You should also take this time to clean your backpack. You can either vacuum it out or simply turn it upside down over a trash can and shake it. Make sure you also check the condition of your backpack. If you have any rips or tears, or if your backpack is small, you may want to buy a new one.
This is also a good time to start a list of the items you have and of those that you still need. This will make shopping easier later, as you won’t have to try and remember what to buy.
Other materials you may need include a USB flash drive, a TI calculator, index cards, a weekly planner, and a stapler. [2] X Research source
You’ll have a better idea of exactly what you’ll need day-to-day after the first week of class. If you have money for lunch, try to keep it zipped up in an inside pocket. If you don’t have one in your bag, try to keep it in a change purse or wallet instead. This will help keep your money safe and together, so you aren’t searching all over for it during lunch time. If you have a block schedule with different classes on different days, try separating your materials into marked piles. For example, you can mark everything for one day with a specific color like red, while the other day is blue. Then you can switch them out of your backpack when necessary. [3] X Research source
For example, your calculator, tape, stapler, even markers, and highlighters if they won’t fit in your pencil case can go in your front pockets. The front pockets of your backpack are also a great place to keep items like chapstick, tissues, mints, or anything else you want to carry with you.
Your backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10-20% of your weight. For example, if you weigh 120 lbs, your backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 12 lbs. [4] X Research source
Instead, keep a binder or file folder at home for all returned papers. You can even organize it by subject. This way, if your teacher requests an older assignment, you’ll know exactly where it is and how to find it.
You should take everything out and go through it. Throw or file away unnecessary papers, trash, old food, and broken pens or pencils. Make sure assignments or papers are in the appropriate folders and organize them by date if you can. You can also wash or vacuum out your bookbag at this time, too.
