We all have those incredibly long and tiring days on campus where we don’t even have time to eat. During these days, finding the time to run back to our dorm or apartment is just impossible! We can’t just run out in the middle of class just to grab a quick snack or a calculator that is needed for your next exam. That is why carrying the college backpack essentials is crucial to maintaining your sanity and easing your mind during those long and painful days.

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The Best College Backpacks:

First, let’s talk about the backpack itself. We all know that different semesters require different class materials. Some months we need to bring large and heavy textbooks, while other times we only need the bare essentials. Because of this, investing in a comfortable, durable, and versatile backpack is incredibly important! I promise you won’t regret putting in a little money into your backpack. This will ensure it lasts throughout your college career (saving you money in the long run) and that you will be comfortable throughout the day!

The backpack I personally use is the North Face Woman’s Recon Backpack, and I swear by it. It is comfortable, has organizational pockets, fits everything I need (including my laptop) and it has been indestructible! I have been using it since 2011 for both hiking and school. But honestly, North Face makes some incredible backpacks, any style you choose would probably last you a lifetime.

Things to Consider when Purchasing a Backpack:

• Will your laptop fit?
• Is there a space for a water bottle?
• Are there additional organizational pockets?
• Is it durable?
• Is it comfortable? – Most backpacks made by reliable hiking/outdoor brands will be perfect!
• Is there space where you can keep your valuables? Perhaps an inner pocket?
• Are you going to be using it for any other activities such as hiking? (Check out this post for what to pack on your next hiking trip!)

Are you an incoming college freshmen? If so, check out my 20 Essential Things to do the Summer Before College Starts!

The College Backpack Essentials:

Well, here we go! These are the items that I carry with me every day. They may seem like quite a bit, but in reality, it really isn’t that much when it is all packed up into your backpack. And you’ll be prepared for anything!

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1. Personal Essentials

Of course, you can’t forget your phone, keys, wallet, and student ID before you leave the house, so they have to be the first to go on the list!

Heading back to school? Check out my Ultimate Back-to-School Printable Bundle!

2. Laptop and Laptop Charger

Depending on your classes, you may or may not need to bring your own personal laptop and charger to campus. However, if you do choose to get some homework and studying done between classes, taking your laptop to campus can be really handy.

Tip: If you don’t need your laptop in class and just want to get some work done, invest in an IPad! That is what I take to campus to get my online homework assignments completed between classes. You can find them for a great price on Amazon (the refurbished ones work great!) and they are incredibly light and easy to carry. Also be sure to grab a Bluetooth keyboard, it’s super convenient!

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Studying for an Exam

3. Travel Power Strip

I cannot count how many times I have been in need of an extra outlet on campus, so carrying a travel/mini power strip has been a game changer! Plus, this strip has two extra USB ports so you don’t need to carry a phone charger. Just don’t forget to bring your charging cable.

4. Portable Phone Charger

Speaking of charging your electronics, when you can’t find an outlet or are in the middle of class, using a portable phone charger can be a life saver! I mean it!

5. Headphones

Headphones are great when you are listening to music, an audiobook, or even getting some homework done requiring videos on your computer!

6. Re-Usable Water Bottle and a Travel Mug

Of course, it is always important to stay hydrated throughout the day, so don’t forget to bring a water bottle (I am currently loving THESE waterbottles!) and a travel mug.

Hydroflask travel mugs are perfect for carrying in your backpack because they have a perfect seal and keep everything either incredibly hot or incredibly cold throughout the day. And by throughout the day, I really mean it! I brought hot chocolate to campus last winter and it was still too hot to drink at the end of the day so I had to put ice cubes in it!

7. School Binder, Notebooks, Folders, and Extra Paper

Your school binder, paper, notebooks, and folders are the meat and potatoes of your school supplies. You will always need to carry them on campus! They hold all of your homework, notes, projects, and everything else you might need on campus. I am loving the Staples Better Binder, it has lasted me countless years and is a great deal!

Tip: Always be sure to carry extra paper! And, depending on your classes, also bring extra graph and plain paper as well. You never know when you might need it!

Related: How to Organize your School Binder-15 Great Tips to Get You Inspired!

8. Portable 3-Hole Punch/Ruler

Being able to hole punch all of your incoming paperwork can be so incredibly handy! Plus a portable 3 hole punch is super cheap, small, and doubles as a ruler!

9. Textbooks and In-Class Materials

Depending on your classes, you may be required to bring in your textbook or other classroom materials. These could be lab manuals, scantrons, composition books, or whatever else your professor specifies. This will often be written out in your classroom syllabus. For example, this semester, I need to bring an engineering graph paper pad, protractor, compass, and a foam block every day to one of my engineering classes.

Related: 11 Clever Tips that Will Save You CRAZY Money on Textbooks

10. School Planner

Having a school planner is one of the best ways to maintain your sanity and stay organized in class! As for which planner to choose, I HIGHLY recommend you find a printable planner. They can easily be added to your school binder so you can keep everything in one easy-to-access place. In fact, I love printable planners so much I created my own! Check it out HERE! I’ve also created a list of 15 planning essentials you ensure you use your planner to its fullest potential. 

