Whats In Your Backpack

Whats In Your Backpack Its not unusual to overpack for college move-in day. Any Pinterest photo or BuzzFeed article will provide you with an extensive (and quite honestly, exaggerated) list of things, from TVs to cars.  And while these may (or may not) be helpful, there was one area I failed to find expertise on: what to bring in my backpack. First off, it is important to get a high-quality backpack that can carry a heavy load as well as last an entire school year. While a stylish backpack may seem like the priority, quality beats appearance on this one. Recommended backpack brands include Northface, Herschel, Amazon, and Swissgear. Second, and most importantly in my opinion, get a backpack with AT LEAST one cupholder. Carrying a reusable water bottle around campus is not only great for the environment but is necessary for student health. In any given day, a college schedule can fit in 3 miles of walking, and not drinking water can lead to serious dehydration. Third, invest in a backpack with a laptop sleeve. Unlike high school, laptops are generally allowed in classes for note taking and are much lighter than carrying a notebook for each class, not to mention that laptops save tons of paper. A backpack without a laptop sleeve will result in a heavier feel and less protection for the laptop. Last but not least, test your backpack out BEFORE you leave for home. Try walking around the block with a water bottle, a laptop, and a yearbook to check your chosen backpack for optimal comfort. Backpacks without proper comfort and support can lead to back pain, poor posture, and a very grumpy mood. Rachel Class of 2020 I am studying Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Social Sciences and Literacy in the College of Education. Although I now reside in Champaign, I am originally from Vernon Hills, a Northwest suburb of Chicago.