The fall semester is just about to start! It’s now time for another beginning to a new year and a chance for a fresh start. Because we’re in the middle of a pandemic, UC Berkeley students are going back to school via Zoom. Whether you’re sad about not seeing your classmates or excited to get away with attending lectures in bed, here is a list of must-have items for your back-to-school wardrobe. 

Comfy sweatpants

The best part of having class on Zoom is not having to get dressed up for class. While you still can do so, I have opted to find the comfiest sweatpants for my day-to-day lecture wear. What’s great about it is that you can mix and match tops, from casual to business wear, but no one ever has to know that you’re in your new fuzzy gray sweats.

A professional blazer

Even though we’re doing everything remote now, this is still a must. You might need to have a good blazer handy to throw on over your shirt if you manage to snag a Zoom interview. Despite the new normal of digital meetings and classes, there are still plenty of opportunities to network and connect with new people. Companies are constantly transitioning to remote work, so there is bound to be something out there. Plus, nothing makes you feel more confident than a well-fitted blazer. 

UC Berkeley gear, of course!

Some of us will be attending classes a ways away from campus. Whether you’re abroad or a few towns over, you can still represent from wherever you are in the world. I love seeing my peers rock their gear on any regular day, and I will definitely be getting some new pieces for this fall. Hopping on Zoom in a new Cal hoodie or UC Berkeley hat can help get you and your classmates in the spirit of things. It might even help make you feel like you’re really on campus. 

Blue light glasses

From daily Zoom lectures to Canvas monitoring to class discussions, we are going to be spending more time than ever looking at screens. Blue light glasses are supposed to help filter and soften the blue light coming from all of our devices. This investment has protected me from tired eyes and headaches. As we spend more time in front of screens, I definitely recommend grabbing yourself a pair. 

It’s hard to believe that another year is starting, especially with the daily uncertainty and change happening around us due to the pandemic. Hopefully, remote learning will keep many of us safe and healthy while also allowing us to keep experiencing the greatness of UC Berkeley. Happy fall semester to everyone and good luck!