In the years I was an undergraduate, I have learned so much about literature. But even more so, I have learned what items are necessary for me to survive the fifteen weeks of the semester. Now in my first year of graduate school, I know which highlighters never run out, what bag will hold my heaviest anthologies, and how many hours I need to study before an exam. With school beginning in less than a week, I thought I'd compile a list of must haves for any girl trying to survive the 'best years of her life.' Details on each item after the jump!
1. A nice laptop case - although you may not be able to use your laptop in every class (or any, if you were in my shoes), you never know when it may come in handy. Never depend solely on computer labs; they're often packed or too loud to concentrate in. Sometimes you're better off in a quiet area with your own laptop!
2. Chapstick - after hours on campus, especially in winter, my lips were always chapped. And it's always good to have one with a hint of color, just in case the guy across the room happens to look your way.
3. Sweater - if I've learned one thing (besides my studies, of course) during my time in college, it's that you never know what temperature the classroom/building will be. It's smart to have a comfy sweater with you, one that you don't mind balling up in your bag and wearing time and time again. I definitely have a go-to sweater just for this.
4. Highlighers - I always have multiple colors of these with me. First, because you never know when one will run out. Second, because someone may borrow (and by borrow, I mean steal) yours. And third, you just may be in more of a pink mood than yellow that day. But only highlight what is absolutely necessary, not your entire textbook. It doesn't make studying any easier.
5. Bobby pins - because hair can be a bitch.
6. A large calendar - this can go on your wall or your desk, but make sure it's large enough that you can write all of your assignments, test dates, etc on it as they are assigned. Maybe even write paper due dates a few days earlier than they really are, that way by the time they are due, you forget you wrote the dates early and can avoid procrastinating! Even if it's by accident.
7. Headphones - if you're on campus with a lot of breaks and your friend isn't there that day or you have fifteen minutes to spare, listening to music can really help the time fly by. Or if you have your laptop, you can even watch a tv show or movie! I definitely suffered quite a few long breaks without anything to do but headphones would've saved me from that agony.
8. Blotting pads - no matter the time of year, it's easy for your skin to become a bit oily from either walking around, climbing steps, or simply being under stress and being on campus for too long! Instead of carrying around more make up or wiping your current make up off with tissues, these pads just get rid of the oil while leaving the make up as is.
9. Post-it notes - now, I don't use regular sized post-its for much, but I do use the small ones. It's a great way to mark important pages of texts or notes, plus write short notes to yourself. These are key, especially if you are lucky enough to have an open book exam. There's no use wasting time trying to find the pages!
10. Messenger bag - I used to be anti-messenger bag, but lately there have been quite a few that have stood out to me. They could come in handy when you don't have too many books that day. Maybe just a light book, notebook and laptop. They're also far more appropriate if you have any reason to be more dressed up. The sleeker the bag, the more professional you look!
11. Backpack - now I know I just gave a good review to messenger bags, but you will never want one kind of bag to lug your things around. Backpacks are good when you have a heavy load. The two straps on your shoulders will keep you from becoming sore. I've definitely learned this one the hard way! I chose the backpack I personally own simply because I love it, but it's also important to note that this is a very casual piece. However, there are plenty of black, leather bags that would give off a more professional look.
12. Notebooks - this is obvious, of course, but too important not to be included. Never spend big bucks on notebooks and always buy individual. I know different tactics work for different people, but individual notebooks is so much lighter than bulky binders or 3-5 subject notebooks! And buy some fun ones. Mine are always different, bright colors. Hell, sometimes mine are even sparkly, but never over a dollar or two!
13. Compact mirror - simple: if you have this, you never have to fight for the mirror in the bathroom. And you can check your teeth after having that delicious everything bagel in the cafeteria. Sometimes asking a friend if there is food in your teeth just isn't reliable enough.
14. Hair ties - if you're working furiously on a paper due in the next couple of hours, you will absolutely want to put your hair up. Trust me. I just know. Oh, and probably have more than one, because they disappear into black holes.
15. Pens - well, obviously. Use black, ball point pens. My favorite kind of pens are those ones with multiple colors in it, and you click the color to choose which one you want. Remember those? That would be my second choice. But always use black, not blue. *Occasionally use a bright pink pen to make your notes more interesting.
16. Breath mints - that damn everything bagel strikes again! You never know when you may meet someone or have to work closely with someone in class. Just in case you had a little too much onion on your sandwich earlier, make sure to have some back up.
17. Watch - it surprises me how little people actually wear watches. I suppose we all depend on our cell phones to tell us the time, but here's a reality check: you can't have your phone out in class. Even if your professor is cool with it being on your desk, don't do it. You look better if you don't. Never be that asshole texting blatantly in the corner. We see you, we're judging you. And a lot of classrooms don't have clocks, or at least not in convenient places. You'll wish you had a watch when you're in a three hour course with no clock.
18. Sunglasses - driving early in the morning or late afternoon will mean a blaring sun, long breaks and hot weather will mean make shift tanning sessions on the lawn, and too many vodka sodas the night prior will mean a massive hangover in your 8:30am class. Always keep a pair in your car or your bag.
19. Tissues - these are great if you have the sniffles, even better if you are in a bathroom stall with no toilet paper. Been there.
20. Weekly planner - write major dates on your main calendar, write the details in your planner. Also use this to write little notes to yourself or to make a list of goals each week! But don't be like me and ditch the planner within the first week of the semester. USE IT! Learn from my mistakes!
