Freshman 15

Freshman 15
No need to fret, not that freshman 15. No weight gains here. Fifteen top items to help make your student life just a little bit easier.
By Raquel Lowe

Hoodie
For cold classrooms or cozy late night study sessions.

Enlighten zip fleece, Planet Earth. (www.planetearthstreetwear.com)

Denim
Of course. Who can live without denim? This fall, do you choose: a) the skinny jean or b) the wide leg denim? Go with c) both!

7 For All Mankind “Edie” in Fiji wash.

Athletic pants
For the gym and for studying.

Tip: As comfortable as they are, wearing sweats from head to toe (unless you are heading to the gym) is dated and cliché. Wear separately. Combine sweat tops with jeans or cargos. Pair bottoms with a fitted denim or zip up jacket.

Retro Groovy Pant, Lululemon Athletica. (www.lululemon.com)

Sneakers
Get some cool kicks to take you anywhere.

Oldskool Black, $59, Vans. (www.get-out-side.com)

All weather boots
In rain, sleet, or snow you’ll be good to go!

Boots, Tamara Henriques. (www.tamarahenriques.com)

Invest in a thermos
Heat up low sodium/organic soup or coffee in your common area kitchen so you can fill up and sip when you are on the move.

“Metro” mug in pastel pink, $39.99, Sigg. (Available at www.northern-spirit.ca)

Laptop Bag
A glamour laptop case holds your computer in style.

Bronze Metallic Laptop Bag, Mango Tango. (www.mangotangollc.com)

USB flash memory drive
Transport your data on a cute device.

Ginchy Series Mimobot USB flash, Mimico. (VANCOUVER Dear and Voltage. TORONTO Magic Pony. MONTREAL SpiceSafar.)

Portable Hard Drive
Back it up. Save yourself the agony of having your computer crash.

Rugged 120GB USB 2.0 Hard Drive, LaCie. (www.expansys.ca)

Knapsack
Even if you prefer an over the shoulder tote, having a knapsack on hand is great for the days when you’re heading to the gym, or need to save your shoulders when carrying a heavy load from the library.

Vector 20 Daypack, $37, Blurr. (Mountain Equipment Co-ops throughout Canada)

Cell phone
Yeah, it’s a pretty obvious item and you probably already have one. But for those who don’t it’s a good thing to have, especially if you have late classes or are going away to school. Keep in touch with friends and the parental units at all times.

K1 KRZR cell phone, Motorola. (www.motorola.com/ca)

Headphones
Trust us, these will come in handy so get some fast. Dorm rooms, computer labs or other common areas can get really noisy, and it usually occurs just when you need quiet study time.
Tip: Look for noise blocking models.

V-MODA Vibe Earphones, $129.95, Apple. (www.apple.ca/store)

Portable MP3 player
Zen Stone 2GB MP3 Player, $79.99, Creative Labs. (www.bestbuy.ca)

Mini First Aid Kit
Good to keep in your dorm room because you just never know.

Complete Care First Aid Kit, Johnson & Johnson. (Available at drug and discount depart stores)

Day planner/Organizer
Plan your days. Tests, papers, exam weeks come due all to soon and seemingly all at once.
Tip: Use different coloured pens or highlighters to categorize items at a glance.

Daily Planner, Moleskin. (www.chapters.indigo.ca) for select store locations