As a student, you are always on the go. From going to classes, meetings, after school activities- some days you have to bring everything with you because you won’t have time to go back home or to your dorm room. To save you time and help you get through a school day, here are backpack essentials to keep in mind.

School Supplies 

Of course, you can’t forget school supplies such as your laptop, notebook, pens, books, etc. If you tend to forget certain things in your bag, have your bag packed and ready the night before. 

Keys 

Before you run out the door, don’t forget your keys. We seem to forget or misplace our keys often, so make sure you have them in your backpack or pocket before leaving. 

Wallet

Just like keys, your wallet can easily be misplaced or forgotten. Never leave without your wallet, especially if you commute to school or keep your school ID there. 

Water Bottle

Keep yourself hydrated! It’s always good to have water with you in class, walking around campus, after meals, and a workout. There are water stations throughout PUC for you to refill your reusable bottle. If you forgot to bring water, don’t worry because the dining commons has you covered. 

Hand Sanitizer 

When you don’t have the chance to wash your hands, you’ll be glad you have hand sanitizer in your bag. Get some disinfecting hand wipes too if you want. Stay safe and clean.

Lotion

With washing your hands a lot and putting sanitizer on, your hands can get very dry. It’s nice to have a small bottle of lotion with you, so your hands stay moisturized and don’t peel or crack.

Electronics

We use our phones quite a lot, so it’s nice to have a phone charger or external battery with you. Especially if you forget to charge your phone the night before, your external battery will come in handy.

Headphones are one of the things most students never leave their room without. Listening to music or a podcast while walking to class helps ease students, keeps them in the zone, and can help calm their nerves before an exam. 

Mini First-Aid Kid

You never know when you’ll need a band aid or Tylenol. If you have allergies or tend to get headaches easily, keep some medicine in your bag.

Gum or Mint

It’s nice to keep your breath fresh, so keep gum or mint in your bag. There will be days where you’ll have back-to-back classes or won’t be in your room till the end of the day, so having gum or mint on you will help keep your breath minty fresh.

Snacks

It’s not a bad idea to keep snacks in your bag in case you get hungry during class or need a pick-me-up. If you didn’t have a big breakfast or a filling lunch, that snack can help you get through the day until your next meal. 

Chapstick 

Chapstick may be something you never thought is essential, but it is. Some people can’t stand their lips dry and flakey, especially during winter, so having chapstick is useful. 

Hair Ties or Clips

If your hair tends to get in your face or it’s just a hot day, have some hair ties or clips in your bag. 

Everyone’s essentials are different, but these are some popular items we’ve seen students keep in their bags and backpacks. Hopefully, you find some of these things essential for you.