Sixth Week Survival Kit

…Alternatively titled “What I Keep in My Bag”.

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but it’s kind of midterm season. Your midterm schedule depends on what classes you’re taking, obviously, but right now is pretty much busy for everybody. That said, it’s quite easy to go 6-8 hours without getting back to your room. That means you need supplies to stay happy and sane and as organized as possible. Enter: the backpack. Here’s what I keep in mine and why:

• A water bottle

Dehydration makes me sleepy. When I’m sitting in a lecture on a busy day after not-enough sleep, I really need to be as awake as possible. And, you know, water is excellent for you.

• Gum

When drinking water doesn’t work, sometimes gum (preferably minty gum) helps keep me awake.

• Snacks

I need near-constant fuel. I like to keep packs of nuts, protein bars, and snack packets from Graze (use the code ELLENS7LP to get your first and fifth boxes free!) in my bag at all times.

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• A hat and gloves

Weather changes. Sometimes it’s warmer when I head to class than when I’m heading to dinner. Also, sometimes it starts snowing and being prepared is a good thing.

• My planner

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Bet you didn’t guess this one was coming! 😉 Having something to remind me of what I need to be doing now and in the future is a lifesaver. Also, it’s excellent to be able to write things down as they pop up. It stops the lists from being stuck in my head and distracting me during class.

• My phone

My phone does have my schedule, too, so certainly I appreciate it for that. But it also allows me to vent to friends and family when I’m stressed and keep up with what’s happening in the world (or my world) when I have time for a break. Also, if I have to send an email or ask a question, I can just get it over with and not have to add it to my already-sizable to-do list.

• Notebooks and pencils and pens galore

{There are probably more pens, etc. in the bottom of my bag… that happens}

This is probably obvious. Really obvious. But having the necessary school supplies definitely useful when you’re doing a lot of learning. Yep. Just thought I’d throw that out there.

• Extra work

In the event that there’s some downtime during which I don’t make it back to the dorm, I keep some sort of assignment in my bag so I can be productive – even when I don’t really want to be. 😉

• Student IDs

Okay. Duh. I know. But hear me out. They not only get me into my dorm at the end of a long day, but they also allow me to run into a cafe and buy Diet Coke when I really, really need the caffeine.

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So, there you have it! This is some of the “stuff” that keeps me going during my long days and long weeks.

Also, a lot of chocolate.

What do you keep in your bag?

What helps you through long days?