By Payton Kirkpatrick

Whether you’re entering your first or final year of university, it’s always important to have what you need to succeed on hand for class. Here is a brief overview of items that I find are ABSOLUTE essentials for success…and a few you can probably skip!

ESSENTIAL: e-reader/ tablet

Need a quick fix for a reading list the size of Mount Everest? Ditch the endless pile of books for an e-reader or tablet. Let’s be real, the chances of you re-reading EVERY book from your English class... pretty slim. You can avoid buying physical copies of books that eventually turn into dorm room clutter by going digital! Not only will you be saving money on books, but your back will also thank you when you aren’t hauling books across campus all day.

(Pro tip: a kid’s e-reader often has many of the same abilities as a standard e-reader but can be cheaper!)

ESSENTIAL: a water bottle (that does not spill!)

There are water bottle refill stations all over campus, so be sure to come equipped with a reusable water bottle! (Pro tip: buying one without a straw is not only easier to clean, but also infinitely more spill-proof.)

ESSENTIAL: Acadia coffee thermos

Everyone has an emotional support water bottle... so why not an emotional support coffee mug? Your beverage will stay warm for as long as you need, even if you end up pulling an all-nighter (no judgement-- we've all been there). The mug boasts an Acadia “A”, which doubles for school spirit and/or grade manifestation!

SKIP IT: scented hand sanitizers. (Use scent-free instead!)

While scented hand sanitizers may be fun... scents are a no-go on campus. Save the luxurious hand sanitizer scents for off-campus and opt for scent-free instead!

ESSENTIAL: freshen-up items

At the beginning of term, the campus is bustling, the sun is blazing, and you’re probably sprinting across the quad to make it to your 8:30 a.m. lecture. Ensure your first impressions stay stellar by avoiding any unwanted odours by packing gum and unscented deodorant!  

ESSENTIAL: a wallet to house your Student ID, room card, and more!

As a girl who carried her debit card in her back pocket for far too long -- trust me on this one. Keeping your most important cards in the same place (like a wallet or card carrier) and storing them in your school bag is the easiest hack to avoid stress-searching for a missing card.

ESSENTIAL: power bank and chargers for devices

No matter how amazing your laptop, phone, or tablet’s battery life may be, it is always better to be safe than sorry! If you want to avoid awkwardly scanning lecture halls in search of a seat near an outlet (it’s giving desperate), opt for a portable charger. Put the power back in your hands!

SKIP IT: a GIANT planner

While it can be tempting to buy a super aesthetic, full-size planner for university, its size can take up a lot of prime school bag real estate. My pro tip? Purchase a paper calendar for your dorm to write your schedule and important dates, but keep track of classes and other obligations virtually via Google Calendar or another planning app.

ESSENTIAL: pencils, pens, and notebooks

No matter how “high tech” things get, some scenarios simply require you to put pencil - and/or pen-to-paper. (Pro tip: to save space in your backpack, opt for thinner notebooks!)

ESSENTIAL: a nutrient-rich snack option

Whether or not you are on the meal plan, it’s never a bad idea to have a snack on hand! I love keeping almonds, fig bars, or an apple stashed in a pouch of my school bag where I know they won’t get smushed.

ESSENTIAL: trinkets

In my books, whimsy is always a necessity. Whether it’s a cherubic Sonny Angel, or a chestnut from University Hall’s back lawn, keeping a small comfort item in your bag can serve as a quick and fun pick-me-up during stressful times.

PAYTON’S PICK: a pouch for just the essentials!

Having a pouch for essentials is less of an item, and more of a mindset. This pouch is a section of your bookbag that should be accessible in a pinch (think small compartment or pouch) and should contain your most quintessential items (like headphones/earbuds, medication, emergency menstrual products, your wallet, and/or anything else that you might need).

SKIP IT: self-doubt and negativity

Oh, you thought we were going to forget about emotional baggage? Listen, if there’s one thing to quit carrying around, it’s your inner critic! Like any hardworking diva, I, too, have dealt with the harrowing realities of going through a flop era. However, just like the weight in your backpack, being hard on yourself is only going to weigh you down! So, ditch the self-sabotage and remember that the beginning of each term marks a new start, with new opportunities, and more chances to succeed! Make this school year yours and be sure to have your own back (pack).