Northern California has endless sites to see, a rich culture, and unpredictable weather. If you’re from Northern California, or will soon become a local, you’re going to want to be ready for everything and anything. 

To give you a start on your packing list, here are 10 essentials for living in Northern California. 

Reusable Water Bottle 

Be environmentally friendly by owning a reusable water bottle. Having a reusable water bottle is good to have when you’re in class, at the gym, or doing outdoor activities. If you enjoy spending a lot of time camping or hiking, get a filtered water bottle. Stay hydrated wherever you go. 

A Durable Backpack 

A durable backpack, or bag, won’t only be useful for carrying your school belongings, but can also be helpful when traveling or doing exploring the outdoors. Having a bag that can do it all will save you money so you don’t have to buy multiple bags for separate occasions. 

Good Pair of Shoes 

Whether you’re walking to class, hiking in the Back 40, strolling through St. Helena, or walking around San Francisco, it’s smart to have a pair of comfortable shoes. You’re going to be on your feet a lot so pack a good pair of shoes. 

A Coat

Invest in a good coat that will keep you cozy during fall and warm and dry during winter. You don’t want to be cold or soaking wet on your way to class. 

Rechargeable External Battery 

A rechargeable external battery is a lifesaver. We spend a lot of time on our phones during the day, so having one in our bags come in handy. You won’t need to run to your room to charge in between classes or worry about your battery percentage while traveling. Just remember to have your external battery fully charged. 

A Reusable Tote 

Continue to be green by owning a reusable tote. Don’t keep paying for plastic or paper bags when you go shopping. Instead, buy a good reusable tote that can be used during your shopping trips. It comes in handy and will save you money. 

A Blanket 

Some students bring more than one blanket so they can use it for different occasions. From your dorm room to having a picnic, going to the beach, or just studying outside, have a blanket you don’t mind using on different occasions. 

Sunscreen 

No matter what the weather is, wear sunscreen! Even on overcast, rainy days, sunscreen is still important. Remember to put sunscreen on and protect your skin.

Sunglasses

Protect those precious eyes of yours while going around the city sightseeing, hiking in the Back 40, or just laying out on the lawn. 

A Beanie 

Keep your head and ears warm during those chilly, foggy days by wearing a thick beanie. Not only will it keep you warm, but is also a great outfit ensemble. 

Rain or shine, we can’t get enough of living in beautiful Northern California! We hope you love and enjoy it as much as we do. Get ready for a great school year!