A back to school list is essential for the start of any school year, not just in K-12 but in college too.

Bringing a backpack to class is an obvious must. You will need materials for class and may not have time to stop at your dorm or apartment to grab things between classes or activities.

When choosing a backpack, make sure it has enough room for your stuff and a spot where your laptop will be protected. You want to avoid anything too bulky though, as you don’t want to lug a heavy load all across campus.

Make sure you’re stocked with chargers, however many you need for your various electronics. A dead phone or laptop when you have a whole day of assignments and tasks ahead is a recipe for disaster.

Most college students opt to take notes on their laptops. However, if you prefer the old-fashioned pencil and paper method, a three or five subject notebook is a great way to conserve space. 

These notebooks usually include built-in folders. While most assignments live on Blackboard, your professors may hand out physical syllabi or test results that you’ll need to keep safe.

If you’re planning on taking physical notes, having pencils and pens is a given, but they’re essential for everyone. You never know when you’ll have to jot something down, need a number two pencil to fill out a Scantron or when your less prepared classmate will ask to borrow a writing utensil.

While not a necessity for class, it’s always a good idea to be stocked with water and gum. Water is an essential, especially at the beginning of the fall semester while the summer heat lingers. Gum will come in handy if you’re facing post-dining hall bad breath or just need something to keep you awake during a particularly slow lecture.

Another backpack essential is headphones. Whether you walk or take the Huskie Bus around campus, listening to music makes the travel much more enjoyable. 

In the age of online and hybrid learning, you may need to watch a lecture, YouTube video or join a Zoom meeting. If you’re at the Holmes Student Center or Founders Memorial Library, you should wear headphones while doing these things to be courteous to your neighbors.

Lastly, it never hurts to toss an umbrella in your bag in case of expected – or unexpected – rain. Be prepared not only for class, but anything the day may throw at you.