As a recent graduate, I’ve had some essentials in my backpack for years that got me through college. You’ll have some long days in college, so making sure you have all that you need is important.
You need to carry your backpack without breaking your back, so I’ve really only included actual backpack essentials. I’ve left out a lot of unnecessary items that realistically you’re never going to need.
Backpack Essentials to Bring to College
A phone charger, snacks and a reusable water are essentials that you should pack in your backpack for college. For those long breaks between classes you’re going to want have earphones or AirPods. For longer days or days where you forget, deodorant will come in handy!
In this post, I share 13 backpack essentials for college plus some bonus honourable mentions.
13 College Backpack Essentials
Before I start, this is not going to be a list of 30 items that you realistically won’t need. Every item recommended below is something that I believe is a necessity for college.
Overpacking will make your bag heavier and if you have a long day the last thing you want is a heavy bag. Speaking from experience, having many items will also make it easier to become disorganized.
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle will be one of the most frequently used items that you will use throughout the semester. Between classes, if you have the chance, fill up your water bottle so you have fresh water for your next class.
It’s good to fill your water bottle before class, so if you get thirsty in the middle of a lecture you don’t have to leave to fill it up. A reusable water bottle will save you money in the long run especially if you tend to buy plastic bottles.
Snacks
During a 10 hour day at college, you are going to be so happy that you packed some snacks! A favorite for me is Nature Valley bars and Goldfish. However you bring the ones you like best!
Always keeping a snack on you will come in handy. Remember when you eat your snack, to pack a new one the next time you get a chance.
It’s important to eat throughout the day, especially in college. In my experience, I retain information a lot better when I eat during the day.
Laptop / iPad
If you’re in college nowadays, you pretty much need an iPad or Laptop. Make sure you pack your device in a safe place inside your backpack where it won’t get damaged.
Get in the habit of packing your laptop or iPad inside your backpack every morning and make sure to never forget it in class! Remember to charge your laptop or iPad overnight so it’s good to go for the next day.
If you’re not sure whether to get an iPad or laptop for college check out this article: Buying an iPad for College? What You Need to Know
Chargers
A phone charger is a must have and something that I always had in my backpack. Whether you use your phone for school work, during class or between class at some point your phone will die.
On that long 10 hour day you are going to be so happy that you packed a phone charger.
If your computer has a bad battery, a computer charger is something you should consider packing. If your computer battery lasts you throughout the day, you wont be needing to pack a charger.
Textbooks
When it comes to bringing your college textbooks, only bring the books that you need for that day. Unless you have a big test coming up you won’t be needing every textbook every single day.
Textbooks can get really heavy so just bring the one you need for that day to keep your backpack light.
Agenda
An agenda is super important when you are in college. I would recommend always having it on you so you can keep track of due dates and exam dates. Keeping track of important dates will keep you organized and prevent you from falling behind.
If you have an agenda app on your phone, laptop or iPad then there is no need for bringing an agenda.
Notebook
A notebook is always handy to have in your bag. Many students will take notes on their laptop or iPad but it’s always good to have some paper on you.
If you still take notes using a notebook, make sure you always have an extra notebook or paper in case you run out.
Gum
Gum is a great little thing to keep in your bag. Mixing coffee, snacks and a long day will result in bad breath so having some gum is a must.
If ever you forget to brush your teeth in the morning, you will be so happy that you packed gum in your bag.
Deodorant
Deodorant is something you should get at the beginning of the semester and keep in your backpack. There will be days where you will forget to put on deodorant and it will seriously come in handy.
If you ever get sweaty or you feel like you smell during a long day the deodorant will take care of you!
Earphones / AirPods
If you have long breaks between classes you absolutely need earphones or AirPods. I would leave my AirPods in the back pocket of my bag. Whenever I had time between class I would pop them in and listen to music, a podcast or watch Netflix.
Some earphones will get you through those long and dreadful days.
Pencils and Pens
Even if you use a laptop or iPad you are going to want to have at least a couple of pens and pencils. At some point throughout the semester you will have to write so they will be useful.
If you take notes by hand, pack a few extra pencils and pens and bring a pencil sharpener and eraser.
Tissues
Tissues are a must especially during cold season. The last thing you want to deal with is having a runny nose in class and having nothing to wipe it with.
There are some small travel sized tissues that won’t take up too much room in your backpack.
Hand Sanitizer
Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer is a good idea to prevent you from getting sick. A travel sized bottle should last you a couple months. College is a really easy place to get sick so having some hand sanitizer will turn out to be useful.
Honourable Mentions
These are some items that students find useful but aren’t necessary.
Makeup Bag
For girls in college, having a makeup bag with a few little essentials can come in handy. Ladies, if you like to have a few everyday skin care essentials, then put them in your makeup bag.
Cologne / Perfume
If you like to wear cologne or perfume, it’s something you can put in your backpack and won’t take up much room. Many fragrance companies make travel sized bottles which are great for bringing to school.
Mini Umbrella
If you don’t like to get your hair wet on a rainy day, then pack a mini umbrella. They make lightweight and compact umbrellas that won’t take up much room in your backpack.
Final Thoughts on Backpack Essentials for College
If you’re just starting college, you are going to want to know what essential items to bring in your backpack. In this post, we went over 13 unique must-have items to bring to college, along with some honourable mentions.
Do you have any backpack essentials that you recommend? Please let me know in the comments below.