12 College Backpack Essentials: Must-Have Supplies for College
Always being prepared is the key to success, especially in college. You are already stressed enough to worry about whether you have everything in your backpack.
I’m an overpacker. In my first year of college, I would walk around campus with a backpack full of unnecessary items. Now that I have found a balance, I can confidently tell what to keep in your backpack for college.
Packing for college? Discover 12 must-have items every student should carry for a successful and stress-free school year.
Backpack Essentials for College:
Wondering what college students carry in their backpacks? This post is all about having everything you could possibly need while keeping the bag as light as possible.
According to the course, each student’s backpack needs may differ. However, this list can be a starting point. Use it as a template. A college packing checklist for new students (or not so new).
1. Planner:
A planner is the number one thing you will need once the school year begins. Planners are a must to manage college life. Keep track of your assignments. Try new habits and keep them. Never forget important reminders. Planners are useless until you use them. I believe that without a physical planner, I would be nothing.
TIP: If you don’t like physical planners, try my FREE Notion template for students. Notion is a life-saver!
2. Notebook or a stack of paper:
I would understand if you preferred not to use a planner. Plenty of people forget that they even have a planner and stop using it by the third week of college. However, I strongly advise having some physical means to write down reminders. If a planner is not to your liking, try to always have at least a small notebook or some paper in your backpack. The battery can run out at any minute. When that happens, your notebook will be there to save you.
3. Sticky notes:
Sticky notes are something you don’t know you need until you run out of them. Sticky notes are a must-have to keep your notes clean, as well as for last-minute reminders. They will become your forever stationery for college.
4. Corded earphones:
I know, why not the normal earbuds? Why do we need corded earphones? Trust me, you will thank me later. Forget about running out of battery. Being afraid of losing one earbud on the train or bus. Just make sure your earphones can be used on all your devices, since iPhones have a different connector.
5. Hair tie:
Another practical thing for life. Always keep a hair tie in your backpack. It will save you on hot days, and not to mention hair-wash days.
6. Small water bottle:
Reusable water bottles are a necessity for students. You don’t need to buy a plastic water bottle every day. Think about how much money you can save by having a small stainless steel bottle in your backpack.
TIP: weigh your bottle before buying it. Many water bottles are too heavy, and you don’t want unnecessary weight on your backpack.
7. USB:
I don’t understand why people have stopped using them. Especially when they are my favourite tech gadgets for college students. As the signal is not good at my faculty, there are many days when we don’t have a connection. In those days, USBs were life-savers. Moreover, they are really practical for printing documents. You only need to connect the USB to the printer, and that’s all!
8. Small umbrella:
Another lifesaver. Never trust the weather forecast; rain can come anytime. Having a small umbrella will save you on many rainy days.
9. Pencil case and computer:
No matter how obvious these two items seem, you don’t know how many days people forget them. Try to always keep several pens in your backpack, just in case. If you don’t know which pens to buy, BIC is my go-to brand. They have the best pens for note-taking. They mightn’t be the most aesthetic pens, but I can assure you they’ll be the most practical.
10. Tissues:
Always try to have a pack of tissues in your backpack. It’s an essential item, I can assure you.
11. Snacks:
The college survival kit is made out of snacks. Snacks are a necessity, a must, unforgettable backpack essentials. My advice? Buy a pack of small-sized snacks (cookies, almonds, rice cakes…) and take one at a time. Never keep fruit, vegetables, or organic food in your backpack as your just-in-case snack. They go bad very easily, and your backpack will be smelly for weeks.
12. Period kit (for women):
Have some tampons and pads in your backpack. Even if you don’t need them all the time, a classmate may have an emergency anytime. Having them around won’t make your backpack much heavier, but they will be lifesavers. Consider including painkillers, wipes, or a pouch to stay discreet.
Tips to buy the best college backpack essentials:
Now that you know what to pack in your college backpack, check if you have everything you need. Don’t buy everything new; try to reuse the material you have at home. Packing your college backpack shouldn’t be expensive. Look for affordable brands, ask your family for items…
Now it’s your time to decide on your college backpack essentials. Go over the list. Is there an item I won’t need? Are there additional materials I will need?
What do you always keep in your backpack? Share your must-haves in the comments!