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5 Things in my Backpack- Sheridan Commuter Edition


Sheridan Commute Life Essential: A Guide by Catarina Pham

Hey Sheridan Bruins, a new semester is just around the corner. If you are worried because you have never experienced a college life as a commuter or you are confused about what to bring along with yourself when you commute to Sheridan, just relax! Relax! Relax! And… let’s explore what’s in my backpack as a guide!

Catarina is a second year HMC student in the _______ program. She is a Sheridan Student Union Board of Director, and shared her story as an international student studying in Canada. Read Catarina’s story now

  1. Presto Card

As a commuter, that’s a good idea to get yourself a Presto Card instead of buying a ticket every time you commute. You can buy a Presto Card and load funds in it at City Centre Transit Terminal, or you can absolutely load funds by downloading Presto App on your mobile phone. Don’t forget to make sure a Presto Card is always in your bag before you leave, and then just tap the card whenever you get on a bus. 

 Friendly reminder: Download the Google Map App and track the bus route the night before to make sure you will not be late for the first day going to Sheridan campus. The Transit App is also good sometimes, it can give you a minute by minute update on where the bus is, so you have less of a chance of miss the bus (or freezing outside in the winter months).


2. Sheridan Onecard

For all Sheridan students and staffs, Onecard is mandatory in order to access the campus. You also need Onecard to get into classrooms and other common rooms on campus. If you are international student, please make sure that you have uploaded all necessary documents as soon as you arrive in Canada. Otherwise, your Onecard can be blocked, and you have to wait until this issue is resolved to access campus. 

BRUINS BONUS TIP: Did you know your Sheridan OneCard can also get you student discounts on great food, entertainment and more? Learn more about our perk peeps now!


 3. Wallet (Cash, Credit cards, …)

Since you usually commute by yourself, don’t forget to bring a wallet with some cash and credit cards in case you want to make a purchase something or get into unexpected trouble on your way to school.

BRUINS BONUS TIP: Having a weekly budget and taking out cash is one way to get better at saving money. If your goal is to spend smarter this year, read our blog for more wellness tips.


4. Electronic Gadgets (Headphone, Mobile Phone, iPad, Laptop,…)

Keep yourself entertained on your commute by putting your headphone on, enjoying some of your favourite music, listening to podcasts, or watching some short videos. But don’t forget to look at your surroundings to get off at the right stop. In addition, you should bring your laptop or iPad because you might need to use it to access learning platforms (SLATE, Power Point, Word, Excel) in your classes or just to unwind while on the drive.

BRUINS BONUS TIP: Download your playlists the night before to avoid using unnecessary data and create different playlists for different moods, also…get a portable charger if you can!


5.  Other necessary stuffs (Masks, Tissues, Hat, Water Bottle…)

You may find it helpful to bring many stuff such as masks, hand sanitizers, a small pack of lysol wipes or tissues, hat, and a water bottle. Some notebooks and pens can also be necessary for you to write down key things at school and brain dump.

BRUINS BONUS TIPS: Hoping to start the year off with some new winter accessories or notebooks? Check out the SSU Swag shop for cool notebooks, beanies and hoodies to keep you warm on your commute.


And now, I guess we are all ready to head to Sheridan College! Looking forward to seeing you this semester, take care everyone!


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