No matter how far you are commuting, for hours it will only be you and your bag. It is important to pack this bag concisely, so you don’t have to drag it around all day.
In this post I will provide a list of my essentials and tips to packing the perfect commuter bag.
I have overpacked and underpacked plenty of times in the past, so here is my advice on how to avoid this!
First before you go off to school check the weather. Bringing a change of clothes or an unneeded sweatshirt takes up so much space. Being intentional with your clothing choices will help you not be uncomfortable all day.
A heavy bag is a nightmare to carry around, especially if you are participating in the popularized tote bag trend. I love my tote bag, but when I bring too much, my shoulders ache.
No matter what bag you use it is important to be mindful of what you are bringing. Over the first few weeks think about what you actually use during your time on campus. If you notice something in your bag is taking up space, take it out.
Sometimes everyone needs a list. Here are the absolute commuting must haves:
- A portable charger.
- A small notebook and pencil. Normally I have a standard notebook in my bag, but recently I have seen my peers with smaller ones. It is the perfect way to have paper just in case, and not take up room.
- An Ipad/Kindle. The more digital textbooks the better. Ipads are great because you can annotate pdfs like a regular book. If allowed in your classroom, you can ditch the physical notebook and use a digital app instead. I recommend using the app Goodnotes. With this app you can upload pictures and pdfs and write notes on them as you desire. It is also extremely affordable.
- Headphones, preferably airpods or earbuds as they are smaller. Essential for the commute.
- Granola bars and other small easy to eat snacks; these are small lifesavers. Having snacks will also save you money as you will be able to avoid purchasing lunch. If you have room, having a full lunch is even better.
- A water bottle. I recommend one that can be closed rather than an open straw. It is much easier to just throw it in your bag.
- A tide stick, just in case you have a spill on your clothing.
- Regarding make up, I have often packed my entire makeup bag, which tends to take up a lot of space. Half the time I don’t even use it. Instead I recommend having one of each product that is reasonable to reapply. For example one lip liner, one lip gloss, one blush, deodorant, and a small fragrance spray are all I use. I have also tried to use a strong setting spray in the morning, so I don’t have to reapply.
Of course, always focus on having your school supplies. There is nothing worse than arriving on campus only to discover you left your homework or ID at home, trust me I’ve been there.
What you bring to campus is completely different depending on if you have your car and how long you are on campus. Of course, if you do have your car you can bring more items. When you only have a bag it is quite limiting.
Even though it is tempting to over pack, it isn’t worth it.
By Isabel DeSisto
Isabel DeSisto is a senior majoring in Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. She is an avid traveler and is always looking to go on a trip. While adventurous, there is nothing she enjoys more than hanging out with her dogs and reading a book.
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