It can sometimes be daunting to know exactly what to carry in your backpack in college, especially when you’re a freshman. But don’t worry, I got you. After cleaning my backpack and thinking what really is essential and a must-have, cause I literally carry tons of things with me, I’ve compiled this list with the things should always carry in your backpack aka backpack essentials + additional stuff I carry + some tips.
Class essentials
Pens & pencils
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 complete stranger for a pen. Unless it’s a cute stranger, then ask them for a pen even if you have one ;).
Laptop + laptop charger
Again, it doesn’t matter if you take notes with your notebook or laptop, never forget to put it in your backpack. Because you might need it in class or in between classes. 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. But if you know you need to take the book to class, then just do it. 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.
Related: 7 Things I do to get good grades in college
Tech stuff
Phone
Okay, I know this is a bit too obvious, but I have so many friends that 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.
Weather Essentials
Hat & gloves
Only during winter (obviously) because it’s always fucking 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.
During fall/spring, it also comes in handy to always wear a raincoat or at least to carry one with you as an alternative to carrying an umbrella.
Sunglasses + sunscreen
Other backpack essentials
Wallet
One of the most important backpack essentials is your wallet. Always carry your wallet with you, you never know when you might need some cash or your ID. I’m that type of person that always keeps forgetting their wallet, and if you’re too, I recommend these iPhone cases. They can hold up to 3 cards. And I completely love them – they’re so practical!
Food
Cause food is always an essential. Take some (healthy) snacks with you like protein or granola bars, as well as a mini greek yogurt or some nuts.
Water bottle
Do I need to explain why this is an essential? Just drink water.
Additional stuff I carry
Makeup bag or beauty bag
I literally never leave my place without some makeup. I always have a tiny bag with just the essentials:
- Lip balm/ lipstick – My lips get always chapped so I have lip balms literally everywhere, in my backpack, in my room, in my pencil case, everywhere.
- Setting powder & bloating sheets – to retouch throughout the day
- Mini hairbrush – because you never know when you might have a hair emergency right?
- Hairties
- Hand cream – I always carry one, especially during winter, because my hands get so dry, it’s always good to have some hand cream
- Small perfume bottle or body mist – 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
Below are a couple things you could carry:
- Bandaids
- Advil/Tylenol or any other over the counter medicines
- Prescription medication
- Tampons/pads
- Condoms
- Extra cash
- Hairties & bobby pins
- Safety pins
- Tissues
- Cough drops
- Mints
- Floss
- Q-tips
- Mini deodorant
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.
Related: 10 hacks to get ready faster in the mornings
Finding the right backpack
- Choose rather a backpack than a purse or bag – 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 or those kind of bags, 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.
- Also remember, the thing you choose to carry your stuff to class with every day, has to be big and resistant enough to put your laptop and a couple more things inside. Besides, 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 just like $30 and lasted the entire year, was water resistant and I could carry a lot of weight in it. It was from target btw, I would link it here, but it’s sold out.
Anyways, 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! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask, you can DM on Instagram or send me an email!
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