The things all UCSB kids can’t live without

We all know that feeling.

You know – that feeling when you’re struggling to make it through a heavy day of school, exams, AND the real world after a long night out because you told yourself, “I can still make it to that 8 a.m. section.”

Yeah…right. How’d that work out for you?

Regardless of how successful you are on those rough days, every college student has their own version of a college “essentials” list that keeps them going and on track every day.

With this short, UCSB-relevant list, hopefully you’re able to make it to that 8 a.m…and if not, maybe you’ll at least be able to work one of these into your hectic college schedule.

Your morning coffee from Nicoletti’s

It doesn’t matter what major or what year you are, an essential way to wake up and be ready in the morning is right on campus in the UCEN – a fresh coffee from Nicoletti’s. Does that name sound familiar to you?

It should.

With a variety of food selections and drinks,  Nicoletti’s is a blessing to all UCSB students in need of some morning help. Rockin’ the classic coffee-shop atmosphere, Nicoletti’s is a great option when you are looking to meet with friends or do some studying.

This seems to explain why when you’re walking across campus in the morning, you see tons of coffeeholics holding coffees that don’t have that siren-girl you learned about in Greek Myth on them.

A great way to start your day, Nicoletti’s provides a classic, “early-morning-go-to” for all of us non-morning people that struggle through the early hours of the day.

If it’s winter quarter, expect to see a few more of these non-Starbucks affiliated cups around campus. If summer classes are in session, well then I’d highly recommend an iced coffee.

Your phone/laptop charger

Nowadays, our entire lives exist on our laptops and our smartphones. Our homework, readings, schedules, and more lie at the ends of our fingertips at almost all hours of the day.

We all wish that our cellphone batteries wouldn’t die on us, but 1) that’s not really how technology works, and 2) that’s technically a first-world problem. Find yourself an on-the-go charger so you don’t end up in a position where you can’t take snapchats with your current geofilter. A short list of affordable ones can be found here.

A first aid kit 

We’ve all had that terrible flu, headache, or hangover (thank you random plastic handle from oceanside DP) that unfortunately, our mom is not there to take care of anymore. Despite Student Health and the other healthcare facilities on campus, it’s important to have the most basic safety supplies locked away in your room for worst case scenario situations.

Some suggested items for your kit include cotton swabs, a thermometer, adhesive bandages, some aspirin or Advil pills, and even some antiseptic spray. You can also include the list of ingredients for your grandmother’s secret tea recipe for those early mornings when you’re  in need of a little home comfort.

Your midday snack or beverage 

We all love them, and having a snack in the middle of the day is always a guaranteed way to raise your energy levels.

Snacks available in the UCEN and Root 217 include smoothies, energy drinks, cereal bars, fruits or even a variety of your favorite, unhealthy sweets. Of course, choosing an option depends on each person’s nutritional habits, but most of us prefer the quick and cheap options that unfortunately have the potential to make our next dentist appointment a bit more uncomfortable.

Fortunately, we have tons of dining options on and near campus.

Romaine’s salads are always in high demand, and eating at Subway or Root 217 (which has a great menu by the way) are always popular options when you’re looking to eat something that isn’t covered by your on-campus meal plan.

Wifi – of course

We all know WiFi isn’t just an essential for students – it has become a necessary tool used to connect with all of your social circles and with the world in general.

It also allows you to explore the world with your fingertips, while occasionally distracting you from the world in front of your eyes. You probably can live a day without your boyfriend or girlfriend, but your Wifi? Not a chance.

So the next time you’re in line, and you hear a student ask the question, “May I have the Wifi password?” – don’t be too surprised.

Your Debit Card / Amazon Prime Account

Maybe you don’t have a credit card yet, but nowadays having only cash in your wallet can be a slight disadvantage. When sending and receiving money, or even calling an Uber or Lyft after a long Friday night – cash may prove insufficient and it may make more sense to have a personal debit card in-hand.

For many online purchases, Amazon Prime will not only make your wallet last longer, but it will ensure you have your items in just two days if you ship your items to the Amazon store in IV. That’s pretty quick.

In college, time is money – and clearly, Amazon Prime saves you both. Snag a free trial here.

Some Pizza and a Brew post-class 

A match made in heaven if you ask me.

Pizza My Heart, Blaze, and Woodstock’s are at most, only a few minutes away at any given time in IV. Taken home and enjoyed in the company of your floor or housemates, their pizzas are only enhanced by the refreshing taste of your favorite brew.

This Friday night duo is a common and relaxing way to destress after a long week of kind-of-studying. For the small portion of students who hold the daily mindset “a beer a day keeps the doctor away,” that’s not really true unless beer equals wine, and it doesn’t…because it’s beer.

But I mean, whatever gets you through the day I guess.