9 College Backpack Must Haves You Need To Buy Now | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

9 College Backpack Must Haves You Need To Buy Now

The essentials that you need for life as a college student.

248
9 College Backpack Must Haves You Need To Buy Now
Tumblr

Your college backpack basically carries your college day-to-day life in one bag. If there's a change of plans and you decide to stay at the student union for a bit longer or go to the library before going home for a couple hours more, your backpack should equip you with everything you need. Here are the nine college essentials that I have in my backpack:

1. Academic planner

From welcome barbecues to sports games to labs, there are so many different kinds of events that you will need to organize in one place. Writing your schedule down in a planner will make sure you don't forget about that research paper you have due on Monday when making plans for the weekend.

2. Laptop/tablet

Whether you are taking notes and looking things up while in class or reading an e-textbook in between classes, you will need your laptop. Even if devices aren't allowed by some professors, they come in handy when you have spare time before/after class and want to catch up on the news or check social media.

3. Nutrition

Chances are you will have back-to-back classes and not enough time to go to the cafeteria/food court to grab lunch sometimes. It's necessary to hydrate and refill your bottle at water stations around campus when you're on the go. Also anytime I was really tired, I would drink water to keep myself awake. A snack will help you pay attention and be in a better mood when you just want to get through a never-ending lecture.

4. Chargers

If you decide to go to the library or class gets cancelled and you'd rather stay on campus until your next class starts, chargers for your electronic devices will ensure you stay occupied. Every time I update my phone's software, I swear the battery dies out faster, and I hate being paranoid about how long it can last. I recommend getting a portable charger so I don't have to worry about navigating my way around campus if I'm running late or having my roomie let me in if I left my key in the dorm room.

5. Study materials

These include the basics: notebooks, textbooks, pencils, pens and erasers. Throw in notecards, highlighters and multicolor sticky notes for the important sections. If I get to class early, I will pull out my notecards and study them if I have a quiz coming up. For visual learners and OCD students like myself, gel pens, tabs and highlighters are key.

6. Back-up money

You had a long day of classes and haven't eaten since morning when you realize your wallet is not with you. We all forget our wallet at least once, and in situations like these, you will want to have around $5–20 spare cash to use for a caffeine pick me up or a bite to eat.

7. Earphones/headphones

Earphones are probably the most-used item I have on this list. You will use them to listen to music on the way to class or talk to someone as you're walking back to the dorms, and if you want less distraction when studying in a popular study area. I always buy an extra pair just in case I leave my main pair at home!

8. "Beauty kit"

For me, this includes: Chapstick, lotion, hand sanitizer, eye drops, compact brush and hair ties. The Chapstick and lotion are super useful during dry winter weather, and if you go to school in a sunny area, add sunscreen! A lot of girls include makeup powder or lipstick to touch up as well as hygiene products just in case.

9. Weather accessories

Every time it's brutally sunny or it randomly rains, you don't want to be unprepared. I carry a light jacket in my backpack because I always get cold in classrooms. I'd recommend getting one with a hoodie so you can use it when it rains. If you go to school in Buffalo or New Orleans, pack an umbrella in one of the side pockets of your backpack. If you go to school in Las Vegas or Phoenix, hat and sunglasses will keep you from being blinded by the blazing sunlight. If it snows in your college town a lot, like Manchester, pack a beanie and gloves so you don't freeze to death. And so on.

Everyone is different and adds items to their backpack based on personal preference, but I think it's essential to be prepared. Most of these items make sure you are comfortable and that you don't waste time going back to your dorm or apartment to get things that you do not have access to. Better safe than sorry!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

177709
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

4661
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

450837
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22409
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments