Backpack Essentials for School
My first traditional year in college, I had a full schedule of classes. Unlike a lot of other students, my schedule required me to stay on campus most of the day. The free time that I had I used for studying or to eat. Mondays and Wednesdays felt like the longest; I didn’t leave campus until about 5:30pm. I remember walking home and being one of about 10 other students walking around campus. The way things are looking right now, my schedule for Fall 2020 will look a lot like Fall 2019.
Being on campus all day is just something I’ve had to just get over. I realized that I had to put my head down, always STAY prepared, and use my time wisely. And, I must say, I’m glad I got over it because my determination resulted in a 4.0 GPA (Grade Point Average). A part of being prepared was having everything I could potentially need for the day with me in my backpack. The night prior, I made sure I had the correct textbooks and/or notebooks for the classes that I would be attending the next day; this practice allowed me to stand out amongst my classmates more than I am happy to admit.
In addition to my classroom material, I have a plethora of essential items that are important for any student to have throughout the day. These specific items are only for my backpack. I do not take them out and transfer them to another bag and I try not to use these items at home. If I do, I run the risk of leaving them at home and being unprepared for the next day; I learned this the hard way.
Check out this list of classroom essentials that I always have in my backpack for guaranteed preparedness. No matter how you are going to “school” for Fall of 2020, this list will be beneficial.
iPad: My iPad is small and lightweight. It allows me to access the very same things that anyone could with a laptop, except the extra weight. “Jazz, doesn’t your school have tons of desktop computers?” Yes, they do! But my iPad can be used anywhere, even during class when I need to reference something quick or type notes.
Prong Folders: I don’t use binders in college. I personally find prong folders to work best. In the folders, I add 2-3 document protectors and 50-75 sheets of filler paper. Prong folders generally come in either a plastic material or a thick type of paper. I prefer to use the plastic folders to maximize durability throughout at least one semester. Paper folders will tear and lose use if they were to get wet.
Pencil Pouch: The pencil pouch that I use is perfect for the right amount of writing utensils that I like to carry. I always carry 2-3 papermate mechanical pencils (my absolute favorite), that same amount of black ink pens, a thin yellow highlighter, and my pack of 6 color highlighters; each class has a color.
Pocket Planner: If you watched my YouTube video on College Success Secrets, you saw that I used a large and thorough planner to help me stay organized. I recently found a smaller version of that planner. My new planner has weekly and monthly calendars, 2 bookmarks, an inner pocket, a pen holder, and also covers a 12 month time period. It’s compact size and light weight make it easy for any student to be, and remain, organized for school.
You never know when a common issue will arise. There are many circumstances that surface any random moments, like a headache or unexpected hunger. Personally, if I am encountering either of the previously mentioned, I cannot focus. So just to ensure I am totally prepared for whatever may come up, like my classroom essentials, I always purchase the following items specifically for my backpack.
Deodorant: I sweat a lot already. That paired with the Georgia heat doesn’t make for a “fresh” aroma.
Chapstick: Having any type of lip moisturizer has ALWAYS been an essential for me to have. I feel lost if I don’t have a chapstick.
Lotion: Unfortunately, I have eczema. If I don’t moisturize my hands, I’m setting myself up for dry skin patches. The lotion I use can’t just be any lotion, it has to have a thick consistency and promote intense moisture.
Pain Reliever Medicine: having medicine handy can really help me to stay disciplined to push through a long day at school. Even the slightest headache can lead to a short 3 hour nap, haha!
Snacks: Specifically Nature Valley Granola Bars
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated has been an essential part of my life, especially over the last 10 years. I’ve continued that practice in college. Water is especially essential due to the hot summers of Georgia.
Headphones: On campus, and in between classes, I’m probably listening to my Smooth Jazz playlist. In order to stay focused, I find it beneficial to listen to music; but the music musn’t have any lyrics, just melody.
Chargers: I generally charge anything that needs to be at night. Just in case my long days get unexpectedly longer, I will still be able to be contacted.
Hand Sanitizer and 3 extra Disposable Masks: COVID-19. Not much else to explain!
Do you have any special essentials that you carry throughout the school day? Leave a comment below and share your secrets!
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