Essential School Supplies for Commuters

By Debora Aberastury on August 16, 2017

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Being a commuter can be daunting. While it is cost efficient for many to live off campus, whether that be at home with family or with roommates elsewhere, it does come with its challenges.

Unlike others, you can’t just run off to your dorm room if you forget your printed out paper on your desk, you can’t sneak in a nap in between classes (so easily, at least), and you have to plan out your day with more precision than on-campus students. You have to beat traffic, maybe make it to a part-time job, spend time with family, and more. Your life is both on campus and off — and that can be a juggling act that can take a toll on you.

To help make your days easier, commuters, here are some essential school supplies that you might consider packing in your bag or car this year.

An Emergency Car Kit

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Knock on wood, but there is always a chance that something might happen on the drive to school. It is best to be ready for any and all situations with an emergency car kit. There are kits you can buy from AAA that include a first aid kit and a set of jumper cables, or plenty of resources online on how to put together your own.

Also consider having lesser emergency items in the trunk as well — such as an umbrella, a jacket, something to remove snow off your windshield — because you never know when the weather might change on you.

Don’t do it for you, but do it for your parents. The least worried that they have to be, the better.

A really, really, really big bag

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Okay, not really. But something that will fit everything you need for your classes. Consider having a backpack and a purse, or a backpack and a tote bag.

Ask in your classes, to be 100 percent sure, if you always do need to bring your books to class. If you don’t, it is one less thing to haul around campus. If you do, see if an e-textbook is an option. If not, plan accordingly around any heavier books, so you don’t come home each day with a backache.

Reusable Water Bottle

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There’s a chance, depending on your schedule, that you might have to spend a lot of time on campus in between classes. That means hanging out in the library, outside, or in one of the academic buildings, if they have couches in the halls. It can and will get expensive if you have to buy water bottle after water bottle — so make sure you have a refillable water bottle with you to fill up at any water fountain.

Long days means staying hydrated, especially on the commute back and from home, if the weather is hot.

A Planner

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Yes, you can and probably do have your entire life stored on multiple apps on your phone, tablet, and computer. But there’s something different when it comes to having it on paper. Writing down your schedule, your homework, and your club commitments can better help you remember exactly what you have to do and when.

Make sure to get a planner that has plenty of room in the weekly section, as well as note sections in the back. It doesn’t hurt to have post-its either, to write down any necessary reminders that you might be keen to forget.

A durable (and cute!) lunchbox or lunch bag

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I’m not saying that you shouldn’t have fast food or campus cafeteria food every time you’re on campus — but you will get tired of it at some point. It’s best to have a lunchbox or lunch bag at the ready if you decide to take some food along with you.

Make sure to also get some durable food containers for whatever you decide to take with you — whether it be a sandwich or some fruit — as well as ice packs. Yes, you might feel like you’re in grade school again, but there’s no shame in that! At least you have food with you to help you better survive the school day.

And last, but not least, a decent travel coffee mug …

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Because whether you’re battling morning or afternoon rush hour, or an 11-hour day on campus, you will need your coffee (or tea!). If there is a Starbucks near your campus, they do give you a discount if you have your own cup. Ask in any other nearby coffee places if they do the same.

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