What’s In My Backpack?

By: Ela Rybak ‘25

In Kindergarten, we all start with backpacks that are nearly as tall as we are, stuffed with lunch boxes and a few measly folders. About fifteen years later, as college students, we carry many different backpacks and totes to fit the people we’ve grown to be. Our bags hold what’s most important for our day-to-day living, and they say a lot about who we are!

I’ve had a few different bags during my college career, but my current black Coach tote is my absolute favorite! It is the perfect size to fit all of my supplies, and I often use it for non-school-related adventures as well. I have noticed that having a tote instead of a backpack makes things more easily accessible while on the go. Ultimately, I feel like my tote fits me and my life perfectly!

Now, to answer the all important question: what’s in my backpack?

Aquaphor

In the winter especially, but pretty much all year long, I suffer from extremely chapped lips, and there is truly no better lipbalm than Aquaphor. From bathroom breaks to walking to and from class, I always need easy access to my Aquaphor.

Lotion

Alongside my issue with chapped lips is my problem with dry hands! When LA gets extra windy in the winter months, my hands do not react well. A lotion with the scent of my favorite flower – sunflowers – is perfect for solving the problem.

Hand Wipes

As someone who loves keeping their hands clean, keeping hand wipes in my tote is 100% necessary. Sometimes hand sanitizer does the trick, but I prefer hand wipes that don’t dry out my hands worse.

Hydroflask

My bright blue Hydroflask has been with me since the beginning of high school. I am always in need of cold and refreshing water no matter the weather or time of day, and thankfully, Hydroflasks keep water cold for the entire day!

Gum

After a meal or snack, spearmint gum by Extra or Mentos is my go-to. One strip of gum goes a long way, and I also find it helpful when I get anxious about tests or assignments.

Headphones

No matter where I’m going, I always bring my headphones along with me. I love mixing it up by listening to one of my hundreds of Spotify playlists with artists ranging from the Weeknd to the Bee Gees. These Beats headphones helped get me through high school, and now they’re alongside me on my college journey!

Planner

I tried to jump on the online planner bandwagon, but to me, nothing is better than physically crossing off an assignment or chore on a tangible planner. I use my planner daily and in almost every class to stay up to date with upcoming due dates.

Calculator

As a business major currently taking accounting and statistics classes, my calculator is one of my best friends. I never know when I’ll need it for an in-class example or homework problem, so I always make my TI-84 easily accessible in my bag. 

Notebook with Pens and Pencils

Whether I need a piece of scratch paper or want to jot down some important information, a notebook and writing utensils are essential. 

Laptop

The most important thing in my bag is my laptop, which probably is true for most USC students. Blackboard, myUSC, checking my email, taking notes, and watching Netflix are all essential activities I need my laptop for, so whenever I leave my apartment, this is the first item I place in my tote.

The beauty of having our own bag is being able to update and personalize it as we please. Therefore, as I move on to different chapters of my life, I cannot wait to see how my bag and what is inside of it change!

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