One of my favorite posts I see on blogs are the “What’s in my bag” posts. I always love seeing different ways that people organize their things because organization is something that everyone can improve in! Today, I thought I would share what’s in my backpack!
What goes in to my back pack actually varies on a day to day basis. Since all of my classes are one day a week (Tuesday-Thursday), I don’t see a point in lugging around the materials for every course I’m taking.
Seriously, that would be a lot of textbooks.
However, I do tend to have a consistent set of things that I bring around with me. Here’s what’s in my back pack:
Agenda
– This is a necessity for college students, in my opinion. Not necessarily the same exact one (I’m using a Lilly Pulitzer agenda for school right now), but you need a calendar of some sort that you carry around with you. This could be on your phone, a tangible copy, whatever. You need something in order to keep your assignments straight. I don’t know how I made it through high school and my first 2 years of college without one. Thanks to my trusty agenda, I haven’t missed an assignment yet!
Small Notebook
– In this notebook, I put all of my weekly to do lists of assignments for the week. By doing this weekly, I can go down the list and make sure I don’t miss anything. Since I started doing this, I have been able to manage my time better so that I have more free time and tend to take a proactive approach so that my work gets done faster.
Large Notebook
– Carrying around a spiral notebook is great in case I have an in class assignment or something. The other day, I used a sheet of paper from it to start a roll sheet for my professor. I don’t really take handwritten notes anymore, but I still need paper sometimes.
iPad/Laptop
– Switching over to technology for my notes has been the best decision I have made. There are some times when I’ll have to use a pen and paper, but when my professors allow, I use technology. Lately, I’ve been using my iPad. I have an app on it called
and it’s seriously been a life saver.
I’m able to type, highlight, write, draw and record my lectures all in the same notes.
It’s so helpful, especially since a lot of my classes use visual aids and graphs. It keeps things organized, and I like organized.
Glasses Case
– If you wear glasses, it’s probably best to bring them with you. This way, you can see what the professor is presenting without having to strain every day. Since I have prescription glasses and sunglasses, I have to bring my case to make sure whichever pair I’m not wearing is protected.
Pencil Case
– There’s an episode of
Gilmore Girls
where Mitchum Huntzberger offers Rory an internship (to make up for his super rude family) in which he tells her to “bring a pencil, because you never know when you’re going to need one.” If you’re showing up to a college class without a writing utensil, you’re clearly not prepared. I like being over prepared, so I bring an assortment of pens and highlighters in various colors.
“To the Rescue” Pouch
– In this little bag, I have a portable phone charger, head phones, a charger cord, a hair tie, hand sanitizer, pain reliever,
, and chapstick. I know it seems kind of crazy to carry all of that around with me, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed these items or someone has asked me to borrow one of them. If you haven’t created a little emergency kit like this, you should definitely think about doing so!
Of course, in addition to all of these things would be my specific class folders and textbooks for each class. The things listed above are pretty much standard items in my backpack on a daily basis.
Your “to the rescue” pouch is the smartest thing I’ve ever heard of! I need to make one to carry with me!
I’ve also noticed recently that I prefer using my laptop for notes in class, rather than paper and pen. I am a pretty neat person, so disorganized notes drive me crazy! I usually type up my notes on the computer in class, then add information to them from the book, and then I handwrite my complete notes before each midterm. This system helps me avoid sloppy looking notes!
Thanks! I can’t think of a time that I’ve carried it with me and haven’t had someone ask me if I have (insert item here) and it’s been in my little pouch. Also, it’s easy to move from bag to bag. Definitely worth making and carrying it around.
Since starting using Notability, I’ve been able to keep my notes more organized! I’ve also used my laptop to keep things organized. It just depends on the class and how fast I need to type. This semester, I have a lot of classes that are based on visual aids, such as graphs, timelines, etc., so Notability has been a lifesaver. I’m able to type my notes, draw the visual aids and record lectures, all in the same document.
And I agree with you, sloppy notes are a “No No”!
I’m definitely going to start a little emergency kit! I also love your pencil case and agenda! I have the same ones, but in different patterns! 🙂