College students can relate to long and tiresome days where there’s not even time to eat. The life of a college student in the simplest terms is very hectic. This is why carrying the essentials in your backpack is crucial to managing your sanity and busy schedule.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the backpack itself. Is there room for your laptop? Is it durable and comfortable? Can it withstand the heavy load of textbooks? Are there enough pockets? These are all questions to consider. Most importantly, does it fit comfortably on your back to avoid back pain? Picking the perfect backpack will aid in making your college experience that much smoother.

Now let’s talk about what to carry in your backpack… When there’s minimal time in the day to run home or the Union, you must have the essentials.

Your computer and charger are your holy grail when surviving college. Having these two by your side will come in handy for taking notes, studying, writing papers researching and so much more. Don’t forget the charger! Pack an extra phone charger for your phone also. The college schedule is unpredictable so it’s best to be prepared for every occasion.

What would we do without music!? Catch me walking around campus with headphones at every moment of the day. Having a pair of headphones in your backpack makes the days more enjoyable. Music is a great mood booster and helps with focusing while studying. You may even need headphones for a class video.

Don’t be that student that forgets his/her textbooks. Being able to see the material the professor is going over in class is highly beneficial.

Don’t forget all the note-taking essentials! Notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, highlighters, and flashcards are great tools to use for taking notes in class. These notes are vital for your studying success.

Having a planner will save you a future headache. It’s important to stay organized during the busy school year. A planner is the easiest way to stay up to date with assignments, deadlines, and events on campus.

Build your own emergency kit for those unpredictable moments. Items such as lotion, hair spray, hair ties, safety pins, gum, bleach pens, extra cash, chapstick, tampons, tissues, etc. will come in handy.

Another item to consider is a jacket or rain jacket. In Kansas where the weather is unpredictable, these will be great to have at reach.

Finally, don’t forget to pack snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. You need all the energy you can get during college. Have a water bottle close by to also keep you hydrated and healthy.

These are just a few essentials to keep in your backpack, but you can customize these to your exact needs. These essentials will save you countless times!