Study Must-Haves for Your Tote Bag
Confession time: I used to show up to study sessions with like… a pen. Maybe. And then I’d spend the first 20 minutes being like “does anyone have a charger?” “can I borrow a highlighter?” “wait does anyone have snacks?”
I’ve learned my lesson and don’t forget snacks. I’m a work in progress.
So I know what you need in your bag because I forgot it all. All the time.
Here’s what actually matters:
The Basics (AKA Don’t Leave Home Without These)
Pens that actually work
Not gonna lie, this seems obvious but how many times have you grabbed a pen only to discover it’s dead? Keep at least two pens in your bag.
Sometimes students like one black and one blue because professors are weirdly specific about that stuff. And test them occasionally! Nothing worse than starting an exam and realizing your pen is out of ink.
A pencil (and eraser)
Even if you’re not a math major like I was, you never know when you’ll need a pencil. Scantrons. Diagrams. Math homework. Sketching out ideas. Plus you can fidget with it during lectures when you’re trying not to fall asleep.
Get the ones with erasers on top or carry a separate eraser because pencil marks without an eraser are just permanent mistakes with extra steps.
Highlighters (but like, just one or two)
I know some people have entire rainbow collections and that’s cool if that’s your vibe. But honestly? One or two colors is enough. I kept a yellow one for important stuff and a pink one for really important stuff. That’s it. Don’t overthink it.
Also I’m that vibe. I love a good collection of pretty highlighters even though I don’t use them nearly as often now.
Asmall notebook
Even if you take notes on your laptop, keep a small paper notebook in your bag.
For random thoughts.
Quick calculations.
When your laptop dies.
Doodling during boring lectures.
Writing down stuff you need to remember.
I got one of those mini notebooks that fits perfectly in the side pocket of my tote and used it constantly.
The Tech Stuff
Your charger (and actually remember it)
This is non-negotiable. Your laptop charger, your phone charger, whatever you need. I started keeping my laptop charger IN my tote bag permanently and just charging my laptop at my desk with a separate charger. That way I never forgot it. Life changing.
Headphones
Whether you study with music, white noise, or just need to block out the chaos of the library, headphones are essential. I kept my earbuds in a little case so they wouldn’t get tangled into a rat’s nest at the bottom of my bag.
A portable charger
Okay this one’s optional but SO helpful. Those days when you’re running from class to work to study sessions and your phone’s at 12%? A portable charger is a lifesaver. You don’t need anything fancy. Just something that’ll give you enough juice to get through the day.
The Survival Kit
Snacks (the good kind)
And by good I mean: won’t melt, won’t make a mess, won’t make noise when you eat them in the quiet section of the library. Granola bars, trail mix, crackers, dried fruit, whatever works for you.
Water bottle
Hydration is not optional, friends. Get a reusable water bottle, keep it in your bag, actually drink from it. Your brain works better when you’re hydrated.
Plus it gives you an excuse to take breaks to refill it.
Off to follow my own advice.
Sincerely, a girl who doesn’t drink enough water.
Gum or mints
This sounds random but trust me. Sometimes you’re studying after eating lunch and your breath is questionable. Or you need something to keep you awake. Or you’re just fidgety and need something to do with your mouth. Gum is clutch. Just don’t chew it obnoxiously in quiet spaces.
The Random but Actually Useful Stuff
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Libraries are gross. Computer labs are gross. Desks are gross. Keep your hands clean without having to track down a bathroom every five minutes. Mini hand sanitizer fits perfectly in a tote bag pocket and you’ll use it more than you think.
Ahoodie or jacket
Some study spots are freezing. Like, aggressively cold.
Having a hoodie in your bag means you can actually focus on studying instead of slowly turning into a popsicle.
Plus you can ball it up and use it as a pillow when you need a quick nap in your car. Multifunctional!
Hair tie or clip
If you have long hair, you already know. Sometimes you just need to get it out of your face so you can focus. Keep a spare hair tie or clip in your bag for those moments. Even if you have short hair, you might have a friend who needs one and then you’re a hero.
Lip balm
Another random one but studying for hours in dry buildings will destroy your lips. Keep a chapstick in your bag. Your lips will thank you. You’ll also use it way more than you expect to.
What You Probably DON’T Need
Let’s be real for a sec: you don’t need to carry textbooks for every single class. You don’t need 47 different colored pens. Sad, I know.
Just bring a few faves and leave your collection at home.
Keep it simple. Only bring what you’ll actually use that day. Your back will thank you.
The Real Secret
Here’s what actually matters: having a system that works for YOU.
Maybe you don’t need gum but you do need lotion. Maybe you study better with tea bags so you can make tea wherever you are. Maybe you need a stress ball or fidget toy. Maybe you’re the person who needs all the colored pens and that’s valid!
The point isn’t to copy this exact list. It’s to think about what YOU actually use when studying and make sure you have it with you.
Pay attention over the next week. What do you keep wishing you had? What do you keep borrowing from other people? What would make studying slightly less annoying?
Add those things to your bag.
Keep It Organized (Kinda)
I’m not saying your tote bag needs to be perfectly organized with compartments for everything. But having a general sense of where stuff is helps a lot.
Even just using the pockets your tote bag already has makes a difference. Phone and headphones in the outside pocket. Water bottle in the side pocket. Whatever makes sense for your bag.
You’re Gonna Be Fine!
At the end of the day, the best study supplies are the ones you actually have with you when you need them.
So throw some pens, snacks, and your charger in your tote bag and call it a day. You don’t need to buy fancy supplies or have the perfect setup.
Although I must confess I do love that vibe.
The truth is you just need the basics so you can actually study without constantly wishing you had something you left at home.
Now go check your tote bag, restock whatever you’re missing, and maybe add some good snacks while you’re at it.
You’ve got this.
