Getting prepared to go off to college and not sure what you need in your backpack? I get it! I'm a Type A college student who was looking for allll of these answers when coming to college. So be sure to follow along on my Getting Ready For College Series to learn all kinds of answers, just like this full list of college backpack essentials, to be fully prepared!
Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you! Today, I will give you a full, comprehensive list of What To Pack In Your Backpack In College!
What do I need to bring on my first day?
- In terms of class materials, most classes have "Syllabus Week," the first week of classes, which means this is the week that teachers will spend outlining the course and what the semester will look like. During this time, they will tell you what materials you will need.
- So, for the first day of classes, you only need a computer, a notebook, and a pen or pencil.
Advice for your first day
- Look over your syllabus before going to your first day of class. If you do end up needing something other than your computer and paper it will be outlined in here.
- Try to make at least one friend in every class. This is a great idea that can help get you out of your comfort zone a little bit (at least it is for me!), but the main point is that if you get sick or miss class, you will know someone you can reach out to for notes.
What to pack
- Hand sanitizer
- Snacks
- Water Bottle
- Portable Charger
- Mints/Gum
- Tissues
- Chapstick/Lipgloss
- Umbrella
- Medicine
- Feminine Products
- Headphones or Earbuds
- Laptop & Laptop Charger
- Notebook
- Pens, Pencils, Highlighters, Erasers, etc.
1. Hand Sanitizer
You never know when you will be stopping to eat a snack or meal on campus, so being sure to keep hand sanitizer on hand is essential.
2. Snacks
You might get hungry if you are on campus all day so I always recommend keeping some kind of snack in your bag!
These are my favorites! P.S. You can also just throw in an apple or an orange to eat for natural energy. I have linked below some of my favorite healthy snack options.
3. water bottle
This is self-explanatory, but still, make sure you bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
4. portable charger
I have this portable charger and I love it! The battery lasts so long, and I always make sure to keep this one in my bag and fully charged.
But wait, the best part is that it has an Apple charger and a USB-C cable to charge your phone AND your laptop! Perfect to keep in your backpack for those long days orrrr when you forget to plug your electronics in, it happens!
5. mints or gum
I recommend throwing some mints or gum in your bag to keep on hand for any chance you may want to freshen up, especially after a meal on campus!
6. tissues
The absolute worst is when you are stuck in class without tissues, so you just sit there sniffling and remaining uncomfortable. So be sure to prevent that by throwing a few of these travel tissues in your bag!
7. Chapstick or lip gloss
Be sure to keep your favorite chapstick or lip gloss on hand! I love this tinted Vaseline because it adds a little color to your lips while also being very moisturizing.
8. umbrella
Keep some kind of rain gear on hand, just in case. I find it easiest to leave an umbrella tucked into the side pocket of my backpack for any unexpected rain showers!
9. medicine
Keep on hand any kind of medicine you may need in case of a headache, period pain, allergies, upset stomach, etc. Just be sure to throw in a travel container of the medicines you use most often.
10. feminine products
You always want to be prepared and have a handful of pads and tampons in your backpack! You can never be too prepared!
11. Headphones or earbuds
Be sure to throw some headphones or earbuds in your bag for any studying on campus, walks to class, or anything in between.
12. Laptop and Laptop Charger
Of course, be sure to pack your laptop and consider keeping a backup laptop charger in your backpack to prevent any issues with a low battery on your computer!
13. Notebook
Be sure to grab your favorite notebook if this is something you will need for your classes. By favorite is the 5-star binder with divided sections for 5 different subjects. It is perfect for college.
14. Pens, Pencils, Highlighters, Sticky notes, Erasers, etc.
Be sure to add a pencil pouch with any stationery you want.
BONUS ITEMS
A few extra items you may want to throw in your bag.
- Sunglasses
- First Aid Kit/Band-Aids
- White Out
- Dry-Erase Marker (For the whiteboards on campus or in the library!)
- Flashcards
- Travel-size Deodorant
- Extra Hair ties
- Cough drops
- Floss
- Tide Pen
I truly hope this post told you exactly what you wanted to know and helped you feel exponentially more prepared for your upcoming college classes! For more advice, check out 5 Tips You HAVE To Know For The First Week Of College Classes.
With Love,
Isabella XO
