Many underclassmen wait for a summer free of busy work and full of 80-plus-degree weather to either bask in the sun or enjoy the sweet technology of air conditioning. But many of our upperclassmen have a few more items to check off their to do lists before 2026 rolls around. These items may include securing some volunteer hours, figuring out what the big plan is after high school and, of course, the senior packing list.
“I think the biggest and most used thing for my senior year was my planner, and that’s why it’s at the top of my list,” senior Ava Marsh said. “There are so many little dates and things to remember on top of assignments and due dates, and I don’t know how I would’ve been able to get through without it. I also loved color coding and decorating it as a cute little way to relieve some stress.”
Decorating and setting things up to one’s liking is a great way to stimulate the mind to remember something important.
“I could never leave my house without my water bottle, either,” Marsh said. “She is always full of the coldest and freshest water to make sure I’m always hydrated. It doesn’t seem like much, but having it around all the time has really helped me in so many situations, whether I’m starting to get a stress headache or I just need a little pick me up.”
A constant reminder to follow good habits can be something as simple as filling up a bottle of water for the day.
“I think the last thing I’d have on my senior packing list is a computer charger,” Marsh said. “It seems so silly, but you’ll never know when you’ll need it! I’ll be honest, I wasn’t great at making sure my chromebook was charged all the time, so this is such a simple lifesaver.”
While packing essentials like a water bottle and computer charger are important to pack for college, preparing for a summer trip can definitely look different.
“As someone who prefers travelling without an exact destination in mind, I like to keep my supplies comfortable and simple,” senior Max Aispuro said. “Ignoring the usual, expected necessities, I love bringing supplies that’ll let me take a moment to explore nature at my own pace. Good hiking boots, some blueberry oatmeal and occasionally a pair of binoculars or a camera is all I could really ask for. Wherever it ends up this summer, I’ll make sure it has a nice hiking trail nearby!”
It is always handy to have a packing list. Whether you are heading off to college or taking a summer trip, it will prove useful.
