What’s in my bag as a commuter?
Has your phone ever die on you during the start of a long day? Have you ever forgotten something at home and made peace with the fact that you will not see it until dark?
For a lot of students, including myself, commuting to DePaul is a day trip. Between catching the train, attending classes, and spending time on campus, you can end up being away from home for most of the day. That’s why being prepared is so important. Whether you’re taking the Metra, CTA, or another form of transportation, here’s my checklist of things to bring with you to make your commute a little easier.
1. Portable Charger
A must-have for any college commuter! Between checking Metra schedules, navigating Chicago, and using your phone throughout the day, your battery can drain quickly. Keep a portable charger in your backpack so you’re not stuck with a dead phone on your commute home.
2. Mints
Mints are a small but useful addition to your college commuter checklist. Whether you’ve just had lunch, grabbed coffee before class, or spent the morning traveling, they’re an easy essential to keep in your backpack throughout the day. Business students, especially make sure to pack these for networking events.
3. Headphones
Headphones are essential for commuting to DePaul, especially if you’re taking the Metra or CTA. Listen to music, a podcast, or your favorite playlist during your ride, or use them when you need to focus on studying between classes.
4. Food and snacks
Buying lunch and snacks around DePaul’s Loop Campus can get expensive, especially when you’re spending most of the day at school. Packing snacks for college can help you save money and keep your energy up between classes. Bring something easy to carry so you can recharge without having to buy food every time you get hungry.
5. Umbrella
Chicago weather can be unpredictable, so an umbrella is one of those college essentials you’ll be glad you packed. Whether you’re walking between buildings or heading to the train station, keeping a compact umbrella in your backpack can help you prepare for unexpected rain.
6. Hand Sanitizer
When you’re commuting on public transportation and spending the day on campus, hand sanitizer is a useful everyday essential. Keep a small bottle in your backpack so you can clean your hands before eating or whenever you need it.
7. Tissues
Tissues are easy to forget when packing your college bag, but they can come in handy throughout the day. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, a runny nose, or a small spill, keeping a travel-size pack in your backpack is a simple way to stay prepared for a long day at DePaul.
8. Personal Care Pouch
A personal care pouch is one of the most useful things to keep in your college backpack, especially when you’re commuting and away from home for hours. Pack essentials like pads, tampons, Band-Aids, lip balm, hair ties, and any other personal care items you might need. Having these college essentials on hand means you won’t have to worry about being unprepared while you’re on campus.
Conclusion
Commuting to DePaul can make for a long day, but being prepared makes a difference! From packing snacks to save money to keeping your Metra essentials handy, having the right things in your bag can make your day on campus a little easier. Everyone’s commuter checklist will look a little different, so figure out what works best for you and adjust as you go. Hopefully, this checklist helps you feel a little more prepared for your next day at DePaul!