Let’s be honest most of our backpacks halfway into the fall semester are cluttered, bottomless pits that hinder more than help us. After items accumulating in our bags, not all of them will be the essentials.
Well, it’s time to change that.
In college, it is imperative to be organized and always think ahead of the game.
It’s hard to begin to pick and choose what will help you survive long school days, so if you feel like you need a pre-curated list, keep reading.
Item one is a reusable water bottle.
Emphasis on the reusable because it not only saves the environment, but it is easy to keep refilling it.
If you are someone who has back to back classes, it is important to stay hydrated.
Plus, stopping to fill up with water is quick and easy thanks to the filtered water machines at Monmouth.
Item two is a phone and laptop charger.
As college students, most of us are on the phone or computer 24/7, which can drain the battery quickly.
If you use your computer during your classes, you want to make sure you can still access all the needed files and documents.
Anthony Rossics, a senior communications student said, “I always make sure to keep a phone charger on me so I can be prepared for the day.”
Not only is it important for having your daily dose of texting and social media but it can also allow you to keep track of time.
A charger can come to the rescue when your computer dies and you need to e-mail or print an important assignment.
Just think, if you start to carry around chargers, you can potentially help someone else who may be in a sticky situation.
Item three is a stapler.
Carrying a mini stapler in your backpack may not seem essential, you can just use the one in the Student Center, right?
To avoid going on a hunt for the stapler in the Student Center, and then going on a hunt to refill the stapler, carry your own.
Most of the time your professor will specify to have an assignment stapled beforehand, and most of the time, if you forget, there will be no stapler on hand to save you.
You can find mini staplers in the Dollar Store, Staples, Five Below, or even Marshalls.
It may sound silly but it could save you in a pinch.
Item four is extra money.
Erica Barbara, junior communication student, said one of her must-have items is some extra cash, “just in case you find yourself in a pinch.”
No matter if you are a commuter or an on-campus student, physical cash is important to keep on you.
If you are having a bad day, use that cash to treat yourself to a quick treat.
Use extra cash when you need a drink, or a pick me up snack.
Keeping extra cash can also come in handy if you need to fill your car up with gas, or if you would like to tip a server at a local restaurant.
Don’t forget the convenient ATM on campus too.
Item five is a mini flashlight.
This item may be overboard to some people, but safety is something to always take into consideration.
For those students that brave night classes, walking through the parking lot can be a dark maze.
Having a mini flashlight with you can provide some comfort if you can’t find where you parked, or even when you are walking through campus alone.
Item six is a mini first aid kit.
In a small pouch that you have lying around grab some band-aids, Neosporin, and peroxide.
You never know when you are going to get hurt, or when someone else around you will have a fall.
Mary Harris, Specialist Professor of communication said, “I always carry a mini emergency kit in my bag that includes, antiseptic wipes, band-aids, safety pins, little scissors, and other helpful items to have on hand.”
Safety trumps all.
Finally, a pencil pouch.
No matter how heavy it gets, keep filling your pencil pouch with brand new pens, pencils, highlighters, binder clips, and paper clips.
A helpful tip is to buy your pens and pencils at the dollar store, where you can stock up on quality writing utensils for a small price.
You can never have too many school supply items. It is better to be over prepared rather than under prepared.
The most important part of being a college student is education.
Showing up prepared is key to success.
Happy packing.
PHOTO TAKEN by Cassandra Capozzi-Smith
