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The last thing you want is to arrive on campus only to realize you’re missing some essentials. However, you also don’t want to be carrying around a number of unnecessary items all day — that can get uncomfortable fast. The trick is to know what are the must-haves and bring just these.

1. Basic Essentials

Of course, you’ll need to have some basic essentials with you at all times. This includes pens and pencils (you may like to have a range of different colours), notebooks (at least one for each class), your textbooks, and your laptop along with a charger.

2. Healthy Snacks

It’s easy to be so busy that you have no time to eat a proper meal. Keep your energy levels up by carrying snacks around with you. Healthy choices like protein bars and fruit are best, as they’ll ultimately make you feel better than sugary treats. When you have healthy snacks in your backpack, you’ll be less tempted to purchase something that looks tempting now but that you may regret later. Plus, you’ll save money, as you won’t need to rely on the overpriced food on campus targeted to less-organized students.

3. Hand Sanitizer

Before you can eat that snack you packed, you’ll need to clean your hands. A fast way to do this is using hand sanitizer.

4. Water Bottle or Travel Mug

Another way you may waste money on campus is if you buy beverages every time you’re thirsty. Water will allow you to stay hydrated without increasing your calorie intake, but sometimes you may need a hit of caffeine. Carry a water bottle and travel mug to satisfy both needs.

5. Lip Balm

Dry or cold weather can lead your lips to crack and feel painful. Find immediate relief with some lip balm.

6. Over-the-Counter Painkillers

Headaches can easily strike when you’re stressed or feeling rundown. Pick up a generic brand at your local drugstore and keep a few with you at all times.

7. A Planner

It often comes as a shock to new students just how organized you need to be to survive at college. A planner can help remind you of due dates, work shifts, meetings, clubs, appointments, and everything else on your schedule. You may think you can remember everything, but you’ll soon realize this is impossible — and it’s better to not figure this out the hard way.

8. A Decent Backpack

You may have chosen a backpack in high school based purely on appearances. In college, your backpack needs to be functional: it must be able to fit everything above and anything else you need for specific classes. Even if you’re driving to campus, you can’t expect to keep most of your belongings in your car because you may have back-to-back classes located in completely different areas of campus. Instead, invest in a large, comfortable backpack — you won’t regret it.

Another thing new college students often struggle with is figuring out how to find off-campus housing. If you’ll be attending Fanshawe College, look no further than Foundry First. Located just steps from campus, our student housing provides you with everything you need plus much more, including a fully-furnished suite, a commercially-equipped gym, parking, and laundry facilities. Apply now while there are still limited spots available.