What to pack for your first day at TMU
While you still have a lot of time left to enjoy your summer, the first week of classes will be here before you know it. That’s why it’s so important to get a head start on gathering all of your campus essentials so you can have a smooth first week here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
As a commuter, I like to use a backpack to accompany me on my journey to campus. By packing everything in your bag the night before class, you don’t have to worry about feeling rushed in the morning (which is not a fun way to start your day). So, to help you ensure that you have everything you need to succeed, here are some of my own must-have backpack essentials that I think you should pack too!
A wallet
One of the most important items that you should always make sure to carry with you is your wallet, which is perfect for keeping all of your important identification in one place. After almost losing my Presto (external link, opens in new window) card a few times, I decided that I should be more responsible and get myself a reliable wallet, which has saved me from a lot of stress.
As a TMU student, you should always remember to bring your OneCard to campus, which is your official university identification that will grant you access to all buildings, campus services and discounts. If wallets aren’t your thing, you can also try using one of the stylish lanyards (opens in new window) from the Campus Store (opens in new window) to carry your OneCard around. You won’t want to lose this card, so make sure to keep it safe while you’re on campus!
Good quality headphones
Another essential item that I always keep in my backpack are my headphones. Since my commute can be pretty boring, I like to help the time pass quickly by either listening to a music playlist, an audiobook or podcast. Bringing your favourite pair of headphones to campus is also useful if you want to get some studying done at the TMU library (opens in new window) or Student Learning Centre (SLC). Either way, they’re a great way to help you destress or stay focused.
A reusable water bottle
Drinking lots of water throughout the day is extremely important, especially if you have multiple classes in one day. To help stay hydrated, I like to pack a reusable water bottle that keeps my water cold for a long period of time (especially since TMU is a plastic bottle-free campus). This also reminds me to drink something other than coffee throughout the day. If you’ve been feeling like you don’t drink enough water, I would definitely recommend keeping this item in your bag at all times.
A couple of your favourite snacks (or lots of them)
I always pack at least three of my favourite snacks to avoid the possibility of running out of energy halfway through the day. My current favourites are pretzels, apples and homemade muffins, but you can pack whichever items you like. Also, don’t be afraid to pack something sweet in your bag too. Every student deserves a sweet treat after a long day of hard work!
An electronic device and charger
Since you’ll need to access your courses on D2L Brightspace, it’s always handy to pack your electronic device in your bag so you can stay up-to-date with course announcements and get some work done in between classes. And don’t forget to bring a charger too — the last thing you’ll want is your laptop or phone to die in the middle of class. Portable chargers are also lifesavers if you can’t access any outlets or don’t have enough space in your backpack!
Those hygiene essentials that you always forget to pack
We all have those essential items that we don’t realize we need until it’s too late. I always keep four items in my bag that help me get through the day: hand sanitizer, lip balm, gum and tissues. You might not think that you’ll need to bring these with you to campus, but trust me, they might help you out when you least expect it!
If you start to feel chilly … a TMU hoodie or crewneck!
It can get pretty cold here in Toronto during the fall semester, so in case you find yourself feeling cold as you’re walking to class, it’s always smart to bring some extra layers with you to campus. If I have enough space in my bag, I like to throw in an emergency hoodie or crewneck — especially one from the Campus Store (opens in new window) . There are a lot of different styles to choose from, so I would recommend taking a look at the store’s selection while you’re on campus to see if you can find anything that catches your eye.
I hope this list has helped you get an idea of what essential items you should pack in your bag for the upcoming school year. But remember that this list is totally customizable, and it’s up to you to decide what items you should bring to campus. The most important thing is making sure that you feel comfortable and excited about being here at TMU!
Until next time,
Claire