BOOKBAG ESSENTIALS

Written by EnJanaé Taylor

Illustrated by Emily Poole

When it comes to packing your bag for college it’s pretty much just as easy as it was for high school. You need to figure out what items are essential to you for your daily routine. Here are 15 bookbag essentials everyone should consider having in a college bag.

WALLET & KEYS

Even though in college we use our laptops daily, some professors prefer you handwrite your notes. It’s always handy to keep a notebook in your bag, as well as a folder to for any important papers professors give out.

UMBRELLA

Along with being hot, the weather in Louisiana can be unpredictable. Having a mini umbrella will come in handy, trust me.

FACE MASK

With the pandemic still going on, it’s important to stay as safe as possible. Louisiana has ordered a statewide mandate to wear face masks, so make sure you have one on campus. Many local businesses such as SoSis Boutique and Bengals and Bandits are selling face masks for an affordable price.

LSU ID

Your LSU ID is one of the most important things you’ll have at LSU. You use it everywhere, including to eat at the dining halls and to get into your dorm or apartment if you live on campus. Make sure to always keep it close because you’ll need it a lot.

HAND SANITIZER

Another way to stay healthy is to keep hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes in your bag. Whether you get fancy scents or the standard cleansing items, it’s definitely a backpack essential.

SNACKS

During the day, between classes, you’re bound to want some food. Whether you pack a whole lunch or just bring snacks, food is a must have.

NOTEBOOKS & FOLDERS

Even though in college we use our laptops daily, some professors prefer you handwrite your notes. It’s always handy to keep a notebook in your bag, as well as a folder to for any important papers professors give out.

PLANNER

Using a planner is a great way to stay organized and productive, and they’re available in in different, cute designs and styles. Definitely a college essential.

LAPTOP

In college we do basically everything on our laptop computers. Which laptop is best for you depends on what you need for your major, but you will use it every day.

CHARGERS

With a full day of classes you’re likely to stay on campus for a while. Make sure to bring along the chargers for your laptop and your phone. Also, a portable charger is a good idea for easy access.

TEXTBOOKS

Again, what you will need daily varies depending on your major and particular classes. Most students get textbooks for their classes each semester, so if you’re told to bring textbooks with you to class then remember to put them in your bag. Textbooks for LSU classes are available at the campus Barnes & Noble store.

PENS & PENCILS

The supplies you need vary depending on your major, but everyone needs a pen or pencil to write notes or anything important.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

Louisiana can get really hot, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Your water bottle is something you can have fun with, choosing a fun design or stickers to decorate it and make it more fitting to your style and personality.

HEADPHONES

Whether you’re carefully walking to class and listening to music, listening during your break between classes or listening while you study on campus, headphones are always good to have.