Planner Round Up 2016

As of Friday, I'll be finished with my summer courses and will be getting ready for the fall semester. I personally think that a planner can be a tremendous help during the school year. I know that I would be running around with my head cut off without one. Here are some planners that I have rounded up for this upcoming school year. 

Lilly Pulitzer | Rifle Paper Co. | ban.do 

Lilly Pulitzer Large 17-Month Agenda- I used the Lilly Pulitzer agenda freshman year, but halfway through fall semester of my sophomore year I had to switch planners because I was simply running out of room (this may be attributed to my large, sometimes messy handwriting). I do like the size of the daily view pages, the monthly view pages, and that each month is a different pattern. I am obsessed with the Ocean Jewels and Exotic Time prints for the 2016-2017 agendas! 

Rifle Paper Co. Planner- I bought this agenda earlier this summer to use for the upcoming school year because I like that each day has spots where assignments can be checked off when done, which will be helpful when I have multiple assignments to complete. However, I'm not sure if I like the lack of space for each day. I have a heavy course load this semester and I am not sure if I will be able to put all of my assignments in it because I do have large handwriting. I am also not sure about the size of days in the monthly view pages, which I usually use to put all of my meetings and exam dates on. I  do recommend this planner to those who have smaller handwriting and are looking for an agenda that that does not exposed binding (a huge plus when it comes to putting it in a full backpack!!). 

ban.do Planner- I love the ban.do planner, and I am definitely considering using it for the upcoming school year. There is plenty of room to write down daily assignments and activities as well as the monthly view pages. I especially like all of the cover choices as well as the colorful inserts within the agenda itself. 

Day Designer- The Day Designer Planner is filled with daily planning pages with slots to put your activities from 5 am to 9 pm as well as to-do lists and monthly views. I personally think that this planner is more suited towards professionals, but would work well for someone who is transitioning between college and their first job. 

What agenda are you planning on using this upcoming school year? 

College Series: The Do's and Don'ts of Classes

Do

Try to purchase all of your textbooks before your first week of classes so that you'll know that you have the textbook. You don't want be part of the outrageous number of students that are lined up at the bookstore waiting for books once classes start. Don't forget to pick them up before classes start to avoid the lines as well. I usually purchase most of my textbooks from a local TIS Bookstore because it's convenient at the end of the semester when I return them. I recommend purchasing your textbooks from Amazon or your local university bookstore.

Do

Purchase new books for classes that pertain to your major if you plan on going to graduate schools. These new textbooks may pay off in the future!

Do

Rent or by used books. I personally don't rent my textbooks, but purchasing used textbooks can save you a ton of money. Plus, you'll save money!

Don’t

Carry all of your textbooks around with you on campus. Two words: back problems. Usually you won't have to take your textbooks to class unless it's a lab or a foreign language class. I only carried my books around campus when I was headed to study for specific classes. Books are heavy!! (Especially if you take your laptop everywhere)

Don’t

Sit in the back of lecture halls. It will be harder to concentrate because you'll see all of the computer screens for the 200 people in front of you. Sit closer to the front to be more engaged with the class. The professor may even notice!

Do

Go to office hours. I didn't go to any office hours until second semester and I regret it. I lost all of my study habits and struggled. Your professors are your largest assets. Don't be afraid to go talk to one!

Do
Make friends with fellow students. They may have some study tips and you may have some great friends and the end of it! I made a lot of friends in my chemistry class so we all decided to take the same class, lab, and discussion classes this upcoming semester.

Don’t

Sit on your phone during class. Put your phone out of reach in your backpack with the sound turned off. I also turn the vibration off. Do not disturb is also a good option.

Do

Try out different study habits to see what works for you! My study habits completely changed in college.

Do
Keep on top of things! Keep an agenda that is updated with important due dates.

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.

