I know, I know, I know… I know that feeling on your freshman year, where you feel like you want and need everything in your backpack but really you don’t. Since I had learned this the hard way, I decided to do a post about what you really need on your backpack or purse.
Notebooks or Notebook
You can carry a notebook for each class, but really why hurt your back and shoulders. The best thing you can do is leave those other notebooks on your dorm or your room and just take one. One? That’s impossible! Believe me is not impossible, but wait let me finish. If you write all your notes in a notebook and then pass those notes later on their respective notebook not only you’ll end up with beautiful note but you’ll learn what you just wrote. Studies had found that by writing things down you’ll tend to remember more than if you use a computer. Trust me, it surprised me how easy was studying this way. If you record the classes, hear the recording while passing the notes so you can write those notes you couldn’t write because the professor was going to fast. You’ll thank me later.
Writing utensils
I’m pretty sure this is self-explanatory, but in case it isn’t well you’ll need something to write with. Pens, pencils, correction liquid, erasers and highlighter… some professor might specify that they want you to use a pen, usually blue or black, so keep those around. You will also use correction fluid a lot if you’re like me, if you decide to use pencils don’t forget the erasers and highlighter so you can highlight all the important due dates on your syllabus. Always carry an extra one because you may either lose them or lend them (you might not receive them back) so having a couple of extra is always good. I recommend having one or two good pens, pencil and highlighter and a couple of good but cheap one just in case.
Student ID card
You need this with you 100% not only is this the key for hundreds of discounts in stores, but you never know when your professor my ask for it, please keep it in your wallet using your id as a necklace will not do you any good. Al contrario is going to be like wearing a neon sign that screams freshman, freshman.
Calculator (optional)
Depends on your classes if it needs to be a scientific one or not. I don’t take math so I don’t need one, if I need one I use my phone. That’s why is optional.
Laptop
Sometimes you have free time between classes so if you're like me and tons of college student all around the world you will run for your first class to finish a project for the second class, that’s why I always carry my laptop because I don’t always have enough time to go and get it to my room. This way you don’t have to wait until everyone finishes using the computers.
Chargers
What’s the point of bringing your laptop or phone if they quickly run out of charge? That’s why you should ALWAYS bring the charger.
Headphones
Headphones are great for: when you walk and talk, for studying, for when you’re too stressed, for when you just feel like listening to music, and so on.
Snacks
It doesn’t matter if it's because you have sugar problems, or are on a special diet or just get hungry take snack because if you have a snack with you not only will you save money but if its healthy it might save you from gaining the freshman fifteen. Umbrella Well the weather is unpredictable, so ALWAYS carry one.
Jackets, cardigan, sweaters, etc
Classroom can get cold, especially when you wear shorts so this might save your life.
Hand Sanitizer
Bathrooms don’t always have soap.
Folder
I carry a folder where on one side I put all the paper the professor give me, i.e. graded quiz, test, homework, reading material, homework in general and on the other side, I put the stuff I have to give in i.e. completes take home test, projects, essays, and so on.
This is not as much as you think on a backpack I carry my laptop, my notebook, my folder, my pencil case, my snack, my charger, a mini wallet, my headphones and my mini umbrella. I also carry my Taser and pepper spray in a pocket just so I don’t accidentally attack myself.
#SmileForNate