First week back at uni? Here’s everything you need to pack in your bag

What’s in someone’s bag can definitely tell a lot about what kind of person they are. As the first few weeks of lectures begin, this guide will have you prepared for anything.

Make sure to be stocked with all campus essentials!

Student ID

A must-have for accessing the libraries and an overall essential for your uni bag. Find a cute lanyard to put it on and make sure to always have it on you! You will thank yourself when you actually need it during exam season and have gone the whole year without losing it! 

A laptop or iPad

Arguably the most important thing to have in your uni bag. A laptop or iPad is absolutely essential for accessing basically everything. From lecture slides and readings to the dreaded coding software.

Taking notes digitally also saves you time in lectures, saving you from rushing to write everything down on paper.

Notebooks

A notebook is perfect for taking key notes during class discussions. Although it’s definitely a timesaver to take notes on an iPad or laptop during a lecture, in smaller seminars and workshops it can be nice to have a notebook on hand.

Having notes written down physically means you’re more likely to go back and read them over or add to them after class. It’s all about finding what works best for you, but as far as essentials go, you can’t go wrong with carrying a notebook.

Pens

There’s no use in having a notebook without anything to write in it. Whether you have a well-equipped pencil case or have a few pens and pencils at the bottom of your bag, stationery is absolutely essential if you plan on writing anything down on paper.

Emotional support water bottle

A non-negotiable for every uni bag! How can you expect to concentrate and make it through lectures without one? Keeping hydrated is especially important if you’re trying to recover from the night before.

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I personally couldn’t imagine going anywhere without my beaten-up Owala, she’s seen everything. 

Noise-cancelling headphones

A must-have for walking to and from lectures, and for all the long library sessions you will undoubtedly suffer through.

Having a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones will make it just that little bit easier to focus and help you lock in. Especially if your chosen study spot is the SJ – the “silent” areas have never actually been silent x

Essentials pouch

An underrated but important essential of any uni bag.

A little pouch to hold extra hair ties, lip balm and sanitary products. Make sure to include some paracetamol or ibuprofen to get you through those 9ams with a crippling hangover…

Portable charger

For the long days where you’re locked in at the SJ or when you’re “busy” doomscrolling between lectures.

You simply can’t go carrying a portable charger. Even if you don’t make much use of it, your friends and coursemates will definitely thank you.

Umbrella

Last but not least, an umbrella. Liverpool weather will always be the most unpredictable. It can instantly go from clear blue skies to torrential rain.

You will thank yourself on the days you were adamant you didn’t need a coat when a thunderstorm appears from thin air. 

Hopefully, you’re stocked and ready to go with all the essentials to survive the first week of lectures. Be prepared to be the friend everyone comes to when they need something. Having anything anyone could ever need in your bag is so worth it!