29-04-2025
Poly student edition: What's in my bag?
Polytechnic students reveal the items they must have in their bags. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
The TL;DR: As polytechnic students head back to school, they reveal some of the common items in their bags they can't do without – laptops, headphones or earphones, towels, and lip products.
We peek inside the bags of six students to find out what they cannot do without.
Ms Riko Wong, 18, student at Temasek Polytechnic:
Ms Riko Wong needs her setting powder to make sure her make-up stays in place and lasts all day.
'I need my AirPods to listen to music as my journey to school from the west where I live takes more than an hour. The next item is my phone, which I need in order to get on public transport as all my cards are (installed) on my phone.
'I also need my Charlotte Tilbury setting powder as it is my quick make-up fix. I apply setting powder to lock everything in place. Setting powder absorbs excess oil, gives a matte finish and helps my make-up stay in place longer even when sweating in the hot weather.
'I did not bring my mini fan today as I forgot to charge it, but it's usually in my bag. It's a must-have for the hot weather. Although our classrooms are generally air-conditioned, we still need to walk to classes and will sweat when walking.'
Ms Lauryn Esha D'cruz, 19, student at Nanyang Polytechnic:
Perfume keeps Ms Lauryn Esha D'cruz smelling good throughout the day.
'I always carry perfume to ensure that I smell good, and I keep my lips hydrated with my Summer Fridays lip balm.
'AirPods are a must for me as I live in Bedok and have to travel very far to get to school. I'm studying experiential product and interior design, and I work on my own designs after the lecturer has briefed the students. AirPods help me block out the noise in class.
'I also carry my laptop to school as I have work to do. I pack a mousepad as well, as the tabletops in school are glass which is difficult to move a mouse on.'
Mr Tan Chin Tiong, 18, student at Nanyang Polytechnic:
Mr Tan Chin Tiong keeps a pair of basketball shoes in his bag for shooting hoops after school.
'The most important item is my phone as I need it to communicate with my friends and family. Next is my face towel because the weather is very hot. I like to go to the gym after school, so I need it to dry myself with.
'Lastly, I bring an extra pair of shoes – my Rigorer AR1. These are basketball shoes as I like to play basketball after school too.
'I carry a backpack to school as I need to fit in my shoes, extra clothes, computer and more. A tote bag can't fit all these items, and I find a backpack more convenient.'
Ms Gabrielle Tibuludji, 18, student at Temasek Polytechnic:
Headphones are a must for Ms Gabrielle Tibuludji, who cannot do without music.
'Headphones are a must as I listen to the indie-pop artiste Mico on the way to school, even though I only live 30 minutes away from school. I am unable to go for even a five-minute walk without any music.
'I also have my Nivea lip balm with me because my lips get dry easily as I do not drink enough water.'
Mr Ng Yi Tang, 20, student at Nanyang Polytechnic:
Mr Ng Yi Tang needs a towel for after-school dance practice.
'One of my must-haves is my water bottle as Singapore is very hot and I need to stay hydrated. Next, I have my mini fan, which I bought for around $10 from a TikTok shop to help me stay cool.
'Lastly, I am a dancer from NYP's Foreign Bodies club so I need my towel, as dancing makes me sweat.
'I use a backpack rather than a tote bag or sling bag as it is more secure and the straps are less likely to tear easily.'
Mr Ng Kai Xiang, 18, student at Nanyang Polytechnic:
Mr Ng Kai Xiang needs tissues to cope with his sinus and occasional spills.
'I don't want to be bored in class, so I have something to fiddle with, such as my crocheting. I learnt crocheting over the school holidays and I'm currently trying to crochet a circle.
'I have an umbrella as I don't want to be caught out by the rain, and two portable chargers in case my devices run out of battery.
'Lastly, I always have tissues with me as I sneeze a lot due to my sinus and I need them for the occasional spill.
'Even though a backpack is reliable, I do not like the way it looks on me, so I just stick to my sling bag.'
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