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College backpack essentials for the stylish, organized, and always-prepared girl.
This list of commonly forgotten college essentials will make your life SO much easier!
You’re planning for college and want to be THAT GIRL who’s effortlessly put together! The one who’s stylish, organized, and has everything she needs, which means your college bag essentials are everything!
Whether you’re heading to class, the gym, the library, or a study session, what’s in your college backpack can seriously make or break your day.
Trust me, I’ve been there, running around campus without a pen or even my lip gloss (the worst).
As someone who’s been to college, I’ve definitely forgotten the basics (more times than I’m willing to admit). I am here to save you from those “ugh, I wish I had that” moments.
These are the tried-and-tested, trendy, yet affordable college bag essentials that scream ‘put together’ and, of course, aesthetic.
Let’s pack your college bag with the things that will keep you prepared and ready!
What’s in my college backpack?
This post is all about what’s in my college backpack essentials.
College Backpack Essentials
College Beauty Essentials
Let’s jump right into the college beauty essentials first, because let’s be honest, this is the fun and cute stuff ;). Hahaha
1. College Backpack
I guess first, we should start with a backpack. Lol. If you haven’t already gotten your backpack, I highly recommend the North Face backpack.
It’s functional and practical. Not only does it come in a variety of colors to match anyone’s vibe, but it also has several organized compartments.
I had a similar backpack my freshman year of college, and I appreciated the weather-resistant material and the padded straps, which made it super comfortable for long walks to class around campus.
If you’re looking for an aesthetic, I would suggest the Lululemon backpack as it is super trendy right now and SO cute!
2. Beauty Pouch
This beauty pouch is so adorable and perfect for storing all of your necessary beauty products.
I always kept a small makeup bag inside my backpack in case of emergencies.
Some days, I had back-to-back classes, and I needed my beauty essentials with me at all times, just in case I couldn’t make it to my dorm and needed to freshen up.
{Related Post: 9 Best Makeup Bags For Your Beauty Products}
3. Hand Sanitizer
Please make sure you keep hand sanitizer. Not to be dramatic, but there are so many germs on campus. lol! And there are times when I truly wish I had some hand sanitizer on deck.
Also, how cute is the Touchland hand sanitizer?
Not only does it keep my hands hydrated and clean, but they smell delicious, and I always get the “she’s put together” stare when I bring it out ;)!
4. Hand Cream
Don’t forget your hand cream! To be that girl, you cannot have dry hands. lol
If you’re looking for baby-soft skin, you have to invest in L’OCCITANE.
As a beauty advisor, I recommend this allll day, especially for the upcoming fall and winter months. I’ve tried countless others with several price points, and this one is hands down the best!
If you’re looking for the best drugstore, that’s still so good, definitely add Eucerin Advance Hand Repair Cream to your college backpack!
It’s hands down the best drugstore hand cream to achieve moisturized hands throughout the entire day, and a small amount goes a long way!
5. Lip Gloss
Girl, do not go around campus like I did with chap lips 🙁 One morning, I was rushing to class and totally forgot to grab it. This is why I suggest keeping a small beauty bag in your backpack. These are my top 3 favorite lip gloss/balm.
6. Personal Hygiene Items
Grab some pads and/or tampons, whatever your preference, because these are definitely college backpack essentials.
I can count more than I’d likely admit, the number of times I did not have a pad on me when on campus. No matter how prepared I am with tracking my cycle, she comes when she feels like it. Avoid the embarrassment and make sure you pack these in your college bag.
7. Mini Mirror
Want to look presentable and need a quick touchup? You need a mini mirror. Yes, bathrooms are available throughout campus, but this will save you time on finding one.
If you’re not into makeup, no worries, I still suggest grabbing a mini mirror. There are so many times I’ve left the cafeteria or was eating a snack, and had food stuck in my teeth. Yuck.
Plus, let’s be honest, a mini mirror gives that girl put together, 100%!
