20 Backpack Essentials You Need To Have For Back To School
Going back to school is stressful enough, without worrying about which backpack essentials you need. From snacks and chargers, to personal care items and the latest tech, these items will get you through the day. Check out our list, to see which items are a must have.
1. Laptop
If you haven’t already made friends with your laptop, now is the time. When you go back to school, your go to backpack essential is your laptop. Not only will you have to do assignments on it, you need it for the entertainment too! Just don’t admit that to mom and dad.
2. Laptop Charger
You can’t have one without the other. Your laptop charger is a must have item. You can be working on an assignment and your laptop dies (panic sets in) right in the middle of it. As long as you have your charger with you, you’re in luck. Simply plug it in, instead of running back to the dorms to find your charger!
3. Portable Phone Charger
As the tech generation we can’t go anywhere without our phones. And if the battery starts to die, we have a backup plan. The portable phone charger is a game changer. Most chargers are now wireless so you can simply set the phone on top of it. Some still require them to be plugged into your phone. Either way, your phone gets the charge it needs.
4. Water Bottle
Drinking water is so important, especially when you go back to school. Water fountains will do the trick but the best backpack essential is a reusable water bottle. They have so many varieties to choose from. They have some that keep you water cold or monitor how much you are drinking throughout the day. Plus, by using a reusable one you are cutting back on plastic waste!
5. Planner
Nothing makes you feel like you have your life together like a planner. They are a great tool for keeping track of when papers are due, social activities and when you can schedule down time. There are a bunch of types, so there is a style for everyone! Some styles work betters for others so don’t get discouraged.
6. Pencil Case
Keep all your class supplies together with this backpack essential. The pencil case is the perfect way to have all your items in one spot. Use it as a holder for pens, highlighters and USBs. Trust us, it gets annoying fast, to constantly have to look for a pen in the bottom of your backpack.
7. Pens and Highlighters
What’s the point of having a pencil case if you can’t fill it up? Having a large selection of pens, highlighters and pencils can come in handy. You’ll never know which one you will need in class, especially if you are in more creative classes. Plus you can use them to color coordinate events in your planner!
 8.Sticky Notes
College books can be hella expensive, even if you buy used ones. Most college’s let you rent them, as long as the come back in the same condition. If you need to mark up your books to help with homework, try using sticky notes instead. You can easily move them around and write on them so you will know what is what.
9. Alarm Key Chain
You can never be to prepared when walking through campus. Now we’re not saying something will happen to you, we want you to be prepared just in case. Think about adding an alarm key chain onto your backpack. That way it’s close by if you need it. Most are so cute, no one will ever tell the difference between them and regular key chain.
Get the look:
10. ChapStick
It’s true, you need a car, house and backpack ChapStick. This little gem goes a long way when it comes to having a personal item with you. Not only does it make your lips softer, but also keeps your baby hairs at bay. Almost everyone uses ChapStick, whether they want to admit it or not!
11. Personal Pouch
Mother Nature sure does have a mind of her own. That means you should always be prepared for when she stops by. Use a personal pouch to keep all your feminine products contained and ready to go. This way you’ll always be prepared and can help a girl out if she needs it (we’ve all asked in the bathroom).
12. Personal Items
Phone, wallet, key. Not only is it a Adam Sandler parody, but these items should always be backpack essentials. You need each of these items to get through your day without any additional stress. It’s no fun to go up to your RA (for a third time) to ask them to let you in your room again.
13.Headphones
Headphones are a must have backpack essential when you go back to school. Everyone uses them a little differently. You’ll see people walking across campus, working out at the gym or even in the library. Most times they are used for playing music or to block out background noise. If you still have a hard time concentrating, look into noise canceling headphones.
14. Gum
Everyone wants good breath, don’t they. Having gum in your backpack is sure to make that happen. It’s one of the smaller items but has a big job to do! Once your classmates know you have it, they are sure to ask for some. Who knows, maybe the class cutie will ask you for some, giving you an excuse to talk to them!
15. Lotion
The worst part of wearing cute clothes that show off your legs, it seeing how dry they are! No one likes dry skin, no matter where it is. Make sure to have a travel size lotion in your backpack when you head back to school. It will come in handy more then you think and who wouldn’t want to smell good throughout the day.
16. Hand Sanitizer
Now more then ever, you will want hand sanitizer as a backpack essential. There is nothing worse then touching something sticky, and not knowing what it is. Use hand sanitizer as often as needed, to make sure you are staying germ free. Most solutions have aloe in their formula to prevent hands from drying out.
17. Sun Glasses
It’s always sunny somewhere, for at least a few minute at a time (Michigan, we’re looking at you). Having sun glasses in your backpack is going to be a game changer when walking across campus. No more having to squint or getting watery eyes. Simply pop these babies on and you’ll be good to go!
Get the look:
18. Pocket Change
We bet you never knew how much you needed spare change, until you don’t have it. Carrying change is something that most of us don’t do anymore. But it’s something you’ll want to get into the habit of in college. You might need it for parking, snacks in the vending machine or even for laundry. Even if you use your debit card for most things, make sure to have a few quarters with you just in case.
19. Umbrella
It’s all fun and games until you get caught walking across campus in the rain. Having an umbrella is a super useful backpack essential. The travel style folds down so its easy to carry and doesn’t take up much space in your bag. It’s a great thing to always carry with you because you never know when Mother Nature will change her mind about the weather.
20. Snacks
8 A.M classes are no joke and if you have classes all day, then bless your heart! Without some snacks, there is a really good chance that you can become hangry. Pack something that is not only easy to eat, but will also fill you up as well. Most times you can’t eat in class, so also consider packing the snack in a bag that won’t alert the whole class to you snacking.
Which item can you not live without? Which essential would you add to the list? Comment and share with use below!
Featured Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/740701469949598113/
