Heading off to class in college is much different than it was in high school. In high school, you had locker where you could store your stuff between classes that served as a central hub for your life. But in college, you don’t have lockers. And when you leave for classes in the morning, you may not get back to your dorm until late afternoon. So it’s important to pack your backpack with all the items you might need throughout the day. If you’re trying to figure out what you’ll need, here’s a list to get you started.
1. Campus map
Even after you know your way around campus, it’s good to always have a map with you just in case you have to go to a building you don’t normally go to or if you get lost by accident.
2. Notebooks
If you’re in class all day, you’ll probably need to take notes. Carry a few notebooks with you (one for each subject) so you can store all your notes in the same place.
3. Books
You may not need your books during class, but in between classes you might have time to study, so bring a few books along to help you get ahead during your down time.
4. Pencils and Pens
Obviously you’ll need something to write with, so make sure you have pens or mechanical pencils available (mechanical pencils don’t need sharpening). Also highlighters are a good idea, so you can mark important passages in your books.
5. Calculator
If you’ve got math, physics, or chemistry classes bringing a calculator with you is a must.
6. Water
It’s important to stay hydrated all day, so make sure you bring a bottle of water with you. When you have a chance, you can refill it at drinking fountains across campus.
7. Snacks
If you’re going to spend all day on campus, you might want to bring some snacks for when you get the mid-afternoon munchies. These little pick-me-ups will help you keep going strong until dinner.
8. Change
You never know when you might want a soda or snack from a vending machine (if you didn’t already pack some treats from your dorm) so make sure you have a little emergency change stashed away.
9. iPod
Turn those long walks between classes into a way to catch up on the latest music and keep you entertained on the bus.
10. Wallet/Purse
Before you leave the house, throw you wallet or purse in your bag. Not only will it help you get some lunch, but it also has your student ID in it, which might be helpful.
11. Phone
Keep your phone in your backpack instead of in your pocket and put it on vibrate. That way, you won’t be distracted by it during class or when you really need to buckle down and study.
12. Camera
Of course campus life is always full of surprises. If you bring your camera with you, you’ll always be able to document your life and the world around you.
About the author: Diane Johnson primarily writes about Rasmussen College, pell grants, and anything else that interests her. She enjoys traveling, reading, and sports.