I know. You're freaking out because back to school commercials are showing up on your TV and you aren't prepared for the long semesters ahead of you. Luckily for you, I'm really good at seeming like I have my life together and I'm here to tell you that there is no need to panic. As long as you pack these items (along with the obvious school supplies) you too can be the Leslie Knope of everything you do.
1. Planner.
I know when most people think of planners they think of girly prints and Lilly Pulitzer stickers, but I’m looking at you too boys. I never leave home without my planner and if I’m being totally honest my life would probably fall apart without it. With so much going on in college you’re going to need to remember all kinds of important dates from formals to tests and I guarantee if you don’t write it down you’re going to be that kid who forgets to do the paper that's worth half of your grade.
2. Phone charger.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Trust me when I say that most of the time you will not remember to charge your phone at night and it will die while you’re trying to text your study group or even worse before you can open your Starbucks app and pay for coffee (gasp). Find a seat near an outlet and charge it during class and then help out your poor friends who didn’t listen to me and let them charge their phones too.
3. Chapstick.
I’m telling you, you need to treat Chapstick like it's your phone. Take it everywhere and apply frequently. Your lips will always look perfectly kissable and you will be instant best friends with all the losers who didn’t listen to me and need to use your chapstick.
4. Mini deodorant, and mini toothbrush and toothpaste.
Because when you stay up until 5 a.m. writing a paper, and roll out of bed at 7:55 a.m. for your 8 a.m., your pits and breath aren’t always your first priority, but once you’ve woken up and little and come to your senses you will regret your choices. Luckily for you and everyone around you, you can make a quick pit stop and be smelling fresh for the rest of the day.
5. Money.
Always keep an emergency stash of at lest $5 to $10 in your bag. You never know when you’re going to need an emergency coffee break or a scantron for that test you totally forgot about because you didn’t listen to me and get a planner and if you’re anything like me the one time you forget your wallet will be the time when you need that $5 the most.
6. Water bottle.
I’m going to get straight to the point with this one. Nobody likes the person who passes out and interrupts the class we all paid a lot of money to attend and you’re going to like it even less when you wake up to campus security in your face as they try to get you to the health center. Drink water throughout the day and save us all the trouble.
7. Room key and ID.
Although the RAs will be kind and let you in a few times after a while it just gets annoying and you start to get on their bad side which is never a good thing. If you are prone to losing or forgetting things, I recommend a phone case that you can slide cards in the back of or something to attach your key to you (i.e. a bracelet, necklace, keychain, etc.). Special pro-tip for girls or guys who like to help girls out: attach your key to a hair tie and you will also never forget a hair tie.
8. Pepper spray.
I don’t care if you’re a guy or a girl, and I don’t care if your college is ranked number one in campus safety, I’m begging you, please give yourself the best chance in a dangerous situation. I am by no means saying you will ever need to use it, but I am saying that it is better to be safe than sorry. Knowing you’re prepared can give you a lot more peace of mind about your personal safety.
