10 Types of Bags Every College Girl Needs

After my post 10 Pairs of Shoes Every College Girl Needs went incredibly viral, I began to think about what other things collegiates consider essential and I thought bags would be the perfect place. There’s a surprisingly large amount of bags every college girl needs.

With these in your closet, you’ll surely be ready to take on college and any items that need to be carried or transported along the way.

1. Crossbody Bag

The most versatile bag of them all! This is perfect for trips and essentially any place that requires you to bring your phone, wallet and ID but not much more than that. These are easy to carry and the perfect size for all of your essentials.

440 GALLERY BELLINI LEOPARD CROSSBODY BAG

2. Phone + Wallet Wristlet

This is an absolute essential for going out. Seriously, if you plan on hitting any party, this is a must have that you must not let leave your wrist at all during the night. All you need in here is your ID, your phone and some cash. A wristlet is easy to keep track of and it’s very light, so it’s not a pain. Target is my favorite place to buy these–they’re so inexpensive that you can buy a few without destroying your budget or if you happen to spill on a drink on it, you won’t be absolutely gutted.

Sold Out. Similar: ZIP AROUND CELL PHONE WALLET WITH WRISTLET

3. Backpack

This can, obviously, be used for carrying your books to and from class, but it can also come in handy for everything. I bring a backpack when I go grocery shopping so I have less bags to carry, I also use this for when I travel home for the weekend and only need to bring my laptop and a few outfits. Backpacks are an absolute game changer and the perfect bag for any time you need to carry your laptop and other belongings to and from class or home and school.

P.S. Can we take a moment to admire how freakin’ cute the cherry print bag is? Swoon!

Sold out. Can’t find a similar but this one is pretty cute.

4. Fashion Tote bag

This bag is perfect for carrying your books and belongings for class. I recommend a fairly neutral tote bag that would match most outfits, such as a black one. The tote bag is the most important bag of the bags every college girl needs post, I promise.

Sold Out. SIMILAR: TORY BURCH TOTE

5. Gym bag

Even if you have zero intention of hitting up the gym, these bags are handy to have. My drawstring bag has seen various color runs, a few trips to the gym and even a few trips where I was heading across campus and needed to carry a few extra things. This bag is the perfect size for carrying your iPod, a water bottle, some extra deodorant and other gym essentials.

Sold Out. SIMILAR: NIKE BLACK AND WHITE GYM SACK 

Photo Credit: Kiera Fitzgibbon

6. Suitcase or Duffel Bag

This one totally depends on how often you go home and how far away home is. If you’re across the country, a bigger suitcase might be for you. If you, like me, are only heading across the state to go home, a small wheeled suitcase or duffel bag might be more your size. If you’re a commuter, this might not be entirely necessary although having a duffel bag is always great for if you end up staying overnight at your on-campus friend’s dorm.

Bonus: since you’ll have a suitcase in your dorm taking up space and it won’t be used too often, use it to store things. I keep out of season shoes in mine.

Sold Out. SIMILAR: HYPERLIGHT CARRY-ON SUITCASE

7. Mid-size Everyday purse

This can be something such as a hobo bag or satchel. This is the perfect sized purse for internships, especially fashion internships, or a day in the city. They’re stylish and easy to carry but still fit a lot of items. This purse is my “adult purse,” and I would recommend investing in this bag if none of the others. This is the type of purse you carry with you through adulthood, for sure.

Sold out. SIMILAR: KATE SPADE NEW YORK CAMERON STREET SATCHEL

8. Cosmetic Bags

I have so many makeup bags. At college alone I have five differently patterned and sized makeup bags and they’re SO useful. They help keep my desk drawer organized (one of them is storing my wireless mouse and headphones). They help me travel (I keep makeup and toiletries in them). They serve as a pencil case (they can fit all of the essentials!). They help me store virtually anything that needs to be stored. I hoard these but they’re so inexpensive and handy that it’s totally fine. These are must-have. Forever 21 is the best place to get cute and inexpensive ones.

Sold Out. Sort of similar: HELLO BEAUTIFUL MAKEUP POUCH

9. Laptop Sleeve

Does this count as a bag? Sure, why not. Let me tell you this for certain: you will be transporting your laptop all over campus. Whether you’re bringing it to class, the library, your friend’s house, etc, you will have to move the most expensive and precious item you own and you will want to keep your baby safe. Invest in a pretty one so you feel extra obligated to use it. Kate Spade makes some incredibly gorgeous ones.

KATE SPADE NEW YORK ‘CLASSIC NYLON – MINI PAVILION’ LAPTOP SLEEVE

10. Reusable tote bag

These are surprisingly handy. I use some to store things under my bed or to carry a lot of supplies to class. These totes can be bought at virtually any store, usually near the checkout. These are perfect for grocery shopping, too! These are also great for transporting board games for when you’re doing things besides partying in college.

DOGEARED THROW KINDNESS TOTE

 What’s your favorite or most used bag in college?