1. Compact picnic blanket
Whether you prefer laying in the sun or in the shade, there is a good chance that you will sit in a wet spot. To prevent grass strains, pack a light, foldable picnic blanket that you can easily bike with in your backpack or over your shoulder, like this:
There are so many patterns and colors to choose from on Amazon! A waterproof blanket comes in handy whether you want to do homework on the quad, eat lunch in the arboretum, or have a comfy place to nap in the park.
2.  Strappy Sandals
Â
Biking in flip flops is doable, but not ideal. Having sandals that secure around your ankles prevents slippage, in addition to making your outfit look more put together. You can find some great options at Target.
If you want to splurge on a sturdy pair of sandals, Birkenstocks are comfy and have made a surprising comeback as some of the most fashionable footwear on the market. These shoes are good for the sole (pause for laughter).
3. Portable Glass Tea Carafe
Iced tea lovers, rejoice! I recently purchased one of these from World Market and I am in love with not only how easy it is to brew loose leaf tea on the go, but also how pretty they are. Simply fill the carafe with ice, place your tea leaves in the metal perforated basket, and pour hot water over the top.
4. Sunglasses
Similar to how we need to protect our skin from the sun, we also must protect our eyes. Unfortunately, the best protection for our eyes comes at a price. It may not be conducive to a college budget, but if you have the financial ability to spend a bit extra on a quality pair of shades, do so. Make sure that they can protect against UVA and UVB rays. For a complete guide of which style of sunnies to buy this season, check out this article from our staff writer, Cyndy Gomez. Â
5. Allergy Meds & Portable Tissues
Please don’t be that person in class who sneezes all over everything, get yourself some tissues- your nose and your peers will thank you later. Fore regular seasonal allergies, over-the-counter medications from the drug store will usually do the trick. However, if you are facing severe allergic reactions, it might be time to make an appointment with an allergist for prescription-strength medication. For a complete breakdown of allergy meds, check out this article by Women’s Health Magazine.
6. Aerobie Pro
For those who are terrible at Frisbee like I am, you need this in your life. Throw farther, catch with precision and style, and prevent yourself from looking like a noob. Bonus: these discs come in bright colors, making them easy to see on warm Davis nights.
7. Rose Water Facial Mists & Tonics
If you are prone to oily skin, dry skin, or if you simply want to freshen up before your next class, rose water and facial tonics could be the answer to your current skin problem. Rose extract promotes clearer skin and when used as a facial mist it can be used to provide moisture, or to set makeup to prevent that mid-day slick effect. Did I mention that it smells like heaven? This is the perfect pick me up on hot days to help you feel as fresh as a spring day. Splurge on this, or go for the cheaper option.
To learn about all the ways you can use rose water, check out this video:
You can also check out this article for more beauty staples!
8. Colorful Clutch
Buying colorful clothing options is difficult for me; I tend to stick with more neutral colors, or end up wearing all black. The great thing about a bright clutch is that you can still wear all black. In addition, looking for a bright clutch after you’ve had one too many drinks is going to be a lot easier than finding a black bag in a dark bar.
For outfits that feature more pastel colors, cream colors, and light browns, I’d suggested going with something like this peachy clutch from boohoo.
The darker your outfit, the more you can play around with neon colors. An all black outfit paired with a bright bag and a matching lip provides the perfect amount of color.
9. Sunscreen
Please, do yourself a favor and protect your skin. It doesn’t matter what shade your skin is- excess exposure to sun without protection can give you skin cancer. If you’re concerned about that weird sunscreen smell, try Hawaiian tropic, or Australian Gold (there’s even a product form their line which has SPF 50 that contains an instant bronzer).
10. Motivating Journal/ Planner
Now that the school year is winding to a close, it might be a good time to refocus on what you want to accomplish. Whether you are a graduating senior or an incoming freshman, taking the time to evaluate where you are in your life is essential for completing your goals. To get into the habit of thinking creatively about your future while still grounding yourself in the present, invest in a journal that seeks to provide more structure and insight into your daily life. It might take a little trial and error to see which format and style works best for you. A great place to start your search is on Etsy.com. Products that I love include the buzzworthy Passion Planner, in addition to this writing prompt journal.