What Do Students Carry In Their Backpack?

This ever-present functional accessory is more than a carrier of books, it’s also an expression of a student’s personality, lifestyle and even goals.

A female college student leans against a campus building.

Claire Coleman

“My very first time in Auburn’s library, this toy shark was sitting on the table and my freshman-year roommate, Bailey Spradley—love her to death—and I went and sat in this room and this was on the table. And so I’ve carried it with me everywhere since that first day in the library. It’s kind of fun and a great thing to carry with me. So that never leaves the backpack.”

A smiling male college student holding a pale blue Polaroid camera.

Jamari Johnson

“My Polaroid pictures I have in there. I took all these. Just pictures of my friends and teachers. I do it because I just love making memories.”

A smiling male college student sits in a campus courtyard holding a black binder.

Grant Pifer

“I got a clipboard binder. I’ve had this thing since middle school, and it’s held up pretty well. It’s definitely worth it; it was good purchase. I put tape on it because the binding on the back started giving out, and then I had to add glue to it, and it’s starting to come up again, so I’ll probably throw a new coat on.”

A female student speaking into a microphone holds a portable fan.

Rachel Dinkel

“I have a bunch of Expo markers because I live at the library. Last semester, I legit reserved almost 100 study rooms. I was at the library one day, like I went there at 8 a.m. and I didn’t leave until 9 a.m. the next day. The library supplies are blue and black, but I like to have other colors as well.”