5 Things Every Busy College Student Needs in Their Bag

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." For a college student on the go, this inspirational message rings loudly, and let's be honest. As a student, you have a lot going on in your busy life running about all over campus. It's time to get organized so that you can stay ahead of the game starting with what you tote around daily. Here are some essentials that every college student needs in their bag.

1. Planner

Some folks call this a bullet journal, and it's a true, must-have for the college student. It serves as a multi-purpose organizer, including a day planner, diary, a place to record events, notes, tasks, inspiration, etc.

It's key to jot down all kinds of stuff because you have tons to remember and schedule, and the planner will help you feel more in control and organized. Youbuild your own system to reach your personal and professional goals.

A planner, notebook, or bullet journal allows you to streamline all the chaos that college students can run into.

2. Advil/Tylenol

Ask most students, and they will admit that stress is often part of the collegiate journey. That's why always being prepared with a bottle of Advil or Tylenol can see you through those mind-blowing headaches or just a day when you're battling a cold, upset stomach, cramps, muscle ache, etc.

Here is another tip; go generic to save some money. If you visit a dollar store, they sell Advil as ibuprofen and Tylenol as acetaminophen, and both over-the-counter generics work the same as the big brands.

3. Snacks

Where would the typical student in college be without a stash of yummy snacks, right?

Yeah, the Cheetos taste great, but then again, leave a tell-tale orange mess everywhere, so if you can stay on a healthy path, then all the better.

You could pack some rice cakes, jerky, dried fruits, nuts, applesauce cups, or other good-for-you snacks to enjoy.

Stay away from vending machines on campus because those are generally overpriced.

4. Lip Balm

It may sound simple enough, but your lips need daily moisture, especially as you're walking around campus in all kinds of weather. Dry, cracked lips are annoying, so stock up on theworld’s best lip balm with soothing, natural ingredients to maintain soft, kissable lips.

Have a few on hand (at your desk, in the bathroom) and always in your bag for quick application across the lips daily, year-round.

Avoid those waxy lip balms that merely sit on the lips and offer little relief. In fact, lip balm with synthetic ingredients can make chapped lips worse by actually exacerbating dryness.

5. Water Bottle

This, too, sounds like an obvious college student staple to toss in your bag, but you don't want to sip from any plain water bottle. Splurging for an insulated kind is the best water bottle to buy. That way, you can ensure that your cold drinks stay super cold for 24 hours and hot drinks stay piping hot for 12 hours.

These well-made water bottles do not contain the industrial chemical BPA for the ultimate in purity, and some of them come with a lifetime guarantee.

An insulated water bottle often features double-wall vacuum insulation to protect the temperature for hours. It doesn't matter where your college campus travels take you, you can remain refreshed for any adventure when you're carrying your favorite beverage.

College life can be a blast, but it can also drain you, challenge you and overwhelm you if you're not prepared. To maintain your sanity, it's best to organize as many facets of your daily schedule right down to the stash in your bag. Start out with the five suggestions we've outlined above, and then, maybe add a few more personal staples to get you through those crazy, college times, and don't forget to enjoy your years of higher education. College is a life-building experience!