What's in my school bag : College edition

My first semester as a second year college student would start in a few days and I've already started gathering up the things that I would need to bring with me when I go back to my dorm, one of which is my school bag. Since the school year hasn't started yet, I only have the basic things I would normally pack in my bag excluding the books/readings/handouts that I'm required to bring to school. 

I used to over pack my school bag as well in the beginning of my freshmen year but throughout the first few weeks, I have realized that there are only few things you need in your bag on a daily basis. With that, I hope this can serve as a guide for the freshmen out there that are clueless on the things they should bring to school. I also included some explanations on why I think the things I included are important plus tips that I find helpful just for the people who like to go more into the details of things.

This is an overview of the my bag and the things I plan to pack in it for the upcoming school year. 

(1) Filler organizer/compiler - Personally, I think fillers are more convenient to use than notebooks for many reasons. First of many is the fact that it minimizes the amount of things you need to pack in you bag thus giving you more space for other things you might want to bring. If you decide on buying the fillers that are already compiled as I did, it would be easier for you to organize your notes since it's all in one place. It's like one thick notebook that has tons of sections for the different subjects you'd take.

Moreover, in using fillers, you get to have your money's worth. Based on my experience, I don't really use up  all the 8 fillers included in my organizer/compiler by the end of the semester which is why I think fillers are more convenient.

Tip: Another bonus would be you'd get to reuse your organizer for the next semester since you can replace the fillers you've used to new ones. (money saved!)

This is just my personal reference but I would also like to recommend the kind of filler organizers that have a pocket at the back. It's very useful especially for storing papers given back by your professors during class. 

(Wow. I really did explain that didn't I? Haha)

(2) File case - This is also an essential for every student. A file case is very useful especially for keeping papers you might want to submit wrinkle free. Also, if you get the file case that has these separators inside, you can use it to store your ballpens or pencils especially if you're not the kind that uses a pencil case. Basically, it's just another thing to make organizing your notes/readings/handouts/papers easier. 

(3) Papers (yellow pad/intermediate paper/ 1/2 and 1/4 size) - You need to stock up on papers since you never know when your professor might give a quiz or an essay writing activity in class. Also, you don't want to be that kid that asks his/her classmate for paper every single time.

Tip: Don't bring the whole pad of paper with you to school, just take 15-20 sheets of paper for the pad. This minimizes the space taken up by your paper in your file case. 

(4) Post-it set - I think buying a post-it set is better than just having one size of post-it since it gives you a variety of post-it you can use for different purposes. Post-its come in handy especially when you need to mark a page on your book or when you need to take down your homework for the day. Normally a post-it set would come in a mini folder like compiler which is also a plus since it organizes and protects your post-its. This is because at times when you just store your post-it in your pencil case or your file case, it can separate and the stick won't be as strong as before. 

(5) Umbrella - This is an essential for every student out there. I repeat, this is important. I think that everyone needs an umbrella in their bags. You never know when it will rain or when the heat is already unbearable for your skin. I personally have experienced running through the rain just to get from one building to another just because I didn't have my umbrella with me. 

Again, it's not only useful when it's raining but you can also use it to protect yourself from the scorching sun during summer especially if you live in a tropical country like me. 

Tip: In buying your umbrella, it's best to see how sturdy it is for the strong winds it might encounter. Also, try to purchase the umbrella that opens and closes itself just by pressing one button. It may be more expensive than the regular ones but I think it's worth it especially if you're bringing lots of things. 

(6) Eyeglasses case - Having an eyeglasses case in your bag is not for everyone but since I need to wear eyeglasses to actually have a clear view on what's on the board, I need to have this in my bag at all times. I tend not to wear my glasses the whole day in school for few reasons. In the past, if I'm not wearing my glasses, I just put it in my bag unprotected and I realized that it is not the best way of storing my glasses which is why I always have its case with me at all times. Hope this serves as a reminder for those people who also wear eyeglasses. 

(7) Make-up kit + wipes - Being the girl that I am, I need to have a kit just for my face powder, blotting sheets, lip balm etc. I think that every girl needs to have a make-up kit or a beauty kit of their own in their bags. I think that being in college you need to make yourself look more presentable. You can be looking all fresh in the morning and messy in the afternoon. At least have some face powder or blotting sheets with you. Wipes also come in handy especially if you need to wash your face or you need to wipe off mud in you feet when it's raining. 

(8) Pencil case with supplies - Since I don't like having my pens scattered all around my bag, I preferred having a pencil case to store all my pens, pencils, highlighters etc. I think having a pencil case helps you organize your bag more plus it prevents you from digging in your bag just to find the pen/pencil you're looking for.

Tip: Always have a spare pen in your pencil case.Always bring your usb to school, you'd never know when you need it. If you can see in the photo above, I stored my usb inside my pencil case since I bring it to school daily

(9) Scientific calculator - This is another student essential especially if your course requires you to have a lot of Math subjects in your curriculum. Even though I'm not taking a Math related course for college, I still like to bring this in my bag since I won't really know when I need it plus I think I would need this for one of the subjects I'm taking up this coming semester. 

(10) Leather thrifted backpack - I felt like I just needed to talk about my school bag. First of all, I'm really happy that I got this for a really great deal. I bought this bag not only for its price but because of its structure. It's very sturdy and it has lots of compartments (both on the outside and inside of the bag) which I think is something you need to consider in buying your school bag. Also, I really like that the bag is made of real leather which means that this bag can last for a long time. 

Tip: Choose a bag which has a material that won't get soaking wet if it rains. Basically don't get a bag that is mostly made of cloth. Also, choose a neutral color for your bag so you won't have a hard time matching your  bag with your clothes. (unless you're the type who changes their bag according to their outfit which is entirely okay)

(11) Wallet - A wallet is very practical not just for storing your money but also for storing your discount card/ credit card if you have one. I love the idea of finding money in random places inside your bag but I think that being organized in keeping your money safe is better. 

(12) School ID - This is pretty self explanatory. Always, always bring this! In fact, wear it at all times when you're inside the campus.

(13) Mesh pouch as phone container - Since I'm all about organized storing this year, I decided to use this mesh pouch to store all my gadgets which I think is pretty neat. You don't need to dig in your bag when your phone's ringing. Plus in using the mesh bag, it enables you to have a clear view of what's inside the pouch. 

(14) Planner - I think this is an optional item but I occasionally bring my planner with me to school. It helps me keep track of my deadlines and my to-do lists for the day/week which I think is really helpful in managing my time. 

Tip: At least update your planner weekly, it helps you schedule your following week without having meetings overlap. 

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And that's it! Those are the things that I would regularly have inside my school bag. I know I might add more things/materials inside my bag but I know the things I've mentioned above would pretty much stay the whole semester. I hope this list helped you. Of course, it's still up to you on whether you'd like to include the things I've mentioned or not. Have fun packing your school bag! 

-Z