A few weeks before starting my first year of college, I found myself scrolling through TikTok to find the perfect college bag.
For the last two years of high school, I carried around my trusty Jansport backpack, and although it served its purpose, I wanted something a little different for this new chapter. I came across some really cute options, but they weren’t really practical for everyday use as a commuter. That was until I stumbled upon the “Baggu Everyday Cloud Bag.” The very next day, I took a trip to Soho and bought it in brown!
This bag was exactly what I was looking for: the perfect combination of cute and functional. It features four outer pockets, an inner laptop pocket, a zippered pouch, and even a ring to hang your keychains on (I have a Penguin Jellycat on mine!).
Now I’m going to tell you what I carry in my Baggu and the essentials I think every commuter should carry!
- Water Bottle
Hydration is super important, and yet I am guilty of not drinking enough water during the day. However, I found that adding a Liquid I.V. packet to my water helps me drink more while also providing electrolytes! I absolutely love my 24 oz Owala, and I think it’s the perfect size to carry around campus.
- Laptop/iPad/Notebook
Definitely keep something you can use to take notes and reference your professor’s slides. What works best for me is pulling up the slides and writing down the important stuff in my notebook. I’ve also found that writing my notes by hand helps me to retain the information better.
- Portable Charger
You never know how long you might spend on campus. I still have the iPhone 14 Pro, so let’s just say the battery life isn’t the best. I have made it home multiple times with the battery hanging on at 5%, so a portable charger is definitely a must-have for commuters.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
I love listening to music on the way to and from school. But also, the noise-canceling feature on my AirPods Pro is great when I’m studying or watching videos for class, especially for blocking out background noise.
- Essentials Pouch
I always think it’s good to keep a couple of necessities in your bag for emergencies. In my pouch, I usually keep lip gloss, travel-size deodorant, tissues and hand sanitizer, which I can just reach in and grab whenever I need them. And as a STEM major, I can’t forget my TI-84!
- Compact Umbrella
I have to take the bus to get to school, which means waiting outside. The worst possible end to my day is when it’s dark, twenty degrees outside, there’s snow still on the ground, and it’s pouring rain. Although you can’t control the weather, a good old umbrella can at least make the situation a little less miserable. Your future self will thank you!
- Snacks
I have back-to-back classes twice a week, so I only have time to grab food afterward. I make sure to carry snacks with me for the longer days I spend on campus. My favorites are Rice Krispies, granola bars and some chocolate for a little pick-me-up.
TO CONCLUDE
Whether you’re living on campus or commuting like me, I hope this list gave you some inspiration for what to keep in your everyday college bag.
At the end of the day, having a functional bag doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style!