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My Back to School Essentials: Tools for a Productive Year

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCSU chapter.

As I start prepping for myself for midterms it has been a priority for me to stay organized, focused, and productive. Here are my top back-to-school essentials that have changed the game this school year!

Kindle Paperwhite
After spending my summer afternoons lost in books, keeping up with reading during the school year can be a challenge. But thanks to my Kindle Paperwhite, I am able to read between classes, on the bus, and in the comfort of my bed. The device fits seamlessly into my backpack, so I don’t have to worry about creased pages or bent covers. I’m currently reading Bunny by Mona Awad, which has been keeping me sane between my hectic course load.

Bose Headphones
Although noise might be a major distraction, on a big campus like NC State, I always have my Bose QuietComfort Headphones on hand! I have been using this pair for the past 3 years and the sound quality has not deteriorated! I can concentrate better on my studies by blocking out the commotion around me thanks to the noise-canceling feature. I have been utilizing Spotify’s “40 HZ Binaural Beats” playlist to improve my concentration and memory. These beats’ gamma frequency is believed to increase processing speed, increasing the effectiveness of my study sessions.

Google Calendar
Google Calendar has become an essential tool for my organization. I use it daily, employing color-coding to clearly distinguish between classes, work, clubs, dance practices, and exams. This visual tool enables me to plan my days in advance and prioritize tasks efficiently. Additionally, I use a mini planner to track assignments and daily tasks. By implementing this structured approach, my organizational skills have never been better, allowing me to stay on top of my academics and extracurriculars.

Reeboks Club C
My Reeboks Club C sneakers are the perfect combination of fashion and comfort. I always wear these shoes since they go well with any outfit, whether I am going to class or out with friends. They are a staple in my wardrobe because of their neutral tone and clean structure.

Flora
The distractions that our phones provide might easily take us away from our studies. That’s where the Flora app becomes essential. This free app motivated me to put my phone down and focus on my work. By turning study sessions into a game, Flora boosts my productivity and ensures I stay on track. You can also add friends on Flora, making it a = competitive way to keep up to date on tasks and stay ahead in class.

Uniball Sigma Black Pens
As a pencil-paper note taker, the Uniball Signo black pens have been a game changer. Specifically, the 0.5 mm pens offer the perfect blend of precision and longevity. These pens glide seamlessly across the page and allow note-taking to be more fun, making me ditch my old pens!

Ushma Pathak is a new writer at Her Campus at NC State. She is excited to be writing new intriguing and cheerful content for her chapter. This is her first year on Her Campus and she is eager to start! Other than being a writer, Ushma is a first-year Graphic Design and Experience major and film studies minor! Ushma is very passionate about sustainable fashion and spent the summer sewing and up-cycling clothes! Ushma greatly enjoys traveling and experiencing new places and people. This summer Ushma traveled to Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark! After graduation, she hopes to land a career in the film industry. Ushma is very passionate about visual effects, video editing, and CGI. Ushma was born and raised in Cary, NC, with her older sister. She spends most her free time, watching movies, listening to music, reading psychological thrillers, hanging out with friends, and traveling. Ushma's favorite TV shows currently are Normal People, One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, and Bridgerton.