The start of college is always a learning curve. You find yourself in a new place where you have to learn to live on your own, make new friends and navigate campus life. Going to classes and packing essentials in your backpack are important parts of keeping college life simple as you adjust.
Backpack essentials may not seem that important, but sometimes what you carry in that bag can make or break you. A perfectly packed backpack is the difference between feeling rejuvenated or exhausted after a walk to class. If you overpack, you add a lot of unnecessary weight, but if you underpack, you may find yourself unprepared for the day. Here are some backpack essentials that college students should keep on hand.
Mini Umbrella
This might be one of the most essential things to carry in your backpack. Mississippi weather is not a joke. A beautiful, sunny day can easily transform into a monsoon without warning. That umbrella can be handy, especially during long walks to class. Walking around soaking wet on campus is not a fun experience.
A waterproof bag cover also comes in handy during especially hard rain. Having wet, ruined school supplies is very upsetting — and expensive. You do not want to have to purchase another calculator or notebook every time you have to endure the rain.
Electronic Chargers
One thing that is inevitable on those long days of class is the death of your favorite electronic device, whether it is your laptop, tablet, headphones or phone. The low battery signal can inspire feelings of dread if you search through your bag for the charger, only to realize you forgot to pack the charger. Many classes require access to a computer, and headphones can make walks across campus more enjoyable since you can listen to your music.
You need to have those devices, so keep all chargers in your backpack at all times. Even if you think there is enough battery life left, carry the charger. You never want to be stuck in a situation where you need them and do not have them.
Snacks and Reusable Water Bottle
Eating at the Colvard Student Union or a dining hall every day is expensive. Those monthly funds will disappear in a heartbeat if you constantly treat yourself to Starbucks every time you get thirsty or a Chick-fil-A meal every time you get hungry. It is strongly recommended to keep snacks like granola bars with you at all times in your backpack. You might even pack a lunch. A humble sandwich and bag of chips works wonders on an empty stomach and an overworked brain.
A reusable water bottle is also handy, especially with all the refill stations around campus. A smaller water bottle is more practical than a larger one, as it helps prevent adding too much weight. Even though it is smaller, you can continue to fill it up, so it should not make much difference. Bigger is not always better.
Small Folder or Binder
Professors will give out handouts. Whether homework assignments, class schedules or syllabi, without a folder papers tend to become a massive wad of trash at the bottom of your bag. To prevent this, invest in a small manila folder or a three-ring binder. The folder or binder helps to keep all your paperwork organized and in good condition.
Organizing papers especially comes in clutch for classes with lots of paperwork. Even in an age where most of our assignments are online, you will have to turn in some paper assignments and keep track of important handouts.
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is something that you can create yourself. Different people have different definitions of what constitutes an emergency. An emergency kit should include some medicines like Migraine Excedrine and Dramamine. People may also want to add some ChapStick, TELETIES, extra socks, hygiene products and batteries. Others might include a small first aid kit or a Tide pen, but it depends on the person.
Be creative. Try to think of every possible situational outcome, and find a cute bag to put all the provisions in.
College life without parental guidance is unpredictable and scary at first. Your backpack is your lifeline. The obvious essential objects should be in your bag, which include your laptop, student ID and books for your classes. Some professors might give extra credit if you have those books, so you have to carry them. Keep pencils, pens, sticky notes and a notebook too, but do not forget the less obvious items that can make you so much more prepared for college like that umbrella and emergency kit. Pack your bags wisely, prepare for the unexpected and then have a fun college experience.
