasses
I cannot imagine making my commute without my sunglasses. Oftentimes, I am driving during sunrise or sunset, so keeping a pair of sunglasses in my car is a lifesaver.
9. Umbrella
Again, New England weather! You never know if you’re going to get stuck in a rainstorm on the way to class. It’s important to always be prepared.
At UConn, we have super strong winds. I remember walking on campus freshman year during a rainstorm, and my umbrella broke in half. Since then, I got a golf umbrella, and it has been amazing. Golf umbrellas are extra-large, durable umbrellas that work perfectly to fight the University of Connecticut’s winds.
10. First Aid Kit
In my glove compartment, I keep a travel-size first aid kit. It includes Band-Aids, alcohol wipes, tweezers, and nail clippers. Though I thankfully have not had to use it yet, it is so important to have it just in case.
These additions to my car have seriously been a lifesaver this semester. It is so important to always be prepared, and I can’t imagine making my commute without these essentials!