With summer break coming to close, it’s time to start thinking about the return to school. To ensure you, or your kids, head off to college and start off on the right foot, we’ve compiled a list of basic essentials that every college student needs for a successful academic year.
Laptop/Tablet
When it comes to writing your research papers and doing your homework, you don’t want to be stuck relying on your college’s library in case of bad road conditions or other obstacles that might keep you from getting there. Best Buy and Walmart have some of the best deals.
Book bag
Getting a book bag or backpack that can last you all throughout your college years is a smart decision. If you enjoy traveling, then purchasing a backpack that can double as a carry-on bag is a good investment. Target, JC Penney, and Walmart have excellent affordable options available.
Extra Charger
Lowkey, one of the worst feelings is watching your phone die in the middle of the day. For this reason, I’d encourage you to buy an extra charger to keep stashed in that top notch backpack you’ve just invested in. You can get cheap ones at CVS.
Portable charger pack
What’s the point in having a cord if you aren’t close to an outlet? Portable chargers are life savers, especially if you get one that can easily slip into your purse or pocket. Whether you’re on campus or off, a portable charger might be the difference between an Uber or not an Uber. You can purchase them at almost any store that sells electronics for as low as $10.
Light jacket
There’s nothing worse than dressing to beat the heat and then entering a classroom that feels cold enough to give you frostbite. We highly recommend investing in a light jacket or cardigan to keep stashed in your bag for emergencies. If you prefer something on the cheaper side without sacrificing fashion, stop by Plato’s Closet or Style Encore on the east side of Evansville.
Umbrella
Don’t be one of those students who show up to class soaked to the bone from being caught walking in a rainstorm. You’ll be spending a lot more time outside walking to classes than you did in high school, so it’s a good idea to stay prepared by keeping some form of umbrella on you. You can find small ones that easily fit into a purse or backpack for less than $10 at Walmart.
Pens & Pencils
Although almost everything has gone digital these days, sometimes the best study methods come from writing your notes down by hand. It never hurts to keep an extra set of each on hand since you’ll never know what you might need them for.
Planner
Finally, acknowledging that your phone and laptop both have calendars for you to plug your activities into, sometimes not being utterly controlled by your electronics feels like a breath of fresh air. Especially if you don’t have a laptop or have any desire to bring a phone charger with you, having a planner ensures that your daily goals are not dependent on your phone’s battery life.
What do you think is an essential for surviving college? Let us know!
