With fall around the corner and students returning to dorms, Simply-Bags released their College Bags for 2009.  Of course the University of Miami Hurricane Bag tops the list.

By Jillianne Hamilton

I went through a brief phase in college when my bag never seemed to contain everything I needed. I quickly realized that a school bag is not only for books – it’s also a handy lifeline.

Here are some items you should always keep in your bag. Y’know. Just in case.

1. The academic basics. This includes your books, mechanical pencils, pens, erasers, white-out, a ruler, tape, scissors, netbook or laptop (if you use one in class), etc.
2. Mints/lip gloss/deodorant/gum/toothbrush and toothpaste. You chose the seat next to the hottie in your lecture hall for a reason. You don’t want to be caught with stinky breath or BO… do you?
3. Small mirror. These are especially handy when you have a cold and a runny nose. Or have just eaten.
4. School ID. This is especially handy for getting discounts on stuff. (For instance, I always show my ID when I’m buying bus tickets. Saves me almost $10!)
5. Bus tokens/change. While quarters are worth their weight in gold in a college residence, keeping singles on you at all times is always a good idea.
6. Mini flashlight. Just in case you stay too late “at the library”.
7. Cell phone. Even though you’re not supposed to be using your phone in class (Eh-hem.), it’s always smart to keep it on you. Just make sure it’s turned off (or, if need be, on vibrate) during class.
8. Band-Aids. Paper cuts suck. ‘Nuff said.
9. Headache pills, especially if you’re prone to getting them. (Ugh. Getting up early for class can be such a pain in the forehead.)
10. A snack. A granola bar or a pudding cup works well. Don’t forget your spoon!
11. Notepad/planner Not just for Journalism students anymore! Write down reminders for later, directions to your favourite hangout or what you have to finish for homework for tomorrow. A lot of newer cell phones have these things built in but I find it easier to just write it down and cross it off when it’s done.
12. Keys. Yeah, you’ll probably need those. Put a bright keychain on it so they’ll be easier to find.

And yes, there is such a thing as being over-prepared. There are items you simply don’t need in your bag; hunting knife, floatation device, flair gun, etc.

Jillianne Hamilton is a blogger and Journalism student living in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. She is the creator of the college blog Kill Jill Goes To College (http://killjill.wordpress.com). To learn more about her, visit her official website (http://jillianne-hamilton.com).