Having a few basic “on the go” necessities readily available in your car can make life that much easier when you’re commuting back and forth from college. Even if you live on campus, having these items in your car can be a lifesaver if you’re ever in a bind on the road. When it comes time for a hot date, a spontaneous weekend road trip, or a run to the local coffee shop for a late-night study session, it’s easy to run out the door without a care in the world—until you find yourself in trouble on the road somewhere. That’s when you find yourself wishing you had things readily available in your car to use during an emergency. Beyond the standard emergency kit, we’ve put together a helpful list of five items students should keep in their car at all times.
1. Phone charger with multiple USB ports
Let's face it—we don’t go anywhere these days without our cellphones. If you’re not actively using it, it’s generally tucked in your pocket or tossed in a purse. Unfortunately, your phone’s battery is no match for the amount of daily use it gets. It’s always a good idea to keep a spare phone charger in your car so you can charge your phone as needed. It’s an even better idea to opt for a phone charger with multiple USB ports to keep any other electronics charged too.
The last thing you want is to be out on the road late at night and have your phone die with no way to charge it. While phones are great for scrolling the internet, posting on apps, and calling friends, they’re truly beneficial if you end up having mechanical issues with your car. You need to have a way to safely contact someone for help without having to travel a dark road on foot to find help.
Related: 10 Important Things Everyone Forgets to Pack for College
2. Spare tire and jumper cables
How often do you inspect your car’s spare tire? Do you know if your car even has a spare in it? This is important to check and take care of sooner rather than later. Along with the spare tire, you should also keep a car jack and jumper cables somewhere in your car. If you prepare for mishaps like this ahead of time, you won't be kicking yourself if you ever end up with a flat tire or your battery won’t start. Also an important reminder: If you do have to use your spare tire, certain driving conditions apply. They aren’t designed to be used as a permanent replacement but as a temporary fix until you can replace the blown tire.
3. Air freshener
This might seem like no big deal, but imagine you’ve finally worked up the courage to ask your crush out on a date. You spend time picking out the perfect outfit, fixing your hair just right, dressing to impress, and making sure you smell good. Then you hop in your car to pick your crush up and the smell of yesterday's gym clothes hits your nose. Immediate panic, right? Your car needs to leave a pleasant first impression on your date (or anyone else really), not one that makes them gag immediately. If you keep an air freshener in your vehicle at all times, it can prevent this from happening.
Related: Commuting Tips for Off-Campus Students
4. Umbrella
We all know how unpredictable the weather can be. The day can be sunny when you start your travels then turn into an unexpected thunderstorm along the way. Running to and from class, work, or the cafeteria turns into an obstacle when you’re unprepared for rain. Go ahead and toss an umbrella or poncho in your car now so you’re prepared for any unexpected changes in weather.
5. Emergency money
You never want to leave big money in your car, but an extra $5 or $10 isn’t a bad idea. Keep some loose quarters in your car as well. If you need to put air in a tire or water in your radiator, you’ll be glad you have the change ready. Just make sure to hide your emergency money somewhere out of sight. Don’t store it in a place where the money is visible to passersby through your car window.
Related: Real Student Advice to Save More Money in College
Having a car in college is another layer of responsibility on top of the burgeoning independent life that you're stepping into as a college student—but it's also a hugely beneficial tool. Make sure you're prepared for anything on and off campus by keeping essential items like chargers, spare tires, and car jacks in your vehicle. When it comes down to it, your safety is important, so whether you call for help or take matters into your own hands as an independent college student, have the tools on hand to help you out in any situation.
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