Now this isn't everything you'll need, of course (mechanical pencils, index cards for cram sessions) but these things will all come in extremely handy. I always have these things with me in my bag or on my desk. But as cheesy as it is, your most important asset is your brain! Keep focused, never skip a class unless you're bleeding or barfing, and take notes until your hands cramp. Actually, keep writing even after that happens. It'll all be worth it when you get your assignments done early, get kick ass grades, and can spend the week after finals celebrating with a drink rather than crying into it.
2. Chapstick - after hours on campus, especially in winter, my lips were always chapped. And it's always good to have one with a hint of color, just in case the guy across the room happens to look your way.
3. Sweater - if I've learned one thing (besides my studies, of course) during my time in college, it's that you never know what temperature the classroom/building will be. It's smart to have a comfy sweater with you, one that you don't mind balling up in your bag and wearing time and time again. I definitely have a go-to sweater just for this.
4. Highlighers - I always have multiple colors of these with me. First, because you never know when one will run out. Second, because someone may borrow (and by borrow, I mean steal) yours. And third, you just may be in more of a pink mood than yellow that day. But only highlight what is absolutely necessary, not your entire textbook. It doesn't make studying any easier.
5. Bobby pins - because hair can be a bitch.
6. A large calendar - this can go on your wall or your desk, but make sure it's large enough that you can write all of your assignments, test dates, etc on it as they are assigned. Maybe even write paper due dates a few days earlier than they really are, that way by the time they are due, you forget you wrote the dates early and can avoid procrastinating! Even if it's by accident.
7. Headphones - if you're on campus with a lot of breaks and your friend isn't there that day or you have fifteen minutes to spare, listening to music can really help the time fly by. Or if you have your laptop, you can even watch a tv show or movie! I definitely suffered quite a few long breaks without anything to do but headphones would've saved me from that agony.
8. Blotting pads - no matter the time of year, it's easy for your skin to become a bit oily from either walking around, climbing steps, or simply being under stress and being on campus for too long! Instead of carrying around more make up or wiping your current make up off with tissues, these pads just get rid of the oil while leaving the make up as is.
9. Post-it notes - now, I don't use regular sized post-its for much, but I do use the small ones. It's a great way to mark important pages of texts or notes, plus write short notes to yourself. These are key, especially if you are lucky enough to have an open book exam. There's no use wasting time trying to find the pages!
10. Messenger bag - I used to be anti-messenger bag, but lately there have been quite a few that have stood out to me. They could come in handy when you don't have too many books that day. Maybe just a light book, notebook and laptop. They're also far more appropriate if you have any reason to be more dressed up. The sleeker the bag, the more professional you look!
11. Backpack - now I know I just gave a good review to messenger bags, but you will never want one kind of bag to lug your things around. Backpacks are good when you have a heavy load. The two straps on your shoulders will keep you from becoming sore. I've definitely learned this one the hard way! I chose the backpack I personally own simply because I love it, but it's also important to note that this is a very casual piece. However, there are plenty of black, leather bags that would give off a more professional look.
12. Notebooks - this is obvious, of course, but too important not to be included. Never spend big bucks on notebooks and always buy individual. I know different tactics work for different people, but individual notebooks is so much lighter than bulky binders or 3-5 subject notebooks! And buy some fun ones. Mine are always different, bright colors. Hell, sometimes mine are even sparkly, but never over a dollar or two!
13. Compact mirror - simple: if you have this, you never have to fight for the mirror in the bathroom. And you can check your teeth after having that delicious everything bagel in the cafeteria. Sometimes asking a friend if there is food in your teeth just isn't reliable enough.
14. Hair ties - if you're working furiously on a paper due in the next couple of hours, you will absolutely want to put your hair up. Trust me. I just know. Oh, and probably have more than one, because they disappear into black holes.
15. Pens - well, obviously. Use black, ball point pens. My favorite kind of pens are those ones with multiple colors in it, and you click the color to choose which one you want. Remember those? That would be my second choice. But always use black, not blue. *Occasionally use a bright pink pen to make your notes more interesting.
16. Breath mints - that damn everything bagel strikes again! You never know when you may meet someone or have to work closely with someone in class. Just in case you had a little too much onion on your sandwich earlier, make sure to have some back up.
17. Watch - it surprises me how little people actually wear watches. I suppose we all depend on our cell phones to tell us the time, but here's a reality check: you can't have your phone out in class. Even if your professor is cool with it being on your desk, don't do it. You look better if you don't. Never be that asshole texting blatantly in the corner. We see you, we're judging you. And a lot of classrooms don't have clocks, or at least not in convenient places. You'll wish you had a watch when you're in a three hour course with no clock.
18. Sunglasses - driving early in the morning or late afternoon will mean a blaring sun, long breaks and hot weather will mean make shift tanning sessions on the lawn, and too many vodka sodas the night prior will mean a massive hangover in your 8:30am class. Always keep a pair in your car or your bag.
19. Tissues - these are great if you have the sniffles, even better if you are in a bathroom stall with no toilet paper. Been there.
20. Weekly planner - write major dates on your main calendar, write the details in your planner. Also use this to write little notes to yourself or to make a list of goals each week! But don't be like me and ditch the planner within the first week of the semester. USE IT! Learn from my mistakes!
Now this isn't everything you'll need, of course (mechanical pencils, index cards for cram sessions) but these things will all come in extremely handy. I always have these things with me in my bag or on my desk. But as cheesy as it is, your most important asset is your brain! Keep focused, never skip a class unless you're bleeding or barfing, and take notes until your hands cramp. Actually, keep writing even after that happens. It'll all be worth it when you get your assignments done early, get kick ass grades, and can spend the week after finals celebrating with a drink rather than crying into it.
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