I've only been in college for a month so far, but I already feel like a seasoned university student. I've somehow become a world-class expert on catching buses, finding classes, speed reading and staying awake during Philosophy 101. It's been smooth sailing for me so far, but I definitely couldn't have made it through without these ten college essentials!
1. Coffee. This
lovely hot drink seems to show up on every list I make, doesn't it? Well,
there's a good reason for that! Coffee is a well-known college lifesaver. Ditch
those syrupy energy drinks (so high school!) and start your morning with a hot cup of flavored
coffee instead. Grab an iced macchiato in the afternoon to put some pep back in
your step. Take a shot of espresso in the evening to give your brain a
buzz for a late-night study session. Yep, coffee comes in handy at all hours of the day for a college student. It's definitely an essential, at least for me!
2. iPad. I
strongly, strongly, strongly recommend that every college student out there
invest in an iPad! This thing is a powerhouse, and probably the most useful
item I've ever bought. It's a camera, an internet browser, a word processor, a video player, a note taker, a dictionary, a calculator, an iPod, a game player,
a photo editor... Need I go on? Screw those people who say the iPad is just a
big, awkward iPod touch. It's not. It's an amazing product that comes in handy
on a daily basis, for just about everything. In fact, I'm typing up this post on my iPad
right meow!
3. Rosebud
Salve. This little miracle product packs a big punch! Rosebud salve is an adorable lil' round tin full of pink,
rose-scented salve that can be used for just about anything. Swipe some on your
lips, elbows, ankles, knees, and just about anywhere else you have dry skin. I
usually rub some around that weird bone you have on your ankle and pat a
little on my lips from time to time. It looks like lip gloss, feels like lip
balm. No fuss or stickiness. Rosebud salves usually go for about 5 bucks each, but one tin of this stuff will last you forever!
4. Public
Transportation. I'm fortunate enough to live right around the corner from a bus stop that goes straight to my school, a one way trip! All students ride for free as well, so it's absolutely perfect. Especially since I don't own a car. When you rely on public transportation to travel around town, you don't have to worry about parking permits or gas money. Get on the bus, get off the bus, get where you're going. Try it every once in awhile, it's not half as bad as people think!
5. Leggings.
Let's face it, ladies... We can't all walk around in skinny jeans 24/7. There
comes a time in every college girls life where she just wants to be comfy. This
is where leggings come into play! They're stretchy, they're cheap, they're
perfect for studying or lounging around at home. They also make for an amazing
yoga ensemble. Leggings should be a staple in every college girls closet! Just
please remember that leggings do not
equal pants. I've seen many-a-girl make this terrible mistake. If you're going
to venture out into the wild with leggings on, wear a long tunic or a sweater
that covers your booty!
6. Filofax. A
Filofax is basically a day planner taken to the next level. It's a little
binder filled to the brim with calendars, note paper, envelopes, address
papers, to-do lists, and pretty much whatever else your heart desires! I'm an
organization maniac, so my Filofax helps tremendously with keeping up on due
dates and remembering homework assignments. It's my little black book full of
madness. I got mine for a high school graduation present after pining over it
on the Filofax website and dropping subtle hints about it for months. (Hehe!)
It was 99 bucks, a pretty steep price for a day planner! But it's made from
real leather, which means it'll last a lifetime. Shiny, sleek, real leather.
The thing smelled like a new car when it first arrived. I couldn't stop
smelling it. People looked at me funny. See it below!
7. Sunglasses.
Every college student needs a pair of trusty sunglasses! Not only do they
protect our peepers from the sun's harmful rays, but they can mask a hangover or a sick day in an instant. I've been sporting my brown tinted wayfarers (fake ones, of
course!) for years and years. Mostly on my head. This might sound weird, but I always
wear sunglasses on my head. Every day. Inside or outside. I'm even wearing them
on my head in my college ID photo. I feel naked without 'em up there! However you choose
to wear them, a good pair of shades will always come in handy. Sunglasses are adorable and timeless, they will never go out of style. Definitely a college essential!
8. Tic-Tacs. One
of my many, many addictions in life. Ask any of my friends! I rifle through
packs of these tiny little breath mints like it's feeding time at the zoo.
Tic-tacs are cheap, yummy, and less than 2 calories each. They're the perfect fix
when you're sitting in class with a sweet tooth. Pop a pack in your school bag for a some quick little pick-me-ups throughout the day. The orange flavor is my absolute
favorite!
9. Financial
aid. No matter what kind of financial situation you're in, always apply for
financial aid! It's a huge help, and you never know how generous the government
can be. I won't be giving out any details, but let's just say this: After
tuition was paid for, I was left with enough money to buy my iPad with it's keyboard,
textbooks, clothes, school supplies, pretty much everything in this post and
food for the rest of the year. Long story short, I'm being paid to attend
college. Pretty awesome, right? Financial aid is a wonderful thing, so do
yourself a big favor and sign up ASAP!
10. A big bag! I
learned this lesson the hard way. Strapping a teeny-tiny bag around your shoulder,
no matter how adorable it may be, is so not worth juggling twenty pounds of
textbooks in your arms. College students typically carry a lot of weight, so a
spacious bag with lots of pockets is key. All you need is one big, heavy-duty,
reliable bag. Save your cute little purses for the weekend, and bring out the
big guns when it comes to class!
