After I decided to transfer schools, I quickly became aware that being a commuter was going to be a lot more work than I thought. It was so easy to get up 10 minutes before class and walk right across campus to my building. But now, I find myself getting up hours before class starts, getting ready, packing snacks, and driving all the way over to campus. Plus, I need to add in time to make sure I find parking and can walk to class without having to time myself and run a marathon. Even though its been the second week of classes for me I have compiled a list of all essentials for commuters! (In no particular order)

Phone Charger

This may seem like an obvious one and most people don't leave the house without it anyway, but this is so important! You don't want your phone to die right before you have an hour break in between classes. What will you do for an hour without snapchat??

Some type of Beverage

Whether it's a water bottle, your latest juice cleanse, or a coffee don't leave the house without bringing something to drink! It's always important to hydrate and save yourself the few extra bucks by bringing something from home!

Snacks

This goes hand-in-hand with drinks. Nobody enjoys the sound of their stomach growling while in the middle of a huge lecture. Bring yourself something to snack on before class that way you're nothing counting down the minutes till lunch instead of listening to what's on the midterm.

Laptop

If you have a decent break in-between classes and you don't want to go home, your laptop is your best friend. You can watch Netflix, write your paper, read my Odyssey articles or listen to music. Honestly, you could do all of those things at once if you really wanted to.

Book to Read

If you prefer reading instead, make sure to grab a good book for those breaks in between classes. It'll help pass the time and increase your I.Q! It's a win-win!

Make-up

There's nothing like getting ready in the dark and realizing you only did eyeliner on one eye or your bronzer was applied to only half of your face. Either way, you can fix yourself all day and not have to worry about your looks. Although, you're beautiful inside and out!

Extra Clothes

Alright so maybe keeping an entire extra outfit in your car is a little crazy...maybe not...but at least keep a sweatshirt with you in case you get cold. I know I sound like your grandmother but there's nothing worse than shivering during a 2 hour class and sitting next to the open window. And in case you spill anything on yourself, you'll have something to wear over it.

Umbrella and or Poncho

Well just when you thought the forecast said 75 and sunny your now soaked and freezing. Hey, we can't all get it right...but you know what we can do? Be prepared for anything! If you're too lazy to carry an umbrella like me, invest in a poncho or a really good windbreaker. You'll stay dry when all you want is to be in bed!

First Aid Kid

Okay, I'm not saying you need to have an Oxygen tank in your back seat, but keeping a few band-aids nearby isn't such a bad idea. If you have a pair of shoes that always leave blisters or you accidentally get a paper cut, you'll be covered.

Sunglasses

They're good for the drive to school, good for walking around campus and avoiding that one person you can't stand, and they're good to hide half of your face if you were running late and didn't have time to look alive. (But since you read this list and brought your make up bag you'll be good!)

Headphones

You don't want to play that episode of Stranger Things out loud while other students stair at you confused.

Gas

I mean your car doesn't run on butter does it? Make sure your tank is decently filled before you leave!

Traffic App

You need to know when to leave the house and the quickest route to take. No one likes sitting in mounds of traffic right before a lecture. Also, if you have really bad road rage like me, nothing ruins your mood more than slow drivers who don't know where they're going. STOP HITTING THE BRAKES OLD LADY!!!

App That Tells You About School Closings

Do you really want to be that guy that drives all the way to close in a blizzard to find out everyone went home for the weekend? Save yourself the hassle.

Pepper Spray

I always keep pepper spray with me. It's attached to my keys. My mom got it for me when she realized I weigh 120 pounds and have no upper body strength. She's only trying to help. But often times, commuters are walking in dark parking garages at different times of the day. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and keep an eye open at all times!