BACKPACKS- SEPTEMBER STUDY PREP PART ONE
 In my opinion, backpacks are one of the most overlooked things in the studyblr community. Now, that may be because I rarely see backpacks in photo posts, since they tend to be more functional than aesthetic, but anything can be aesthetic if you know how to photograph it. With that in mind, the first round of September Study Prep is backpacks, and remember to make a post about your backpack, tag it with “studylikeyoumeanit” and “September Study Prep,” and I will feature it on my blog!
Choosing a Backpack
 This is your base point. Think firstly about how much space you need, and how much weight you will be carrying on average. If you are only carrying, say, a laptop and a notebook with you, then I guess you could get a Kanken or similar. However, the thin straps and lack of support mean you’re still going to be susceptible to discomfort/pain with regular use, so I would still suggest getting a more ergonomic bag like a jansport. My current backpack is from Roxy, and has three main pockets, two side pockets, and a laptop sleeve. Below are the things you need to consider before buying a backpack:
How big is it? Can it realistically carry everything I will need in a day? This includes the number of pockets- I recommend at least two full-size ones, but whatever floats your boat and works for you
Is it reinforced enough so that I won’t hurt myself carrying heavy loads with it repeatedly?
Will it fit my laptop properly? (This becomes increasingly important in university, but is still worth considering even if you don’t normally use your laptop in classes)
Is it of a high enough quality that it won’t wear out frequently?
Is it partially or completely waterproof? (This sounds stupid but getting caught in the rain with all your notes is never good)
 Of course, you need to figure out whether or not it fits with your personal aesthetic if you feel that this is a consideration, but functionality should be your main consideration. There are no two ways about this. (Tomorrow I’m going to post a picture of my backpack, which I’ve had for three years without any major signs of wear and no back problems as of yet).
Filling a Backpack
ESSENTIALS
Laptop and charger
Folders/notebooks/textbooks/whatever you need to get through until you can repack your bag
Pencil Case/Pen Case/Whatever you like to call it (or at least the number of pens that you need)
Bullet journal/planner/whatever you use to avoid forgetting everything throughout the day (if you do this all digitally, that’s fine, but if you’re a pen and paper person, always have your planner with you!!)
Your phone, purse, keys, ID card, etc. if you don’t keep them in your pocket (basically don’t be daft and leave home without them)
REALLY USEFUL
Water bottle (get a nice robust one that won’t leak and can hold a decent amount of water)
Emergency sanitary items should you need
Plasters/Band-Aids
Painkillers
Headphones
NICE TO HAVE BUT NOT ESSENTIAL
Umbrella
Power bank and cable for your phone
Snacks
Sunscreen if it’s hot
Spare paper and a spare pen (never be caught short without one!)
YOUR TASK
 For this part of the study prep, make a post about your own backpack and your bare essentials (it can be a photo or a list or a video or whatever you want).
Happy Prepping!
