Looking for university bag essentials that go beyond a notebook and a pen? A charging pouch, a water bottle and a few little extras give you plenty to work with.
These pictures mix study supplies with cute ways to keep everything together.
You can keep it simple or add a few personal touches. Start with what you need for your classes, then decide whether you want a pink pencil case, matching pouches or a little bow on your bag!
What to pack in your university bag
tablet and charging cable
We’re starting off strong with this olive-green bag and its neatly packed tablet and black bottle. The orange notebook and pale blue phone case are such a cute combination.
When choosing your bag essentials for university, remember a charging cable that fits your devices. Coil yours like the one here rather than leaving it loose at the bottom.
pink pencil case
How cute is this pale pink pencil case? It opens right out, with little loops in the middle and zipped storage on the other side.
Try putting your most-used pens in the loops. The smaller pocket could hold an eraser so you don’t have to search for it.
bottle and everyday extras
I love the pink bottle with its turquoise handle. There’s also a planner, a cream claw clip, pens and a folded umbrella tucked into this open bag.
Read also: 15+ Essential Travel Journal Supplies List for Epic Adventures
You don’t have to copy every item here. Start with your class supplies, then add the extras you actually reach for.
a divided tote
If you are looking for a little more order inside your tote, this one is for you. Books and spiral notebooks sit together at the back, with headphones and a bottle in separate sections.
Try a bag insert if your current tote has one big open compartment.
pink touch-up pouch
I am obsessed with this pink polka-dot pouch. The matching scrunchie, little comb and wing-shaped clip are just as cute.
Pick a few touch-up items you use rather than packing the whole tray. I’d keep the scrunchie and one lip product as a starting point.
gingham and sticker details
Want your study supplies to feel a little more like you? This setup has a black-and-white gingham bag, sticker-covered devices and little character details throughout.
Try adding a charm to your bag or a few stickers to your tablet case. You can borrow the look without carrying everything on this desk.
headphones and a book
This is such a simple combination to save. Pale headphones sit over books inside a tan bag, with glasses tucked into a side pocket.
If headphones are on your packing list, leave room for them before filling your bag with all those readings.
a portable charger
Don’t want to carry several separate charging leads? This pink portable charger has short cables attached at the sides and a little round display on the front.
Read also: 18+ Genius Carry On Essentials List Women Swear By
Check that the connectors work with your devices before choosing one. The pretty color is a bonus!
notebooks and folders
If you prefer taking notes on paper, here’s a packing idea for you. A large spiral notebook sits behind smaller books, with folders tucked at the back.
Choose your notebooks around that day’s classes rather than bringing the whole semester along.
lip balm and mints
Sometimes the little things deserve a spot too. A lip balm, a roll of mints and a blue-and-white charm make up this small collection.
One detail worth noting: the clear bottle is labeled as glasses-cleaning solution, despite the photo’s hand-sanitizer caption. Pack a separately labeled hand sanitizer if that’s what you need.
pink and gray study supplies
I love this pink and gray combination. The pencil case matches the spiral notebook, with a gray tablet, white stylus and earbuds beside them.
This is a lovely starting point if you switch between handwritten notes and digital work.
a zipped charging pouch
This charging pouch may just be one of my favorite organizing ideas here. The coiled cable has its own pocket, with plugs and white charging accessories grouped on the other side.
Read also: 20+ Essential Carry On Tech Pouch List Items You'll Forget
Keep the chargers you need together in one pouch. That way, you can move the whole little kit when you switch bags.
a handled tumbler
How pretty is this cream tumbler? The large handle and narrow bottom stand out against the black shorts and beige jacket.
If you’d rather carry a tumbler than a bottle, check how its lid closes before putting it inside your university bag.
journal and tablet
The sticker-covered tablet case is so cute in this setup. There’s a journal beside it, plus wired earphones, a pen case, glasses and a black wallet.
Try keeping a small journal alongside your digital notes if you like writing down reminders by hand. Don’t forget a pen to go with it.
a folding umbrella
A folding umbrella is worth considering for walks between buildings. This collage shows a black one opened up, along with its zipped case and several color options.
Give yours a regular spot in an outer pocket if your bag has room.
keys on a lanyard
Don’t want your keys disappearing underneath your notebooks? Try a lanyard like this white one with its black print and single attached key.
You could tuck it into a dedicated pocket rather than dropping it into the main compartment.
black bag and white bow
I am obsessed with the little white bow on this black shoulder bag. The black headphones looped over the side keep the rest of the look simple.
Tie a ribbon around your own bag strap if you want that same cute detail.
a folding brush and mirror
How adorable is that bow detail? This silver-colored folding brush opens to reveal a mirror in the handle, while the closed version shows off the decoration.
It’s a pretty little addition if a brush is something you like having with you.
a little personal-care kit
This is another cute pouch idea, but it has a brighter look than the pink one above. I love the colorful dots against the dark background.
Period products, gum, a small brush and other personal-care items are grouped together here. Build your own version around what you need, then keep it packed for class days.
a snack within reach
Last but definitely not least, we have a wrapped snack bar tucked into a small zipped pouch. I love the idea of giving your snack its own easy-to-reach spot.
Pack something you enjoy for a break between classes, especially if your schedule leaves a long gap before lunch.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily