It can be daunting to know exactly what to carry in your college backpack, especially when some days youβre 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 doesnβt matter whether you take notes in your laptop or a notebook, you should always carry a pen or pencil with you. And youβll 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 didnβt have to go back to the dorms. And donβt forget to charge it, since sometimes in some classrooms itβs hard to find a place to plug it in, without literally sitting on the stairs.
Notebooks & books
Iβll be honest with you, thereβs nothing I hate more than carrying books. Theyβre 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 youβre 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 canβt live without mine.
Related: 7 Things I do to get good grades in college
Phone
Okay, I know this is a bit too obvious, but I have so many friends who keep forgetting their phones at home and Iβm always like how can you? My phone is literally an extension of my body.
Headphones
I canβt live without music, can you? Whether itβs 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 itβs 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 isnβt heavy at all and doesnβt take up much space. Besides, getting soaked while walking to class is the last thing you want to do.
Sunscreen
Youβll 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 doesnβt 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 wonβt 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 itβs 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 youβre 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.
Related: 10 hacks to get ready faster in the mornings
Finding the right backpack
- Choose a backpack instead of a purse β 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, thereβs nothing as comfortable as a backpack. Purses make youΒ 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 doesnβt have to be expensive β 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 itβs sold out.
This is everything I have about college backpack essentials. I hope this post is helpful for you, especially if youβre about to start college and have no idea what to buy!
