With the new school year quickly approaching chances are you’re on the lookout for all the essentials you’ll need to be successful. While all the things you have in your ResLife suite will be important (stay tuned for an ultimate KPC Reslife Packing List in the next week!), it’s what goes in your backpack that will help you be successful while you’re on campus or at a study group.
Here are some of the items we suggest goes in your bag this upcoming school year…
- A Good Backpack (or messenger bag)- Ok I know this isn’t really “in your bag” becuase it actually IS your bag, but choosing a good backpack/messenger really is imperative. You only have one body and it’s important you treat it well, especially your back because back pain isn’t worth it! Look for a pack with adequate padding/support. Product Pictured: The North Face Wise Guy Backpack
- A laptop- Nearly everything for school these days needs computer usage at some point (emails, blackboard, papers, etc.), and while desktops are great they’re not very practical for a student on the move. The laptop selection now compared to 10 years ago is enormous and many companies design machines specifically with mobile college students in mind. The type of laptop you get doesn’t really matter so long as it works for you! Product Pictured: HP Spectre 13.3
- Headphones- Whether you’re studying in the River View Commons between classes or want to catch up on some Netflix while you’re on campus, a good pair of headphones always come in handy. Product Pictured: Beats Studio 2
- A Good Planner- It can’t be stressed enough how important organization is to academic success, and a planner is one of the best tools you can use. These days there are more planner options and layouts than ever before. Horizontal, vertical, plain, lined, etc. If you get a planner and it doesn’t seem to work for you (ie. you don’t seem to actually use it) think about trying a new style, it will be worth it! Product Pictured: Erin Condren Life Planner
- A Water Bottle- Hydration is super important for brain function! We have Brita Hydration Stations around campus (including one in the Residence Hall) for easy fillups. Product Pictured : Hydroflask
- A Multi-Subject Notebook- Forget the fancy binders with loose-leaf paper (I mean unless it’s your absolute favorite of course), in college spiral bound notebooks are the way to go. Instead of getting separate notebooks for each class/subject consider getting a multi-subject notebook. Several brands have folders built into dividers in the notebook to store any loose papers you may have. For those of you worried about running out of space, if you get a college ruled notebook (and unless you write super huge) you should be fine. I take tons of notes and have never run out of space in a semester. Product Pictured: Five Star 5 subject College Ruled Notebook
- Pens- While the go to standard black/blue ballpoint or gel pens should always be part of the plan, consider adding some fun colorful pens to your arsenal as well. They definitely make note taking more fun! Product Pictured: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 10 pack
- Mechanical Pencils- Good old fashioned pencils can get kind of tedious with all the sharpening and such needed, so mechanical pencils are definitely a must. Product Pictured: Bic Xtra Sparkle Mechanical Pencils 0.7 mm
- Highlighters- To make those extra important notes stand out use various colored highlighters. These will make it easier when you’re studying etc. to locate the important facts. Product Pictured: Sharpie Highlighter
- USB Flashdrive- You never know when one of these could come in handy!
- A Pencil Case- To carry all your fun writing utensils from above in so they’re not buried deep in your backpack when you need them. Product Pictured: Poppin Pencil Pouch
- Portable Tech Charger- You never know when you’re phone or tablet might die. Keeping an extra charger on you may be one of your best decisions. Product Pictured: ban.do Back Me Up iPhone charger
- A Snack- If you pack your own you won’t be tempted to buy overpriced treats from the vending machine!
*Please note that at KPC ResLife we don’t endorse any specific products. Links for the above products were given in case you, the reader, saw anything they would like to look into more.
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