A back-to-school checklist for things you might've missed

Brought to you by your local B.C. Nissan Dealers, with 22 dealerships across British Columbia, including 11 in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

We’re in the first week of back-to-school, and while many parents are probably breathing a sigh of relief, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’ve got everything you need, whether you’re a parent or a student.

So we put together a quick back-to-school checklist: the Vancouver Edition.

Every city offers its own unique challenges and priority items, and in Vancouver, you have things like the inconsistent weather to deal with.

So, the first item on our checklist is weather preparedness.

Ready for the rain?

It’s never great walking into class soaked, so an umbrella or quality rain gear is always a good idea.

Thankfully, Vancouver has tons of great options for outdoor gear, with many local brands ot provide it, like Arc’teryx and Vessi.

Vessi has you covered for waterproof shoes, while brands like Arc’teryx offer great rain gear like jackets and other waterproof or water-resistant items.

We can’t forget our friends over at MEC, which will have a huge range of weather-proof gear, including backpacks. Herschel, another local brand, also makes waterproof backpacks.

Keeping up with the times: school-friendly technology and new rules

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Education has evolved greatly since the early 2000s, and now technology is a key part of the curriculum.

However, it’s important to note that under new legislation, phone use during instructional time is limited in B.C. schools.

Personal devices need to be turned off during class time. Teachers can decide whether phone use is allowed, and some students may be exempt for accessibility purposes.

For times when phone use is allowed, a power bank is a handy tool that ensures longevity for a phone’s battery life, which could be important for safety purposes if you’re trying to get a hold of your kid.

If you have a kid who’s ready for college, Nissan has some affordable options, like the 2027 Nissan Kicks.

If your kid uses a laptop for school, you can get a cheap laptop riser or stand, which will make long study periods easier on their necks. Another great laptop tool for privacy’s sake is a webcam cover slide, but a Post-it note works just as well.

Personal care

Embarrassing moments happen all the time in school, but many can be prevented.

There’s almost nothing more embarrassing than walking back into class after lunch with a big stain on your light-coloured T-shirt. Thankfully, Tide To Go pens exist. While they won’t always completely eliminate a stain, they can be super helpful.

A personal care kit could also serve students well, including things like deodorant, chewing gum, lip balm, etc.

Finally, reusable water bottles. Most schools have drinkable water fountains, and having a water bottle with you is the best way to stay hydrated.

Aside from these items, organizational equipment like binders and notebooks is always good to have. But did we miss any big ones? Let us know in the comments.