Are you ready to unpack your trusty sidekick?
Life is a wild ride and your bag is your trusty sidekick through it all. From early-morning lectures to late-night study sessions, your bag is the unsung hero that carries you through the chaos.
On a jam-packed day with classes or spontaneous hangouts with friends, the right gear can make or break your campus experience. Moreover, it’s more than just a bag — it’s a survival kit, a mobile office and sometimes, a lifeline.
We asked some students to spill the tea on what they carry to combat their busiest days. From essentials to quirky must-haves, get ready for some major bag inspiration that’ll have you rethinking your own bag carry-on!
Weather-ready bag — Mark Dennis Guevarra
Mark Dennis Guevarra, who’s taking advertising and graphic design, shares that his bag is like the Swiss army knife of backpacks — ready for anything that life throws his way! From pop-up showers to sudden spills, he’s got it all covered.
“I keep it light, yet always prepared,” Guevarra said.
His bag is a masterclass in packing smart and filled with essentials that have saved his day more times than he can count. His secret weapon? A compact umbrella that fits anywhere, wipes for those oops moments and a first-aid kit because, hey, life is unpredictable.
But it doesn’t stop there. His bag has a portable external hard drive, power bank and chargers to ensure his devices are always juiced up. He believes being prepared is the key to conquering any surprises that come his way.
Guevarra’s tip: “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready!”
Bag Vibes:
- Windbreaker for unexpected chills
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Wipes
- Basic first-aid kit
- Reusable water bottle
- Mint candy — hANGRY is real!
- Lip gloss
- Hand sanitizer
- Laptop
- External hard drive
- Power bank
- AirPods
- Power cords for all devices
- Wallet
- Marker
The “BB” a.k.a. Bass bag — Marco Sist
A portable mobile music studio is being carried by Marco Sist, a student in the introduction to commercial jazz music program. His “BB” (Bass Bag) is packed with everything a budding musician needs to keep the rhythm flowing.
“Music is my life and my bag is the soundtrack to my day,” Sist highlighted.
Whether he’s jamming between classes or tuning his bass, he’s got his bases covered. His bag is a well-curated collection of essentials that help him stay in tune, no matter where he is. From impromptu jam sessions to quick practice sessions before a gig, Sist is always ready to strike the right chord.
Sist’s tip: “Keep your gear close and your music closer!”
Bag Vibes:
- Electric bass guitar
- Guitar chord
- Music sheet
- Tuner
- Extra guitar strings — a broken string shouldn’t ruin your day
- Screwdriver for quick guitar fixes and adjustments
The simple yet sleek bag — Nadia De Jesus
The perfect blend of minimalistic style and maximum bag function is what Nadia De Jesus from the general arts program carries all day long. She’s all about keeping things chic and streamlined.
“I’m always on the move, so I need to keep it simple,” De Jesus said.
Whether she’s taking notes in class or plugging in her AirPods for a quick music break, De Jesus got it all in her sleek carryall.
De Jesus’ minimalist approach doesn’t compromise on essentials and she ensures she’s always prepared, no matter the occasion. From her laptop for assignments to a reusable tumbler for hydration, her bag is a testament to the power of simplicity.
De Jesus’ tip: “Keep it light and tight. Less clutter, more clarity!”
Bag Vibes:
- Sleek laptop bag
- Laptop
- Reusable tumbler
- Phone
- Water bottle — you can never have enough hydration
- Phone charger
- AirPods
The “child” bag — Joshua Pullas Bedoya
Joshua Pullas Bedoya is taking the advertising and graphic design program. He treats his bag like his “child,” and we totally get it. It’s packed with everything he needs to fuel his creative journey. Bedoya’s bag is practically a portable studio, filled with a notebook, paper and even a mechanical pencil and eraser for those sudden inspiration bursts.
“I never know when inspiration will strike so I keep my art supplies with me at all times,” Bedoya said.
His bag is an artist’s starter pack, with all the tools to transform ideas into masterpieces on the go. When it’s time to switch from sketching to screen time, his laptop and wireless mouse are at the ready for some digital magic.
Bedoya’s tip: “Always carry your essentials — you never know when your next great idea will hit!”
Bag Vibes:
- Sketchpads and paper
- Mechanical pencil and eraser to bring ideas to life
- Laptop
- Wireless mouse
- Charger because dead battery = dead dreams
- Course reviewer for last-minute preparation
The “GTG” a.k.a. Go-to-Girl bag — Bhevishta Jaitoo
Bhevishta Jaitoo, a bachelor of commerce in finance student, is the go-to girl for everything finance, and her bag is just as organized as her spreadsheets. From sticky notes to her coloured pens, Jaitoo’s bag is the epitome of organized chic.
“I need to be ready for anything, be it a class, a meeting or a study session,” Jaitoo said.
Her bag is a treasure trove of tools that keep her ahead of the game, with everything neatly in place to tackle whatever the day throws at her. Her secret weapon? A trusty calculator for those crunch-time stats sessions and a planner that’s as meticulous as her budget sheets.
Jaitoo’s tip: “A little organization goes a long way. It’s all about having the right tools at the right time!”
Bag Vibes:
- Face foundation
- Lipstick and lip gloss for on-the-go glow-ups
- Hand cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Cologne
- Planner
- Calculator for those crunch-time stats sessions
- Rainbow of pens
- Pencil case
- Sticky notes
- Laptop
- Charger
- Phone
- Room key
- Water bottle
The convenience bag — Diya Cheeran
Convenience and efficiency are what Diya Cheeran from the public relations program embodies with her bag, which is perfectly suited for her busy life as a PR student. It’s a stylish yet practical companion, and filled with essentials that keep her ready for whatever the day may bring.
“I don’t like carrying too much; just the essentials,” Cheeran shared with a smile.
Her bag also includes hand cream for soft hands, mini wipes for quick clean-ups and mouthwash for fresh breath throughout her busy day. She even carries a fabric that she just bought because her bag doubles as a shopping companion!
With her bag, Cheeran is always ready for brainstorming sessions, meetings or even an unexpected shopping spree — all while staying stylish and organized!
Diya’s tip: “Keep it simple and pack smart because less is more when it comes to being prepared.”
Bag Vibes:
- Clear book
- Notebook and pens
- Charger
- AirPods
- Mini umbrella
- Hand cream
- Mini wipes
- Room key with a cute keychain
- Mouthwash
- Fabric shaver
Are you ready to level up your backpack game?
Take a page from these savvy students’ playbooks and pack like a pro! Imagine starting your day with everything you need at your fingertips, effortlessly transitioning from class to after-school activities. Make your backpack not just a functional item, but a statement piece that reflects who you are.
When you’re braving the elements on a rugged outdoor adventure or navigating the busy life on campus, the right essentials can make all the difference. From textbooks to tech gadgets, snacks to style, the way you pack can set the tone for your entire day.
So, what’s your bag vibe? Share with us on our Instagram @shareignite.
Feature image courtesy of Niels Kehl via Unsplash.
Do you have the tools in your bag but still procrastinate? Check out productivity tips to maximize your student life!
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