As I’m sure many of you know, I’ve been in Europe since September of last year. I’d love to stay that I’ve only spent my time travelling through the most beautiful cities, learning new languages, and meeting the world’s most interesting people, but I’d be lying; I also came here to study. Going to school every day is almost like going to work, except I have to pay for it.

On top of that I teach English because food costs money and unfortunately so do shoes. Because I treat my apartment like a hotel room and only come back to shower and occasionally sleep, I try to keep everything I need with me at all times. If I actually carried all of my essentials around I’d need a few suitcases (high maintenance doesn’t even begin to describe me sometimes) but since that’s unrealistic, I’ve narrowed it down to what I need most to get me through my day.

I don’t usually bring my laptop to school because handwritten notes are much better to learn from. I carry everything in my 15″ Cambridge satchel because it’s the perfect size for my notebook or computer (when I do bring it). the fact that it keeps my papers crisp and organized is an added bonus.

My iPhone is often glued to my hand because I use it for everything. Mainly, I just have to Google words that I think my professors are inventing (most of them don’t speak English very well although they teach in the language). During my Economics and Finance lectures I have to use my charger because those professors drain my battery – did you know that a Station Wagon is another term for a train?

My watch and sunnies are always on me because I love accessories…and being on time is important and using “my phone died” as an excuse is never a good idea.

I am obsessed with my wallet because I can turn it into a wristlet in a snap. My phone fits nicely inside, the compartments keep everything tidy, and because it’s zip-around, everything stays secure.

The last thing that I always carry with me is my Rebecca Minkoff pouch. This baby can hold a lot more than you think. Because the satchel only had one big pocket and a small one in the front, I don’t have anywhere to hide certain essentials. I have a neat little supply of products in this coin purse that will get me through any day. Here’s what’s inside:

1 Lipbalm

2 Bobby pins

1 Bandaid

2 tampons

1 sample of perfume

1 finger flashlight

1 tiny jar of cuticle/hand cream

1 hair elastic

1 mini USB/pen

I also throw in my keys, chewing gum, a compact with mirror, tissues, hand sanitizer, and an umbrella on rainy days. My headphone are always in my coat pocket.

These items help me get through every day, especially the ones when I leave my apartment at 7:30am and don’t return until close to midnight.

What’s inside your bag?