When packing for college, you may forget small items that could make a big difference. Going back to school is exciting, but when you forget items to make your life run smoother, going back can also be more stressful. Don't forget these ten items when you are packing your bags for school.
1. A planner
Organization is key to academic success! In your planner, try writing all of the assignments that you have due for this semester on their due dates. This will help you as you start to budget time to study for each class. Planners are also helpful for knowing when you have study times, social events, and scheduled events.
2. A dry erase board
This is something that many people use to draw fun pictures on or to write inspirational messages to themselves. These uses are great for a dry erase board; you can use this to brighten up your day! Additionally, this can also be used to help you organize your week. You can write down your assignments and anything important you have so you know what the week ahead of you looks like.
3. Whiteout
We've all been there: we're writing a note or some assignment in pen, and everything is going well...until we smudge a letter, misspell a word, or use an incorrect one. Whiteout is vital for correcting your work and for making sure that any written assignments you turn in are free of small errors (and it's super cheap, too!).
4. Notecards
You can never have too many notecards. These can be helpful for studying or for writing reminders for yourself! Making flashcards for an exam, especially one that is heavy with definitions, can be useful, and notecards are the way to go.
5. Room decor
After a long day of classes and extracurricular activities, you'd probably want to come home to a comfortable room that is your own. When moving into a dorm, or in an apartment or house off campus, make sure to bring some decorations to create an inviting space for both you and your roommates! These decorations can be larger, like a tapestry, or small, like lights or some pictures.
6. Your favorite book
If you love to read, then this is a must. Being able to take a break from college classes and sit down to read a book that you want to read and that you love to read is refreshing. Although the books read in classes can be interesting, there's something special about reading a book that isn't mandatory.
7. A durable backpack
Walking to and from classes can get exhausting, but it would be even more tiring if a backpack were to break. Make sure to bring a strong, durable backpack to ensure that you won't be carrying your books and notebooks.
8. Colorful pens for note taking
If you're like me, then you may enjoy colorful notes. Getting a pack of colored pens for note-taking can be a more creative way to take notes. You can color code important points that a professor discusses and use certain colors for definitions.
9. Highlighters
Just like the colorful pens, highlighters can be used to color code and to make your notes more appealing. Using these to mark important dates and assignments can also be useful because your attention could be drawn to the bright colors. Bringing highlighters can help you become more organized and help you create notes that are easy to follow!
10. A water bottle and coffee mug
These are a MUST. There's nothing better than walking to class on a hot day, sitting in your seat, and taking a big drink of cold water. Almost everyone brings a water bottle, so you won't be singled out. A coffee mug is great for refilling your coffee at the Starbucks nearby or if you make your own. The bottle and mug don't have to be huge; they can be small enough to fit in your backpack!
With these ten items and the rest of your packed items, you will be ready for classes and to fully learn for this upcoming school year. For me, these ten items have made my life in college just a little less stressful and a little more manageable.
