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.

DISCLOSURE: When you make a purchase through the links on any of our articles, it helps keep our site running at no additional cost to you. We really appreciate your support!

College Backpack Essentials by Category

School Supplies

These are your day-one must-haves. Keep it simple and don’t overpack.

Notebooks or Binders: I preferred one notebook per subject to stay organized. I used these affordable notebooks from Amazon every year.
Pens & Highlighters: Go for a fun color set because making your notes aesthetic makes studying way more tolerable. These are the highlighters I absolutely love, have been buying these for years, and they last a long time.

Planner or Digital Calendar: Whether you’re team paper planner or team Google Calendar, you need something to track deadlines. I personally love writing on paper, and I ordered this planner every year.
Folders: I kept all my handouts in a slim folder.

Calculator: In case you’re taking a math class.

Tech Gear

Laptop + Charger: Obvious, but don’t forget the charger.
Portable Charger: This saved me during long days on campus. This portable charger is cute and sleek.
Headphones or AirPods: For lectures, studying, or walking to class. I prefer wired headphones, but these wireless ones are currently on sale.
USB or External Hard Drive: Just in case. Trust me.

Don’t forget a thing! Grab my free College Backpack Essentials Checklist to make packing easy and stress-free. Print it out or keep it on your phone while shopping!

Beauty & Hygiene Must-Haves

Mini deodorant: Lifesaver after walking in the heat.
Hand sanitizer: A non-negotiable.
Lip balm + Hair ties: Somehow you always need both.
Sunscreen: I always carry sunscreen in my bag. The Abib sunscreen stick is my favorite for reapplication. It is shaped like deodorant, and it doesn’t smudge your makeup.

Tissues: You’ll thank yourself later.
Travel-size perfume or body spray: Optional, but a confidence boost.
Hand cream: This is especially handy during the winter when your skin gets very dry.

Snacks & Hydration

Reusable water bottle: Bonus if it keeps drinks cold all day.

Snack bars or trail mix: Something easy to eat between classes.
Electrolyte packets: For long days, these are game-changers.

Just-in-Case Items

Student ID + Wallet: Keep them in an easy-to-access pouch. 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).
Keys: I clipped mine inside my backpack so I wouldn’t lose them (again).

Mini umbrella: Yes, really. Especially if you go to school somewhere rainy.
Medication or period products: Pack extras—you never know who might need one too.

Avoid roommate drama & stay on budget.
Get my editable Dorm Budget & Roommate Task Tracker Spreadsheet—it’s what I wish I had during freshman year.

get it now

Custom Emergency Kit

I got this idea from a friend who always carries some of these items with her. 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

Helpful Tips

Organize Your Backpack the Night Before

If you’re always forgetting something 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 of us would rather use a cute purse (me included), but let me tell you something, there’s nothing as comfortable as a backpack. I loved this backpack, it is affordable, comfortable, and will last you at least a couple of years.

Opt for a waterproof one: It could rain, and the last thing you want is your laptop and notebooks to get damaged.

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!