Related: Organize Your Life with the Only Student Printable Planner You’ll Ever Need in School

11. Pen Pouch and School Supplies

It is a good idea to grab a pen pouch large enough to store all of your school supplies. It keeps everything in one place which makes it super convenient during class lectures. This pouch is a great size (and is super cute)!

School supplies to add to your pen pouch:

• Pens: I love using colorful pens to write up my notes. The Staedtler Triplus Fineliners are perfect for taking classroom notes!
• Pencils: Having mechanical pencils (these are my fav!) are great for college! You don’t need to worry about sharpening them and they are perfect for completing your handwritten homework assignments. But, don’t forget to have at least one or two No. 2 pencils for scantrons!
• Highlighters: Of course, you will be needing highlighters in class and while taking notes. The Zebra Mildliners are my absolute favorite. They have mellow colors and two different sized tips!
• Permanent Marker: Having a permanent marker is incredibly useful to have on hand.
• Dry Erase Marker: For those late-night study sessions, it is always handy to carry your own dry erase marker.
• Large Eraser: For those major mistakes, don’t forget to carry a large eraser. (I love these pen-shaped ones!)
• White Out: Speaking of mistakes, you’ll probably be needing some white out too!
• Sticky Notes: All college students always need a healthy supply of sticky notes… Be sure to always carry a variety of different sizes and colors. The Day-Timer Hot Lists are my absolute favorite for making lists and, of course, Post-It makes the best colorful notes!
• Extra Lead: Don’t forget to pack in some extra lead for your mechanical pencils (and to have the correct size!).

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Taking College Notes

12. Flashcards

Always keep a stack of blank flashcards and a stack of filled cards (for your next exam). Filling out cards and studying them is a great way to fill the time between classes. 

Related: A Colege List of FREE College Resources (59+ Included!)

13. Scientific Calculator

Nearly every college student needs to have a great scientific calculator at one point or another. Texas Instruments makes some of the best scientific calculators there are! You will have to invest in a good calculator but it is nearly a requirement for college.

14. Snacks and Gum

Be sure to always carry some extra snacks with you to campus. Granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit are great to have on hand, they fill you up and won’t go bad if you forget them in your bag for a while…

15. Spare Quarters

Speaking of snacks, it is also great to carry some spare quarters and cash for the snack machines and cafes around campus for those times you just really need some food!

16. Lotion and Hand Sanitizer

Both lotion and hand sanitizer are great to have with you while on campus during those times when… well you just need them. Be sure to get the travel sizes!

17. Extra Makeup, Travel Brush, and Travel Hairspray

Most days you probably won’t need to touch up your hair and makeup. But for those special career fair days or the day a job recruiter shows up, you’ll be thanking me.

18. Safety Whistle

Staying safe on campus is always a top priority. Make sure to carry a safety whistle and any other items you deem necessary. But be sure to do the proper research to see what is allowed on your campus! Campus police departments are amazing and are always willing to help answer any questions or concerns you have!

Tip: iPhones now have an emergency SOS feature that will notify the police with your location without having to speak. Just press the power button quickly 5 times and the SOS function will pop up!

19. A Custom Emergency Kit

Creating your own custom emergency kit will be a life saver! Probably not literally… but you get the picture. Below I have listed items you may want to add to your own. Be sure to purchase a small travel bag to put everything in, and to purchase everything in travel sizes!

Things you might consider adding to your custom emergency kit:

• Extra Cash ($20 is a great amount)
• Band-aids
• Hair ties and Bobby pins
• Safety pins
• Duct tape (create a small bundle from a full roll by taping around a used gift card)… Side note: I actually had to duct tape a radiator in the middle of class before… so it actually does come in handy!
• Tampons, pads, and an extra pair of underwear
• Various over the counter medicines for: headaches, menstrual pain, cold and flu, upset stomach, heartburn, allergies, and general pains
• Perscription medication (if relevant, such as an inhaler, EpiPen, etc.)
• Extra batteries for your devices (I always carry extra AAA batteries for my calculator)
• Tissues
• Cough drops
• Floss
• Mints
• Q-tips
• Bleach Pen
• Mini sewing kit
• Mini deodorant
• Nail clippers and a file

20. Cold Weather Items

During the winter months, and depending on your location, you might want to bring a few extra items with you such as hand warmers, gloves, a scarf, an extra pair of socks, and an umbrella.

21. Warm Weather Items

Similarly, you might want to bring some extra items during the summer months such as sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

There you have it! The top backpack essentials that I personally carry with me! Nearly every single item on this list has been used at least once, and has saved me countless times! I hope you have found this helpful and happy packing!

Further Reading

Looking for some more great back to school organization and related content? Check out these great posts:

• Everything You Need To Do Before a Successful Semester
• A Complete Resource Guide for College Students (59+ FREE Resources!)
• 63 Study Tips that will Skyrocket your GPA
• The Ultimate College Packing List
• 17 Brilliant Ways to Save Money on Dorm Essentials
• 22 Game-Changing Back-to-School Organization Hacks
• The Ultimate Back-to-School Guide: College Edition

Wondering what else you should be bringing to college? Check out my Ultimate College Packing List!