#BloggerBTS: College Packing Organization

My number one piece of advice when it comes to packing for school is that you have to stay organized. It all starts with lists. For example, I just sat down tonight and started cranking out a To Do List, a To Pack List, and a To Purchase List.  Now when it comes to leaving for school next week, I'll have a leg up, which means that I'll have more free time. As an incoming college sophomore, I believe my freshman year helped me prepare for this last minute packing extravaganza that I'm about to begin.

My tips for organization lists:

1. Use your preferred paper source. I'm using printer paper because it allows me to add items into the listed categories without making the list seem too disorganized.
2. Make categories. Categories help with organization!
3. It's okay to use electronics for your to-do lists if you prefer just having it on your phone. I recommend using Pages, Reminders, or Notes on your iPhone for quick list tricks. Sorry Android users, I am oblivious to apps on your device. 
4. Stick to your lists! It's okay to add things, but really think about what you're adding, especially if you're talking about your to-pack list. You can only fit so much stuff in your cars and dorms!

To Do List: 
I recommend just randomly thinking of anything you think you need to complete.

To Pack List:
CATEGORIES. That is all I have to say. Period. Divide what you want to pack into categories so that everything on your list is in the same area of your room/closet/bathroom. It will make your packing seem less hazardous; your mom and dad will thank me.

To Purchase List:
Look at your To-Do Lists and To-Pack List and figure out what you need To Purchase. This will help you determine if you can get everything in town or if you have to go out of town to purchase something. Don't forget that there is shopping in the city that your school is in. (Unless you really do go to school in the middle of no where, then bless your heart).

If you're not a fan of printer paper, you can always use notebooks or custom to-do lists. Below, I've listed some adorable notebooks that are perfect for lists and other notes (like your upcoming blog posts).

*This post contains affiliate links.

College Series: Totes vs. Backpacks

First thing first: is your class schedule heavy or light?

For me, both semesters of my freshman year had heavy days and light days. MWF were the heavy days with 4-5 classes while T and Th were light with 1-2 classes. I personally like to switch up my school bags so I wouldn't get tired of the same thing every single day.

For heavy class load days:

I recommend backpacks for those days. Better for your shoulders, and they hold more. Plus, HOLDERS FOR YOUR WATER AND/OR COFFEE. Priorities, guys. Priorities. Seriously.

So my MWF bag was a backpack. Personally, all of my backpacks from high school and college have been North Face. However, here are some backpack suggestions that I think will help everyone:

Questions to ask yourself when picking out a backpack:

Is it waterproof?

Can it hold a water bottle?

Is it comfortable?

Is it big enough?

Do I like the color?

Tips for when picking out a backpack:
Go to a store and try on several.
Read reviews online.
Ask employees which ones are more popular.
Ask which ones are more popular for college students.

I personally use a North Face Surge II and I love it. I wish it had more than one cup holder, but I love it regardless!

For light schedule days: 

I recommend a tote bag for these days unless you are going to go study after or between classes and want to be able to hold more. Totes can complete an outfit and are easy to carry around. Whichever one you choose should be durable! 

Tips for totes for school:

Make sure it can fit your laptop+ textbooks/notebooks and pencils.

Make sure it's comfortable.

If you live in a seasonal area, make sure it's durable.

Do you want one that can zip?

I personally use a Longchamp Le Pliage and I love it! It's durable and fashionable! If you get a Longchamp, get a color that you enjoy! I have a red one and an orange one instead of the 'classic' colors. Though, as I become older and ease into a professional life, I will probably buy a classic color. 

*I chose these bags because they are ones that I would purchase. The companies are not paying me to advertise for them. Check my disclosure page for more information.

What kind of bag do you use for your schedule?

College Series Part 3: The Style of Going Out

A few days ago I was asked to make a college series post about what to wear when you go out. Personally, I consider anytime you leave your dorm room for purposes besides school work, to be going out. So below I have included looks for going out to eat with friends, going out for birthday celebrations, and going out to those college parties that we all pretend we don't go to (shhhh, keep it on the DL). 

(I think this post will be more mobile friendly than College Series Part 1, but bear with me) 

Going Out: Casual Meal

Going Out: Super Casual Dinner 

Going Out: Birthday Celebration

Going Out: Party*

Going Out: Shoes

Going Out: Bags/Wristlets

I do not suggest taking a bag or wristlet to a party. It is much easier just to take your phone and other necessities that fit in a pocket. 

*Note: I am in no way condoning underage drinking and partying. I prefer studying to going out and I made this post after it was requested many times.