As a former college student who just recently graduated, I have spent the last 4 years at school attending lectures, studying and hanging out.
Through my time at school, I know what other students wear and if a backpack is something you need in college.
Do You Need a Backpack for College?
For college you want to have a backpack. A backpack is useful to hold books, a laptop or iPad, notebooks, pencils, snacks and other items. Having a backpack will keep you organized and make your life a lot easier when attending lectures. The large majority of students will wear a backpack in college.
In this post, I share 9 reasons why you need a backpack. I will also let you know what to look for in a backpack and share recommendations, and go over alternatives to backpacks.
9 Reasons You Need a Backpack for College
Textbooks
If you have multiple textbooks you will absolutely need a backpack. Carrying textbooks while also carrying school supplies, snacks, and other personal items is impossible without a backpack. Having a backpack will make your life a lot easier.
Pencils and Notebooks
Carrying pencils and notebooks is way easier in a backpack. If you prefer taking physical notes, having a backpack will keep you organized and prevent you from potentially ruining your notes.
Protecting Your Laptop
If you bring a laptop to college the last thing you want to do is break it. Getting a backpack that holds your laptop or bringing a laptop case will prevent anything bad from happening to your laptop.
Putting your laptop in your backpack will make it so much easier when you are walking around campus.
Clothing
If you like to bring a change of clothing, workout, swim or participate in extracurricular activities, a backpack is a must-have. I recommend keeping your clothes in a bag as it will be way easier to bring around with you all day.
Food, Snacks and Water
It’s so important to stay hydrated and full when you are going to class. It’s super hard to learn on an empty stomach, so I strongly recommend packing some snacks and water in your bag.
Having some snacks and water in your backpack will come in handy – trust me!
Phone Chargers
If you rely on your phone and computer for taking notes or just keeping you entertained during class, make sure to pack a phone charger and leave it in your backpack at all times.
You will be thankful when you get that 20% battery notification on your iPhone and you have a charger in your bag.
Glasses/Sunglasses
If you have glasses or enjoy wearing sunglasses, keeping them in your backpack is a great place. Glasses can be fragile, so putting them in a good case and keeping them in an accessible part of your bag is a good idea.
I kept a pair of RayBans in the back pocket of my bag, and every time it was sunny they came in clutch.
Earphones/AirPods
When you have long breaks, keeping some AirPods or earphones in your backpack is a must have! Keeping your earphones, and especially AirPods, will prevent them from slipping out of your pocket and potentially losing them.
I would designate a pocket or part of your backpack specifically for your earphones or AirPods, so you never misplace them.
Essentials
A backpack is great place for keeping your essentials. Whether it’s gum, deodorant, cologne or perfume, having a bag to keep you essentials is a good idea.
Having a backpack will make it so much easier to keep your essentials with you all day for those times when you need them the most.
What to Look for in a Backpack?
When choosing a backpack there are some things to think about. It’s important to look for a bag that meets your needs, is comfortable and stylish.
If you know you are going to carry a lot of textbooks, notebooks and a laptop, you’ll need a larger backpack. If you are carrying a laptop, make sure the bag has a compartment to keep your laptop safe.
Textbooks can get heavy, so make sure the backpack straps are comfortable. The last thing you want is a sore back from carrying a bag that is heavy and uncomfortable.
If you bring a lot of items in your bag, a backpack with multiple compartments is something you should consider. A backpack that can separate your textbooks, notebooks, computer and essentials will keep you organized.
If you are into stylish backpacks, there are some really good options for school. I went with a designer backpack that was expensive upfront but lasted me all 4 years in college and is still in really good condition.
Most Recommended Backpacks
JanSport
The JanSport is a classic affordable, and reliable backpack. They come if all sorts of different styles and colours and are a really good quality. If you like simplicity the JanSport is a great backpack that you should check out.
Herschel
The Herschel backpacks are super nice and are a great quality and style. I had a Hershel bag back in high school and it was such a good bag. Like the JanSport, Hershel bags come in many different styles and colours.
Fjällräven Kånken
The Fjällräven Kånken became more popular in my last two years of college. Even though I can’t pronounce the name of this bag, it’s really nice!
The simple aesthetic of the bag makes it really stylish. There are smaller and bigger versions of the bag so I would recommend checking out which size you like before purchasing one.
Adidas
The Adidas R.Y.V. is a really simple and affordable bag. If you’re looking for a bag that will do the job the Adidas R.Y.V is a great all around backpack. Adidas also has some other great backpacks.
Coach
If you’re looking to spend a little more, consider the Coach leather bags. The Coach Graham Backpack in Signature Canvas is what I used throughout my 4 years in college. It was honestly the perfect bag for me.
It has a place to keep my computer, notebooks, textbooks and my essentials. It’s also a really stylish bag and people would regularly compliment my backpack.
Do You Always Need a Backpack?
There are times when you won’t need a backpack in college. Since the pandemic, some classes have converted to being online. If your class is online you won’t be needing a backpack.
There will be some classes where you don’t have a textbook or your textbook is digital. If that’s the case for you, you can bring your laptop in a laptop case to class.
Can You Wear a Purse Instead of a Backpack?
Yes, in college a lot of girls will bring purses or tote bags. If you can fit a textbook, laptop or anything you would need for school in your handbag, then go for it! I still recommend wearing a backpack, as it is generally more convenient, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Final Thoughts on Backpacks for College
I hope this post was helpful in answering your questions, including if you need a backpack for college. We’ve gone over some recommendations and what to look for so you can get the perfect backpack or bag for your needs.
Please let me know if you bring a backpack to college and as well as any tips to share in the comments below.