Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Life > Experiences

Essential Items Every Commuter Should Have

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 WPUNJ chapter.

For anyone who commutes to school, I highly recommend keeping these products in your car or backpacks! Here are some essentials that I believe everyone should have!

Chargers

Make sure you always carry around chargers! You do not want your phone or computer dying on you. Especially if you’re going to spend many hours on campus and aren’t able to go back home. Sad fact: In my freshman year of college I forgot to charge my phone overnight. I was left with barely any battery left and was too shy to ask a stranger if I could borrow their charger. Truly tragic.

Money

I definitely recommend having some cash in your car in case of emergencies. Perhaps you forgot your credit/debit cards at home and you need to get gas. Or you are starving and didn’t pack any snacks. By leaving some cash in your car you don’t have to worry about this because you are now able to purchase the things you need!

Snacks

One of the most important things that I believe you need to leave in your car or backpacks is snacks. Personally, I’m on campus for a very long time (9am to 5pm) and a way I survive is by always having snacks and water so I’m not dying of starvation. It’s also a great idea to always have snacks and drinks with you so you don’t have to constantly spend money on buying food. And definitely have mints or gum with you too!

Hygiene Products

wet brush
Walmart

You should always carry deodorant, perfume/cologne, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a hairbrush. These things can come in very handy if you are in a rush in the morning and have to get ready in your car, or if you have to go somewhere after class and don’t have time to go back home!

Menstrual Products

Pads
Jocelyn Hsu / Spoon

Menstrual products are an important essential as a commuter. Sad fact: I once got my period right before work and noticed I forgot to put more pads in my backpack and I had none left in my car. On the bright side my campus is right across the street from a CVS Pharmacy so I was able to buy more. Please remember to always have some with you!

Pain Relief Medicine

Kristen Bryant-Winky Face With Pills
Kristen Bryant / Her Campus

You should definitely pack pain relief medication in your car. Whether its Advil, Tylenol or anything else you prefer to use, you should always have some with you in case you get cramps, a terrible headache, or just don’t feel to good.

Extra Masks

Always have extra masks! Anything can happen to them; they can fall on the ground, you could have misplaced them, or you just simply forgot to grab one when you left your house. Definitely have extras in your backpack or car!

Dayana is a sophmore at William Paterson University and is majoring in Accounting