Back-to-school haul: What university students actually need for fall

The leaves are changing colours which can only mean one thing — fall is near.

For university students, September marks the start of a new semester. Whether you’re preparing for your last year of school or attending your first week of university, coming to class with the right tools enhances your overall learning experience.

While the traditional back-to-school items like a backpack, notebook, and pens are still important to have, these back-to-school essentials have made tackling each semester so much easier.

The first thing on the list is a laptop. It holds class syllabi, notes, group powerpoints, announcements, and 2:00 am emails.

With KPU expanding its zero textbook cost program this semester, more students will need a device to access their class materials. Laptop loans are available through the library for up to three days.

If you’re going to splurge on anything from this list, it should be a laptop.

Another tech gadget I’ve come to appreciate is noise-cancelling headphones.

I know Apple AirPods are cuter than their bulkier counterparts, but nothing compares to putting on padded headphones to drown out the outside noise during a long study session. Headphones are comfier, their battery lasts longer, and you don’t have to worry about losing them at the bottom of your bag.

Go grab a pair of noise-cancelling headphones — you’ll be thanking yourself during midterms season.

Just because the days are getting colder doesn’t mean we don’t need to hydrate as much. Most university students are juggling work, school, and personal matters, so it’s easy to forget something as simple as drinking water.

A reusable water bottle solves this problem. While some people can’t leave home without their comfort sweater or necklace, for me, it’s my emotional-support water bottle.

Feeling nervous for a class presentation? Drink some water. Have a headache? Drink some water. Don’t want the teacher to call on you in class? Drink some water.

Pro-tip: Try to find a water bottle that can hold both cold and hot water. Having some warm water during the colder months is a game-changer. 

Another game-changer, especially if you’re a daily commuter, is an umbrella. All five of KPU campuses are located in the neverending rainfall we call Metro Vancouver.

Want to avoid getting caught in the rain and shivering for your entire three-hour class? Buy an umbrella.

The last, but certainly not least, is hand sanitizer. We may not be toddlers with sticky fingers, but we’re still in classrooms in close proximity with one another. 

Flu season is right around the corner, so it doesn’t hurt to decrease the chances of catching a bug. Getting sick in the middle of the semester can get you behind on class work, and it’s not easy to get back on track.

You don’t need to splurge on the viral $10 Touchland sprays, but if it gets you to sanitize your hands, go for it.

Let’s hope some of these items make it into your back-to-school haul and help you succeed this semester, especially that last one.