As much as I wish my backpack would be neat and tidy with as few items as possible, it’s not that realistic. When I am on campus 14 hours a day studying, going to class, working, spending time at office hours, and then hitting up the gym there are a few necessities I always carry.
My Backpack – Fjallraven Kanken
Yes this is very “VSCO Girl”-esqe but I love it. I am often asked, how on the world do you fit everything in here, but just trust that I do. Using an iPad over notebooks and textbooks definitely helps. This little thing is adorable and simple so it matches with every outfit. It is comfortable and practical – no unnecessary straps, elastics, details, etc. It has just the perfect amount of pockets and extra compartments – a zippered one for my laptop and iPad, an open one inside the main compartment for my calculator and other little essentials, and a small zippered one on the front for some lip balm or a pot of lotion.
Pilot G2 Gel Pens
Even with an iPad, I can always find a reason to bust out my set of colored gel pens and these Pilot G2 Pens are so hard to beat. They’re comfortable in your hands, come in a wide variety of colors, are refillable, and I love the dark grey packaging. They write so smoothly and consistently, and can be purchased just about anywhere! The perfect pen to have at hand for jotting notes, grading papers, and mid-class doodles.
Glossier Balm Dot Com
While on the go, I feel it is of upmost importance to have all of your beauty essentials with you: things like lip balm, hand lotion, perfume, etc. My favorite lip balm is the Glossier Balm Dot Com. Simply put, these balms are adorable, smell taste and look great, and come in a variety of different scents, tints, and flavors. They can match any mood or occasion and their sleek design makes them easy to throw in any bag or backpack.
I highly recommend the mango and birthday cake flavors – my personal favorites!
Lululemon Light Locks Scrunchie
Got thick hair? This scrunchie will do this trick! I love having a super cute scrunchie with me at all times. You never know when you’ll need to throw your hair up in the middle of a lab or tie your hair up under your hood as you run between class on a rainy day. These scrunchies come in so many colors, wash so well, hold thick slippery hair in place for hours at a time, and add a little extra flair to any updo!
Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
Great headphones are an absolute must for any college student. Now give me a small, convenient, affordable, and comfortable pair of headphones and I will be hooked! These simple headphones retail for $50 and can fit just about anywhere – the palm of your hand, a pocket, and more. They come with multiple sizes and styles of rubber tips allowing you to choose which ones fit you best. They have an amazing battery life of 12 hours, charge over USB-C, magnet around your neck when they’re not in use, and even pause the music when you do so!
What are some of your college backpack essentials?
xoxo, Madison
radison 