College Series: Part 2

Bedding 

Twin XL or Twin sheets*

Comforter or Quilt

Blanket (for under comforter or quilt)

Pillows (1 or 2)

Throw blankets (perfect for movie nights with friends)

Body Pillow (if you so desire)

Throw pillows

Bedbug Protection Mattress Cover and Pillow Covers

Foam Topper

Places to purchase bedding:

Bed, Bath, and Beyond (where I got mine)

PB Teen

PB Dorm

Garnet Hill

Macy's 

JC Penney 

Target 

Kitchen Necessities 

Microwave (if allowed)

Mini-fridge with a built in freezer

Keurig (if allowed)

Candle Warmer *

Eating Utensils (not plastic)

Bowl

Plate

Tupperware (for leftovers)

Cutting board

Knife 

Brita Water Jug

Coffee Cup

Travel mug 

Water Bottle 

Bathroom

Shower Caddy

Bathroom Toiletries 

Bathroom Rug*

Towels

Robe or Shower Wrap

Shower Shoes 

Any other personal shower necessities 

Hair Dryer

Straightener

1 Curling Iron 

Hand Soap

Lotion

Sunscreen

Makeup

Makeup Remover

First Aid Kit

Leave-in Conditioner

Dry Shampoo

Hair Ties

Hair Clips

Bobby Pins

Tweezers

Nail Clippers

Nail File

Nail Polish

Kleenex

Feminine Products

Desk + Technology

Desk lamp

Post-its

Wite Out

Tape

Stapler
Staple Remover

Loose Leaf Printer Paper

Printer*

Printer Ink (black and color)*

Extra Batters (AAA, AA, etc)

Rubber Bands

Paper Clips

Binder Clips 

Drink Coaster

Phone + Charger

Laptop + Charger

Camera + Charger

Flashdrive

Power Strip (at least one)

USB Power Strip

Flashlight

Laptop case

eReader + Charger

Wall/ Desk Calendar 

Stamps

Address Labels 

Dry Erase Markers

Three Hole Punch

Whole Punch

Ruler

Pencil Case (for backpack)

Desk Pencil Holder

Textbooks

Notebooks*

Index Cards*

Magnets 

Clothes

See previous college series (part 1) for some ideas

Below are listed some very important clothes for schools in seasonal places:

Rain boots

Snow boots

Rain Jacket

Parka 

Riding Boots

Vests (love J. Crew and Patagonia)

Fleece Pullovers

Fleece Leggings

Workout clothes

Going out clothes

Jeans

Sweaters

Flats

Business Casual 

Baseball  hat(s)

Winter Hat 

Ear Muffs

Winter gloves

Slippers

Socks

Boot Socks/ Camp Socks

Purses (Everyday and Going-Out)

Tote bag

Sandals

Flip-flops

Sweatshirts

Shorts

Skirt

Dresses

Flannels

Button-ups

Cardigans

Tank Tops

Camisoles

Underwear

Bras 

Strapless Bra

Tennis Shoes
Wristlet 

Other

Pepper Spray

Television 

DVD/ Blu Ray player

Rug

Christmas Lights

Photo frames

Clothing Hangers

Portable Hangers

Sports Equipment

Blanket for outside

Beach Towel

Bathing Suit

Desk Fan

Screwdriver

Backup Phone Charger

Duffle Bag(s)
Sewing Kit
Chair
Shoe rack for under bed
Storage Ottoman 

Notes

Bedding: Most college beds fit twin xl only, but some are twin only. Make sure you double check at orientation or ask people you know at your school what size you need! 

Candle Warmers: Most dorms do not allow burning candles, as mine did not, so I purchased a candle warmer to warm the candles in my dorm! You can get candle warmers at Yankee Candle or at supermarkets such as Meijer! I recommend taking the wicks out of your candles so that they do not float around. Also, if you spill the wax, here's a handy trick: Use paper bags and an iron to get the wax up. 

Bathroom Rug: I had to purchase one for my suite bathroom because I hate the possibility of slipping in the shower. You do not have to purchase one if you have communal bathrooms! 

Printer + ink: I personally did not bring a printer because we get allotted prints at all printing stations at IU. Consider how much room you will have in your room, and then if you want to bring one, consider if you really want all of your friends bugging you to use your printer late at night! 

Textbooks: I recommend searching for your textbooks at online stores along with your online campus bookstore manifest to compare pricing. Do not purchase new books for your gen ed classes that have nothing to do with your major. Check Chegg and Amazon for other prices! Side note: Get Amazon Prime! College students get 6 months free and it is so worth it! Free two day shipping on most things and you sometimes get deals!! 

Notebooks/Index Cards/Pens etc: I highly recommend that you purchase all of these products when you get to campus and once your classes start so that you know what you need. You don't wan to waste money on products that you don't actually need.

For all college shopping needs, go to Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond because they have everything. Literally. 

College Series: Part 1