16 College Backpack Essentials You Will Definitely Need

It can be daunting to know exactly what to carry in your college backpack, especially when some days you’re out and about all day long. After cleaning my backpack the other day, I realized there are 16 items I always need and never leave my dorm without. So, here is a list of the 16 college backpack essentials you will definitely need.

College Backpack Essentials

Something to write with

It doesn’t matter whether you take notes in your laptop or a notebook, you should always carry a pen or pencil with you. And you’ll avoid that weird moment when you have to ask a stranger for a pen.

Laptop + laptop charger

Most of my classes in college had a no-laptop policy, but I always used it in between classes to complete assignments and whatnot. It saved me a ton of time to have it in my backpack because I didn’t have to go back to the dorms. And don’t forget to charge it, since sometimes in some classrooms it’s hard to find a place to plug it in, without literally sitting on the stairs.

Notebooks & books

I’ll be honest with you, there’s nothing I hate more than carrying books. They’re so heavy! So, whenever I get a chance I purchase the online version. When it comes to notebooks, I honestly prefer taking notes in a notebook than in a laptop, I always carry the one I need with me.

Calculator

In case you’re taking a math class.

Planner

Well, I guess this depends on whether you use one. It can be a bit hard sometimes to write things down on your planner during class, because of the desk space. But I literally can’t live without mine.

Phone

Okay, I know this is a bit too obvious, but I have so many friends who keep forgetting their phones at home and I’m always like how can you? My phone is literally an extension of my body.

Headphones

I can’t live without music, can you? Whether it’s for a library study session or just for walking to class while listening to music, you should always carry headphones with you.

Phone charger

You never know when your phone might die on you, so always carry a charger and try not to lose it.

Hat & gloves

Only during winter (obviously) because it’s always freezing.

Umbrella

I always check the weather before heading out. But especially during fall and spring, I always keep a tiny umbrella in my school bag in case it rains. It isn’t heavy at all and doesn’t take up much space. Besides, getting soaked while walking to class is the last thing you want to do.

Sunscreen

You’ll never catch me not wearing sunscreen regardless of the weather. I aspire to be a future MILF so I always carry sunscreen in my bag along with some makeup essentials just in case. The Tocobo sunscreen stick is my favorite for reapplication, it is shaped like deodorant and it doesn’t smudge your makeup.

Wallet

One of the most important backpack essentials is your wallet. Always carry your wallet with you, you never know when you might need cash or your ID. I always forget my wallet, so I have one of those phone cases with a secret compartment that can hold up to 3 cards. Perfect for partying too because you won’t need to carry a bag (and risk losing it).

Snacks

Snacks are always essential. I always keep one in my bag just in case.

Water bottle

Do I need to explain why this is essential? Just stay hydrated.

Beauty bag

I always have a tiny bag with just the essentials:

Lip balm: My lips are always getting chapped, so I have lip balms everywhere.

Setting powder: To retouch during the day
Mini hairbrush: Because you never know when you might have a hair emergency right?
Hair ties: You will always need these and you can never have enough.

Hand cream: This is especially handy during the winter when your skin gets very dry.
Mini perfume: It depends on the season, during summer I carry a body mist because it’s more refreshing, but during winter I carry a small bottle of perfume.

Custom emergency kit

I got this idea from a friend who always carries some of these items with her. I do not carry all of these items in my backpack, but here are some items to consider when putting together your custom emergency kit.

Bandaids
Advil/Tylenol or any other over-the-counter medicines
Prescription medication

Tampons/pads
Condoms
Extra cash

Hair ties & bobby pins
Safety pins
Tissues

Cough drops
Mints
Floss

Q-tips
Mini deodorant

Helpful tips

Organize your backpack the night before

If you’re always forgetting stuff and/or always being late, then organizing your backpack the night before is a thing you need to do. Besides, it will save you some time in the mornings.

Finding the right backpack

Choose a backpack instead of a purse – I know some girls out there would rather use a cute purse (me included) to carry their stuff than a backpack, but let me tell you something, there’s nothing as comfortable as a backpack. Purses make you carry the weight onto one shoulder, while a backpack distributes the weight evenly between both shoulders, making it safer and healthier for you.
Your backpack has to be big and resistant enough to put your laptop and a couple more things inside. It also has to be comfortable and preferably waterproof, because it could rain and the last thing you want is your laptop and notebooks to get ruined.

Remember a good backpack doesn’t have to be expensive – Mine was $30 and lasted the entire year, was water resistant and I could carry a lot of weight in it. It was from Target, I would link it here, but it’s sold out.

This is everything I have about college backpack essentials. I hope this post is helpful for you, especially if you’re about to start college and have no idea what to buy!