A lot of people don’t spend enough time thinking about what they need to bring to class. They just put all the materials in a backpack and carry everything to class everyday. Students bring gigantic backpacks full of textbooks and notes they don’t necessarily need to class everyday. It takes less than five minutes to look at tomorrow’s schedule, put what is needed in your backpack and save yourself from back pain. Here’s what you really need to bring to class with you:

1. Writing Utensils

This can be anything you want: pencils, pens, markers, etc. You may also include an eraser and a highlighter as well.

2. Notebooks

There are a variety of notebooks you can use. You may want to look at your schedule and see if you like multiple-subject notebooks or smaller notebooks. Only bring the ones you need that day to avoid carrying too much. You may also use your laptop instead if you prefer taking notes digitally.

3. Required textbooks

Some classes, such as language classes, require you to bring textbooks and workbooks to class. Only take the books with you if they are required. Textbooks are for reading at home — you should be taking notes in class.

4. A planner or a small notebook

This will help you organize and remember things you need to do. It’s easier to look at things in one place than to look at every single notebook you have to make sure you don’t miss anything.

5. iCard

It may seem like you don’t need an iCard for class, but it comes in handy if you need to swipe yourself into a classroom or a lab that is only open to some students. You will need it when you take an exam, check things out from the library, get on the bus, as well as eat at the dining halls.

Additionally, you might have to hang around for a few hours between classes. It may be a good idea to have some kind of music player — an iPod, your cellphone, etc. — as well as headphones and a charger with you.

Earn is a senior in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].