tips for campus dwelling and a detailed back to school shopping list

Aug 03, 2024

hello.

romanticize university life.

bask in the glory of campus dwelling, early morning classes with tired eyes, cable knit sweaters and penny loafers, lunches in the dining hall with newly formed friendships, taking notes and flipping through pages of your textbook, the stress and chaos during final exams and the lull and hush that succeed it, making playlists for each semester, commiserating with roommates in your dorm room, campus parties, late night study sessions, and everything in between.

school supplies list:

backpack: ideally, function over aesthetic. you want something comfortable that will hold your belonging while saving your back.

-i stan a classic black jansport. if you’re looking for other options, here are a few i recommend…

-uniqlo

-baggu- i’m deceased over their upcoming peanuts launch

-fjallraven- not as functional as a jansport

lunchbox: on days you’re able to pack your own lunches, your body and your wallet will thank you. i found prepping my meals ahead of time helped significantly. and having everything made/ packed/ ready to go the night before is the best, least chaotic way to start your morning.

-calpak is the most functional option

-baggu makes great lunch bags, too

bags: perfect for days you only have one class or seminar to attend. or for days spent wandering your university.

-for all of my dark academia girls, this backpack and this messenger bag are great options

-the most function bag i own

notebooks:

-mnemosyne (my absolute favorite) i like their little notebooks, too

pens:

-osama and muji for colored pens

pencils:

-kokuyo

-muji

pencil case:

-onomichi are my absolute favorite pencil cases. occasionally mncally jackson has them in stock

-easthill makes a great affordable option. i’ve had this one for about 8 years

-i really love this brand

-this is a cute niche option

planner: despite everything being digital, there is nothing that can ever replace a planner you can hold in your hands.

-hobonichi are elite, this one, too

misc (stickers, stationery, etc):

-mcnally jackson and goods for the study have the cutest stationery goods! if you’re in nyc, you must check them out as their online storefront is a bit lackluster

-niconeko zakkaya

campus dwelling tips:

-the number one piece of advice i can give you for college is making sure you find an advisor who knows what they’re talking about- someone who will advocate for you and support you. make sure they know what your academic and career goals are. even if you have no idea what you want to do, the most important thing is to have someone who will be a positive and encouraging mentor to guide you through the next 4 years. check rate my professors to make sure you don’t get stuck with a arrogant professor who got their phd in medieval studies who forces their students to call her doctor (yes, that happened to me).

-always have an emergency kit in your bag(s): these should contain feminine supplies, emergency snacks and money, pepper spray, first aid, hand sanitizer, etc

-find the perfect place to study on campus: this should be a place to call yours. maybe it’s a spot in the library or a specific hallway with tables and chairs. i recommend finding one indoor and one outdoor place that feels safe and productive.

-stay curious: attending university is a privilege. squeeze every once of knowledge you can out of your classes and your professors. take electives you’re interested in. pursue a major you love.

-formulate a solid morning and evening routine: keep this low maintenance. you don’t want to fester with your outfit or a makeup routine that takes too much time on the morning of a jam packed day. dry shampoo will save your life. don’t forget to wash your face before bed.

-have a few go-to outfits: for comfort and for days you feel like dressing up.

-spend a couple weeks in advance preparing your body to wake up and fall asleep earlier than you’re used to.

-stay organized: channel your inner virgo, hermione granger, paris geller. stay organized with your school work and keep your dorm room clean and livable and cozy.

-when it comes to your classes, be sure you ask your professors for help early, especially if it’s a subject you struggle with. go to office hours and put a face to your name. just remember that if you choose to move on to graduate school, you will need recommendations from your professors and establishing connections early on will foster a long term relationship they can speak to in letters or professional references.

-don’t waste your money on textbooks: find these secondhand or get the ebook. most of your classes won’t even use the book.

-befriend upperclassmen: find students who are pursuing a similar major and don’t be afraid to pick their brain and ask for help.

-make playlists for each season and don’t ever delete them: you will look back on these playlists and be able to reminisce over some of the best years of your life.

-get involved: my biggest regret in college was not getting as involved as i wanted to. meet people, establish friendships, join clubs that speak to your interests, go to parties, get absolutely wasted and make bad decisions, fall on your ass and learn and get up and try again. but… just remember that your gpa will follow you wherever you go. don’t let your grades slip.

-you can never have enough loungewear and comfort clothes: seriously these will be your life line during long study sessions and early morning classes.