BACKPACK ESSENTIALS

To start the school year right, be prepared! Bringing the right stuff in your backpack can help make your day a little easier. Myjellybean.com offers this list for the must-haves... and don't forget to see our tips for what to keep in your purse, too!

The well-packed backpack includes:

Cell Phone

To keep in touch with friends, send text messages and check in with your folks if needed.

A Pencil Case

Stock it with a few pens (teachers like blue or black ink), a few pencils, a couple of erasers, a ruler and whatever your math teacher tells you to get (a protractor, etc). The reason to bring more than one of everything? Why, so you can lend a pen to that hottie who sits behind you, of course!

A Few Spiral Notebooks

These are important for writing down that important info they're dealing out in class. You can tear the pages of out the noteback after school, and put each class's notes into its very own binder. That way, you'll be organized by subject, but you won't have to lug around all your binders during the day (at least for the first few weeks of school).

An iPod/MP3 Player

For listening to tunes between classes. Don't forget to load it up with your favorite music!

Tampons or Pads

You know how crucial these are, so stock a mini-purse with some femme supplies and keep it in your backpack in case the need strikes.

A Watch

If it's not on your wrist, you should have one in your backpack - or keep your cell handy. You'd hate to be late to class because you lost track of time!

Water Bottle

This is VIP for keeping hydrated during the day. Drinking water throughout the school day will help keep your brain on alert. Not to mention, it's great for keeping your skin clear!

Healthy Snacks

Good to have on hand, just in case you can't make it back to your locker for between-class snack attacks. Munching on a nutritious mid-day snack, such as a granola bar, a small packet of almonds, or an apple, will give your metabolism a boost, increase your brain power and keep you going strong until class is over.

How About the Backpack?

As for the backpack itself - obviously you want something trendy and cute. Choose something that matches your personal style - whether that's something pink and girly, a denim pack, a sporty mesh one, or a mean-looking Volcom. Just be sure to choose a good-quality backpack that is sturdy, and large enough to hold all your essentials. Check the fit in the store, because a pack that fits badly can end up giving you shoulder pains.