I like to think of my college backpack as the trusty sidekick ready and willing to help me through all of the ups and downs of college life. It was the ultimate college survival kit! I mean what would I do without it? 🎒🎓
When I first started college, my backpack was stuffed to the brim with all kinds of random things that I thought I might need for class. Like the list was honestly wild!
1 . It started out with textbooks, but then I just kept cramming in every spare notepad and pen I could find. You know the feeling!
2 . I also got obsessed with bringing my laptop 💻 everywhere. I mean it just felt like having technology on my person at all times made me feel more secure.
3 . Planners and agendas were also a must. I was convinced that if I wrote down all of my assignments and test dates then I would somehow make it through the semester unscathed
4 . Then there was the never-ending supply of random things like a phone charger, extra hair ties, bobby pins, sunglasses, earphones, tampons, and a pocket knife 🔪 (which came in handy when I had to lockpick my way back into my dorm after that one time I accidentally locked myself out) and a huge burger 🍔 shaped stress ball – I still don’t know why I bought it.
Related: How to stay Organized in College: 9 Tips to Help You Conquer the College Chaos
5. I also had to have snacks and water for when I was feeling peckish during classes. It was as if Willy Wonka and the supermarket went to college. I had it all – granola bars, peanut butter crackers, chocolate chip cookies, and of course some gummy bears so that I could get my sugar fix.
6. Medical Supplies because why not right? Band-Aids, antiseptic ointment, and even an emergency eye mask in case I needed to catch up on some sleep on a study break in the library.
7. Extra change of clothes because you never know (I mean I was so extra back in those days that it makes me chuckle when I think about it!)
When I look back now, it’s so funny that I thought lugging around my entire life with me was a great idea! But hey, I’m only human, and we all got to learn somehow.
Eventually, I realized that having my bag weighed down with a bunch of unnecessary items was not ideal. No more bringing my what-would-you-do-if-lost-in-the-wild kit with me on campus!
I lightened my load to just the bare essentials like my laptop + charger, Notebooks, a few trusty pens, snacks, and, my planner. As for the random things like the pocket knife and burger-shaped stress ball? Those stayed in. I mean, you never know when you might need them.
So there you have it, my college edition of what’s in my backpack. All the essential items to make my life a whole lot easier and way more manageable.
Related: 56 Ways to be a Productive College Student: A Glimpse Into an Ultra-Productive Life
The takeaway from my story here is that when you’re packing for college, Less is M.O.R.E !
So if you are in college and feeling the overwhelming urge to stuff your bag full of random items, my advice is to just don’t do it! Just stick to the essentials. And if you’re wondering what those essentials are, keep reading (coz I got you! 😃👍🏻)
The College Student’s Ultimate Guide to Packing the Perfect Backpack!
When it comes to packing the perfect backpack, college students know what’s up. From finding out which snacks fit perfectly into our water bottle pockets to the art of strategically placing textbooks in the bottom section, we have it down!
But to make sure there’s room for all our important items and accessories, sometimes we have to use a few tricks. That’s why I created the University Student’s Ultimate Guide to Packing the Perfect Backpack!
In this guide, I’ll help you figure out the best way to store your laptop (and all of its cords and accessories), how to use the different compartments for maximum efficiency, and which snacks will survive your commute.
Plus, I’ll throw in a few tips on how to make sure your bag is comfortable to carry and won’t throw off your center of gravity. So, let’s get packing!
1. Choosing the perfect backpack is the first step.
Make sure to pick something with enough space for all your essentials, as well as multiple compartments for easy organization.
Look for a backpack with straps that won’t dig into your shoulders and a waist belt to help distribute weight more evenly. Also, consider your style. You want to make sure you look good while running around campus with it!
2. Here’s a checklist of all the College Backpack Essentials you need and what you don’t.
This checklist will help you narrow down what items you should carry with you every day and what can stay at home:
College Edition: Essential Items Every College student Should Keep in Their Backpack
- Laptop and charger – this is a must for those long class days or late-night study sessions.
- Pencil/pen and notebook – for taking notes or jotting down ideas that don’t fit onto your laptop.
- Headphones – great for tuning out the world during class or drowning out background noise on your commute.
- Wallet – the most important item in your backpack! Store all your cards, cash, and other essentials.
- Keys – you don’t want to be stuck outside your dorm when you get back from class.
- Snacks – for those moments when you don’t have time to grab a coffee or lunch.
- Water bottle – stay hydrated, even on the go!
- Phone charger/portable charger – keep your device topped up throughout the day.
- Sunglasses – protect your eyes from the sun’s glare when you’re outdoors.
- First aid kit – keep basic supplies on hand for minor injuries or illnesses.
- Hand sanitizer – you never know what germs you’ll come in contact with while out and about
- Gum/Mints – make sure your breath is always minty fresh
- Face masks – even though the pandemic is over, carry a few just in case you need them while traveling.
- USB drive/flash drive – for keeping important documents safe and accessible
- Book/magazine – great for passing the time during long commutes or breaks.
- Chapstick – keep your lips hydrated and looking great!
- Laptop case/sleeve – protect your laptop from any bumps and bruises.
- Tissues – always be prepared for sneezes, tears, or spills
Things you don’t need to carry around in your college backpack:
- Your textbook collection. You’ll only need the ones you’re using for your classes each day, so leave the others at home.
- A ton of food and snacks. You don’t need to bring a week’s worth of food with you – just enough for the day
- Your laptop charger, mouse, and other accessories. They’re bulky items that you can keep in your dorm room or locker
- A huge collection of pens and pencils. Just bring a few of the ones you use most often
- A ton of unnecessary items like magazines, makeup, or extra clothes. Keep only the essentials and leave the rest at home
3. Focus on multipurpose items
When it comes to packing the perfect college backpack, you don’t want to be weighed down by a bunch of unnecessary items.
Instead, focus on multipurpose items like a laptop stand that can also be used as a table or a convertible backpack that you can use for school, work and travel.
4 . Next, let’s talk about packing efficiency.
The main compartment is great for items like textbooks, notebooks, and binders.
However, the side pockets are perfect for storing smaller items such as pens, pencils, and erasers. In addition, the water bottle pocket is great for keeping snacks handy.
Try packing trail mix, granola bars, or protein bars to help you stay energized throughout the day.
5. Let’s talk about the Laptop situation
Depending on the size of your laptop and its accompanying accessories, this can take up a lot of space.
If your laptop is smaller, consider using the front pocket for easy access to it and its cords. For larger laptops, the main compartment will work just fine.
Make sure to pack any additional cords in a separate pouch for easy access later.
6. Consider Comfort and Weight Distribution when packing your College Backpack.
Your backpack should feel comfortable on your back and not be too heavy. If possible, try to distribute heavier items evenly throughout the bag so your center of gravity stays even
7. Finally, don’t forget the small details!
Pack your bag with a positive attitude and don’t be afraid to add some personality to it. Whether it’s adding an inspirational keychain or adding cute stickers, your backpack should represent your personality.
With these simple tips, you’re well on your way to packing the perfect college backpack and get after your studies!
So there you have it – the ultimate guide to packing the perfect college backpack!
No matter what your style may be, make sure to include all the essentials and ditch the unnecessary items (that way, you may have enough room left for a few silly snacks to get you through those long lectures). 😸👩🏼🏫🎒
Just remember, the best way to rock your college backpack is with a smile and a positive attitude – because you’re ready to take on the world!
“Your backpack is an extension of yourself, so make sure it’s stocked with everything you need for college success…and nothing extra!”
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