How to Pack a DC Survival Kit

 If you are a Type-A, color coding fiend, whose biggest fear is being unprepared (aka most of the DC population), then this post will hopefully be a reassuring guide on how to create your own day-to-day DC Survival kit. Here are fifteen items that you should try to always pack in your purse, briefcase, or just stuff into your suit pockets:

1. Bring a notepad everywhere. It is an essential tool for your internship, and will impress your supervisor that you come ready the very first day to take notes and learn. Plus, it looks more professional than typing information on your IPhone’s Note app.

2. Snacks. Enough said.

3. Business cards. Have them ready in your wallets, your pockets, and even in the plastic pouch of your security badge’s lanyard. Luckily WAIP will supply you with more than you can ever hope to get rid of, so you’ll never have a shortage. They’re great for networking, and even if you’re shy like me, don’t be afraid to hand them out to anyone you meet, because you never know where that connection may lead.

4. Deodorant. DC humidity is awful and will make you sweat after a 2 min walk.

5. A watch. While you might think that checking your phone for the time is fine, it can look very unprofessional to employers who have a negative assumption that our generation is attached to our phones 24/7. Plus, it’s a great-looking accessory!

6. Phone charger.  

7. MetroCard. As someone who has already lost her card once, and forgotten it on three different occasions, this is especially important. Even if you’re just planning on going to Starbucks to study and don’t think you’ll need it, there have been many times when my fellow WAIPers have texted me about spontaneously going to do something fun across town, so it’s always good to have your MetroCard on hand.

8. And a Metro map. You probably don’t want to be that tourist that walks around staring at a paper map, but trust me you will need it. The DC metro cars don’t have the maps in very visible places, and instead of panicking during rush hour about where your next stop is, especially since internet access for your phone is nonexistent in the tunnels, a map will save you from missing your stop and potentially being late for an important meeting.

9. Backup makeup. For my ladies who wear makeup, DC humidity is awful.

10. Tissues and medicine.

11. Headphones. One of my favorite ways to start my week is by walking past the Capitol building, and listening to some very motivating music in order to help me get through Monday. It also comes in handy on the Metro if you don’t want to interact with people who are making you uncomfortable.

12. Water. Because DC humidity is awful.

13. Mints or gum. Fresh breath can be very important for a positive first-impression!

14. Tide to go. As a very clumsy individual, I can tell you that this comes in handy.

15. Umbrella. DC weather is just as unpredictable as in Ohio, and the weather forecast is really more of a suggestion.

Overall though, what has been an important lesson for me here in DC is that you can never be completely prepared for all of the kinds of situations you might encounter, and accepting that that’s okay. These instances can be opportunities for growth, new experiences, and very important life lessons. So make sure to close your full ‘survival kit,’ but leave each morning with an open mind.

By Leah Greiner