8. Perfume / Body Mist
I think one of my favorite compliments is “you smell SO good”! 😉
With some college days being demanding, requiring long days on campus, you will need to freshen up.
I always kept a small travel-sized perfume bottle in my backpack to freshen up when needed.
9. Deodorant
Need I say anything? You do not want to forget deodorant, trust me.
10. Tide Stain Remover Pen
Unexpected stains can happen. Whether you’re eating, rushing to class, or at a social event, this stain removal will help you maintain a clean and professional appearance.
Super affordable and absolutely essential.
College School Supplies
I probably should have started with these first, because honestly, they are the most important; however, the beauty essentials were fun! lol
11. Planner
As a 3.9 college graduate, this is the most essential college backpack you’ll need. Whether it’s a digital planner, calendar, or notebook, the ONLY way to be successful in college is to stay organized.
You’ll have important deadlines and meetings that your professor will not remind you of, like in high school.
This is my favorite planner, and I would use it again and again.
12. Laptop / iPad
I highly recommend getting a MacBook for college. In fact, I am currently using the same MacBook I received during my sophomore year in college, and let me tell you, it’s been roughly 10 years. LOL! So, needless to say, the longevity and quality are superior!
13. Cute Laptop Case
I’m obsessed with a cute, hard-shell protective laptop case. Not only does it protect your laptop (coming from someone who has dropped theirs a ton walking to class), but they are also insanely cute!
Crocodile skin is so trendy right now!
14. Pens
Don’t forget to purchase some pens! You’ll be writing a ton and taking so many notes. My favorite is gel pens; I appreciate how smoothly and precisely they write!
15. Pen Pouch
Grab yourself a cute pen/pencil holder to keep you organized. The last thing you want is to be rummaging through your backpack for a pen or pencil. These are insanely cute and match the IT girl college aesthetic.
This pen pouch is a top seller and has over 21K+ positive reviews!
16. Notebooks
To make your life easier and less cluttered, grab a notebook that has 5 subjects like this one! It eliminates the need to carry multiple notebooks, bringing the wrong one to class, and it’s divided to keep it class separate.
It’s so annoying to bring the wrong notebook to class.
If you’re looking for more of an aesthetic, I’ve got you covered and found the cutest notebooks for a college girl!
Other College Backpack Essentials
17. Taser/Pepper Spray
I totally forgot to bring one during my freshman year of college. However, you better believe I purchased one within a few weeks of being on campus. Safety comes first, always, and you want to be able to protect yourself.
18. Water Bottle
I always kept a cute water bottle with me around campus. You don’t want to consistently walk out of a class or search for a water fountain. So make sure you have one.
19. Blue Light Glasses
Digital devices like your laptop, phone, or iPad can strain your eyes over long periods. As a college student, you’ll spend a lot of time on these devices researching and typing papers.
Blue light blocking glasses help protect your eyes, whether you’re doing schoolwork or catching up with your favorite shows. These are super stylish and have 100K+ positive reviews.
And trust me, you’ll thank yourself, and they also come in such adorable shapes, colors, and sizes. I love them because they make you look put together and studious 🙂
20. Chargers
There are portal charging stations throughout campus; however, you might not find a charger. I always made sure I had extra on deck, just in case my laptop or phone died during class.
21. Small Cash
Having some cash on you can also save you in certain situations. While it is rare these days, sometimes you’ll randomly need cash (like using older vending machines or stumbling upon a bake sale), so it’s always good to have. Even if you can only spare some change in your bag, even that can add up and be useful!
22. Umbrella
Don’t get rained on like I have, hahaha. Keep a small umbrella in your backpack during cloudy days.
23. Snacks
I don’t know about you, but I love a good snack. Keep your favorite in your backpack when you’ve skipped a meal and/or are bored in class lol.
What’s in my college backpack? These are all the college backpack essentials I would pack!
This post was all about college backpack essentials every college student needs.