My next five year plan includes me in the same shirt
Being a student means constantly balancing classes, assignments, work, social plans and somehow, remembering to eat. Over time, a few brands have become staples in my everyday routine (including Staples). The ones I reach for when I need to get through a busy school day, stay organized or simply make life a little easier.
Here are some of the brands I can’t imagine getting through the semester without:
1. Tide
Specifically, a Tide-to-Go pen. Let me tell you something about myself: carrying coffee from point A to point B without staining a shirt is a difficult task that I have yet to master.
The funny thing is, I don’t have to master it anymore. I carry one of these in my bag, and the clumsiness feels a lot less stressful and coffee is much more enjoyable.
2. Microsoft
I use Microsoft 365, 365 days a year.
Writing essays in Word and editing your classmates’ obvious blunders, to putting together a presentation in PowerPoint as the names are being called out.
And of course, Excel. It’s in every course I study.
Having everything in one place makes it much easier to switch between classes, group projects and last-minute edits without losing track of what I’m working on.
And yes, I have asked Kiss, Marry, Kill: Word, Powerpoint and Excel on multiple occasions.
Marry Powerpoint. Always.
3. Google
Do I need to explain this?
4. UNIQLO
Networking events may start to think I am a UNIQLO brand ambassador.
Matter of fact, my daily wear includes it too (I am writing this in UNIQLO, btw).
When you’re getting dressed for an early morning class, comfort matters and UNIQLO has become one of my go-to places for simple, everyday pieces that can work for class, studying at a café or running errands after school.
5. Indigo
If there is an Indigo nearby, chances are my spidey-senses are tingling and locating it. There’s something about walking into Indigo when you’re supposed to be studying that makes you want to browse for “just five minutes.”
Whether it’s picking up a new book, finding a planner or figuring out which friend is which specific Jellycat, Indigo is one of those stores that makes a trip to the bookstore feel like a break from the usual campus routine.
6. Tim Hortons
Some mornings start with motivation. Other mornings start with an iced vanilla latte ordered at kiosks.
Whether it’s grabbing something between classes or a breakfast at the lunch hour, Tims has become a familiar part of the Canadian experience.
Sometimes you just need a Timbit tier scale with your friends before heading to your next lecture.
7. Costco
Yet another self-explanatory brand.
When I first discovered it, I had the same reaction as Mitchell Pritchett from Modern Family in Season 1, Episode 3.
8. Winners
Bought a Spider-Man shirt from there once, and then a candle warmer along with a cute pink kitchen pot.
I think I won.
Grab your favourite brands
As students, we interact with brands constantly, whether that is the clothes we wear and the food we grab or the tech we use for assignments.
But often they come with a hefty price tag. That’s where Canada Unites comes in.
Happening at the North and Lakeshore campus, IGNITE, in partnership with BSSE, is hosting the Canada Unites Pop-Up, where you’ll get to browse a selection of brands for clothing, footwear, cosmetics and more.
Best part? Every item you’ll take home is free!
Come early and check it out – you never know what you will find!
Thursday, October 8, 2026
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
North Student Centre
Thursday, October 15, 2026
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
K-Building
See you there!
Feature photo by Fujiphilm on Unsplash
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