It pays to be prepared…for anything. Of course, as a student you know you’ll need a laptop, notebooks, textbooks, pens, and other supplies related to your academics, but that shouldn’t be all that’s in your backpack! There are actually quite a few items that can come in handy, and should be kept in your bag at all times. Here are 10 that we recommend.
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1. Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
Nothing is more annoying than dry, chapped lips. No matter the weather outside, it’s handy to have some lip balm on hand. This variety pack from Burt’s Bees will do just the trick! It comes in four different flavors: original beeswax, strawberry, coconut & pear, and vanilla bean. Made from all natural ingredients, this balm will leave your lips feeling great so you can concentrate on school work.
2. PURELL Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack
College is a busy place, so having hand sanitizer can keep you healthy. Clip it onto your backpack, and you can keep germs and diseases at bay. Purell is practically synonymous with clean. Their handy mini packs come in four fresh scents: Ocean Kiss, Naturals, Aloe, and Original. These come with soft carrying cases, too. You will always have germ-free hands when you’ve got this clipped to your backpack.
3. Kleenex Facial Tissue Pack
Whether you’re fighting allergies or flu season, campus is never a good place to get sick. With these Kleenex facial tissue packs, you can keep one in your car, backpack, back pocket, or any other place where you might need a tissue. Having one always on hand means you’ll be prepared whenever something starts tickling your nose.
4. Home-Cube Big Capacity Pencil Case
This pencil case from Home Cube is as practical as it is pretty. It has a flap with loops for all your favorite pens or pencils, and a smaller inside pocket for medication or small coins. It also has a mesh pocket, and a flap pocket for USB drives, credit cards, money, or anything else you need to keep close at hand. The extra-large capacity means you can have up to 45 pens or pencils with you at any given time. Great for carrying everything you need for small craft projects, too. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can find one that matches your style.
5. Tide to Go Stain Remover Pen
Spills happen. If you’re on your way to class and spill some coffee, you don’t want to sit through a lecture with a stain on your sleeve. That’s where these handy stain remover pens from Tide come in. Just uncap, swipe, and blot with a cloth to keep tough stains at bay until laundry day. This handy 3-pack is perfect for keeping one in your backpack while the other two are in the dorm. They’re lifesavers in a tiny package. You’ll never ruin your favorite shirt again.
6. Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger
Small but mighty, this little lipstick-sized battery back-up can charge a variety of small electronic devices in no time. Whether it’s your phone, a tablet, an iPad, or any other small electronic device, you’ll have the battery power you need to keep everything on. This portable charger comes in five stylish colors: black, silver, blue, gold, and pink. It’s so small it won’t take up any space at all in your backpack. Lots of power in a small package.
7. Simply Gum Variety Pack
The 100% natural, vegan-approved chewing gum is as good as it is good for you. Sometimes life gets so hectic between classes and social engagements and there’s no time to brush after you’ve eaten lunch or dinner. This gum is perfect for keeping bad breath at bay. It comes in six unique flavors: maple, coffee, mint, ginger, fennel licorice, and cinnamon. The variety pack comes with 6 sleeves with 15 pieces each! You’ll have plenty to chew on.
8. Advil Ibuprofen Bottle
Headaches happen, and they can be a real hassle when you’ve got a busy day. Keep some of these ibuprofen bottles in your purse or backpack in case of finals-induced headaches, allergies, or muscle strain. Advil Ibuprofen is really handy for those emergencies and other minor aches and pains that just won’t go away. Parts of college are pains in the butt, but at least you’ll have some Advil to relieve the ache a bit.
9. Polarspex Polarized 80s Retro Sunglasses
Get retro-fab with these polarized sunglasses from Polarspex. True style never dies, and these shades are proof. Channel your inner Tom Cruise circa Risky Business with these sunglasses that cut down on sun and headlight glare. They feel as good as they look. Both frames and lenses come in a variety of styles and colors. So if black matte isn’t your thing, you can try something bolder lava red or kryptonite.
10. Panasonic ErgoFit Earbuds
These wired, in-ear earbuds are perfect for listening to music or lectures on-the-go, and they are compatible with iPhones, Androids, and many other devices. The Panasonic ErgoFit Earbuds come in a wide range of wonderful colors and can have a microphone and call controller. They are designed to fit any and every ear and are as comfortable as they are vibrant.
No matter what your sudden need might be, if you get all the items on this list, you’ll always be prepared.
Before you start up school this year, make sure you have all your essential items so you can be fully prepared for the semester! What else will you be adding to your bag?
Once you’re done shopping for the year ahead, you might want to save some money. Scholarships can help make college much more affordable. They can cover everything from books to tuition to living expenses. Discover scholarships that fit you using our Scholarship Search Tool.
