Instead of stocking up on college dorm-room essentials and planning my big move after graduating high school, I hunkered down for two years of commuting to college from my parents' house. I was trying to save some cash on future student loans (mission accomplished) — but it required years of long drives before moving into a dorm junior year.

It's been a while since I was behind the wheel driving to a campus, but I remember the daily routine clearly: eat a quick breakfast, pack a lunch, grab my backpack and hop in the car with hopes that I wouldn't be late for my 9 a.m. class. There were a handful of items that made these early-morning commutes a breeze, from reliable chargers to cozy car seat covers to comfy sneakers seemingly designed for speed-walking through the parking lot.

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