YouAlberta
As we head back to classes at U of A, here are my top recommendations of what to bring with you to make sure you are comfortable and have what you need to succeed!
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important. Keeping a water bottle in your backpack is a good idea to meet your daily water intake, and you can refill it in one of the many water fountains across campus. To personalize your water bottle, add fun stickers; I always enjoy looking at the bottles that students decorate in unique ways.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
During the first week of classes, there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as Week of Welcome and Clubs Fair. You will also be walking outdoors to get from one building to another and might enjoy lunch in one of the green spaces on campus. Protect your skin with sunscreen, and remember to apply it regularly. Wear your favourite sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's rays and walk around campus in style!
Electronic devices
During the first week of school, you’ll need to note important information such as assignment expectations, deadlines and course materials. You might also need to access the course website, the syllabus and the week’s reading materials. You can bring your laptop and/or tablet to access these learning resources and don’t forget to also pack the chargers because sometimes the battery runs out when you most need it.
Planner
When you are reading your syllabus, it is helpful to note all the important deadlines and events in your planner. During the first class, professors might provide additional details about the assignments, and you can add this information next to the due dates on your planner. You can choose a physical or a digital planner; the format that works best for you will help you stay organized from day one.
Notebook
This can be a digital or physical notebook. I take most of my notes in digital notebooks on my iPad, but sometimes, I also write with pen and paper. During the first week, it is a great idea to carry a small notebook, even if you decide to do all of your notes digitally. This is because you might want to try out different study strategies and note-taking formats, and sometimes instructors might ask you to write your answers on a piece of paper to hand in at the end of class — it’s always better to be prepared!
Stationery
Carry at least one pen in your backpack. Because I take my notes on my iPad, I often do not carry any pens or pencils. But for some classes, you might have to mark your attendance by checking a box next to your name. More than once, I have been in a situation where I asked the person next to me for a pen to mark my attendance, and many of us did not bring any pens. I find this can be stressful during the start of classes, so to be prepared, I suggest you bring pens to your classes. If you take your notes on paper, you might even want to bring pens and highlighters of different colours.
Wallet
An important item in your wallet is your ONEcard. Your student ID gives you access to library loans, recreation facilities, student discounts, printing services and more. Always bring your ONEcard to campus; you can use it to go climbing on campus or to check your student ID number while you are still trying to learn it! Second is your Arc Card, you will need this if you are taking public transit to campus.
Lock
You might decide to rent out a locker on campus, and if you already have a lock, you can start using it right away. When you use the recreation facilities, you will need a lock to secure your valuables.
Snacks
Studying can make you hungry, and in between classes, you might not have time to grab lunch. I always carry some fruit, granola bars, mixed nuts and chips in my backpack to stay nourished while studying. I carry a variety of snacks to share with friends and to motivate myself to complete my assignments.
Surprise item
Have fun! Why not bring along a small, comforting item from home that makes you feel better just by having it?
The first week of school can feel overwhelming. There is so much to do that it becomes difficult to decide where to start. Take one task at a time, and enjoy your classes and the welcome activities on campus.