From planners to protein bars, TCU students’ everyday essentials stored inside their backpacks and totes reveal some of campus culture and individual identity.
Hailey Umosen, a social work professor, recommends five items for students to optimize productivity and positivity.
Sophomore Olivia Jacob carries her leopard print bag through the library in between classes. (Addie Dawson)
“I recommend students to keep a small notebook in their bag for quick reflections, a reusable water bottle to stay grounded throughout the day and a portable charger so your phone doesn’t quit on you mid-class or mid-commute,” Umosen said.
Many students find fashionable ways to disguise these daily necessities in pencil pouches and shoulder bags.
Olivia Jacob, a sophomore strategic communication major, stores her perfume, computer and AirPods inside her leopard-print bag.
Inside compartments, Jacob keeps smaller items such as gum and Tylenol.
Avery Maloney, a sophomore psychology major, carries a black North Face backpack that matches her outfits and stores everything she needs to be prepared for class.
“I always need my keys, my planner, ChapStick, pens and a notebook,” Maloney said.
Elizabeth Rieke, a sophomore accounting major and Maloney’s roommate, said, “My essentials are definitely my computer, definitely like a lip gloss or ChapStick, highlighters or pens and folders.”
Junior Gracie Vasquez keeps three calculators on her at all times.
(Addie Dawson)
Gracie Vasquez, a junior economics major, said gift cards to Ampersand, a coffee shop on TCU’s campus and calculators crucial for her success and sanity.
“This is going to be nerdy of me, but it’s just because I’m a math major — I have to have three calculators,” Vasquez said. “I need my AirPods always, ChapStick because my lips are always dry, my iPad and Ampersand gift cards just in case.”
Umosen also urged students to take care of their physical and mental health.
“Add a healthy snack and a small stress-relief item to help you stay steady when the day gets hectic,” she said. “And tuck in an affirmation card. Sometimes you need the reminder, and sometimes you’ll pass it along to someone who needs it more.”