DealGather
Back to school supplies shoppingStudent Life

Back to School Supplies Shopping Guide: College Backpacks & Laptop Accessories

Discover essential back to school shopping list items for college and K-12 students. Compare high-capacity backpacks, portable monitors, chargers, and rugged laptops to build your ideal setup.

Editorial Pick · Verdict Summary
This back-to-school list targets college students and remote learners who need reliable daily carry solutions and multi-device power efficiency。 The $59.98 InnoView 15.6-inch 1080P portable monitor features a built-in 90-degree adjustable stand and USB-C/HDMI connectivity, making it easy to set up a dual-screen workstation in coffee shops or study halls。 Tech-heavy users charging a laptop alongside mobile devices should consider the $99.99 Anker Prime 160W GaN charger, whereas those prioritizing storage volume on a budget will get better practical value from the $42.24 37L adidas Prime 7 backpack。

Curated Products8 items

Sorted by recommendation
ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop, 11.6” Display, Intel Processor N100 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage, Antimicrobial Guard, Spill-Resistant Keyboard, Mineral Grey, CR1104CGA-AS44
ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop, 11.6” Display, Intel Processor N100 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage, Antimicrobial Guard, Spill-Resistant Keyboard, Mineral Grey, CR1104CGA-AS44
Brand：ASUS
★★★★★4.1·0 reviews
$189.99$299.99-37%
Get Deal at Amazon →
Get Deal at Amazon →
Premium Classroom Headphone with Microphone (5 Pack) - Kids Wired Earphones with Mic for School Students K-12 & Teachers, Soft Swivel On Ear Pads- Perfect for E-Learning, Meetings, Calls -(Colorful)
Premium Classroom Headphone with Microphone (5 Pack) - Kids Wired Earphones with Mic for School Students K-12 & Teachers, Soft Swivel On Ear Pads- Perfect for E-Learning, Meetings, Calls -(Colorful)
Brand：Sonitum
★★★★★4.5·0 reviews
$39.97$45.97-13%
Get Deal at Amazon →
Get Deal at Amazon →
Anker Prime Charger,160W 3-Port Compact GaN USB C Charger,Smart Display,Touch Control,Up to 140W Fast Charging for One Device,for MacBook Pro,Laptop,iPhone 17 Series(Cable Not Included,Non-Battery)
Anker Prime Charger,160W 3-Port Compact GaN USB C Charger,Smart Display,Touch Control,Up to 140W Fast Charging for One Device,for MacBook Pro,Laptop,iPhone 17 Series(Cable Not Included,Non-Battery)
Brand：Anker
★★★★★4.7·0 reviews
$99.99
Get Deal at Amazon →
Get Deal at Amazon →
InnoView Portable Monitor 15.6" 1080P for Laptop with Protective Sleeve, Built-in 90° Adjustable Stand USB C HDMI Ultra-Slim Portable Laptop Monitor for MacBook Phone PS Xbox Switch
InnoView Portable Monitor 15.6" 1080P for Laptop with Protective Sleeve, Built-in 90° Adjustable Stand USB C HDMI Ultra-Slim Portable Laptop Monitor for MacBook Phone PS Xbox Switch
Brand：InnoView
★★★★★4.4·2.2k reviews
$59.98$99.15-40%
Get Deal at Amazon →
Get Deal at Amazon →

Buying GuideEditor's Pick · Real-Life Experience

Smart Back to School Supplies Shopping: Gear Up for Campus Life

Heading back to campus means balancing packed class schedules, library study marathons, and late-night dorm assignments. Building your back to school shopping list isn't just about stocking up on paper notebooks or pens—it is about choosing functional college supplies and reliable laptop accessories that streamline your everyday workflow without breaking the bank.

Carrying Your Essentials: Backpack Options for Campus Mobility

A dependable backpack is the centerpiece of any student’s daily routine, holding laptops, tech gear, textbooks, and extra clothing across long campus walks.

adidas Prime 7 Backpack for Laptop, School and Travel, 37L

For students needing maximum volume for heavy textbooks or post-class gym clothes, the adidas Prime 7 Backpack for Laptop, School and Travel, 37L ($42.24, originally $65.00) delivers massive capacity and organized storage, making it one of the most affordable school essentials for heavy carry loads.

The North Face Borealis Laptop Pack, Bl Eclipse Lt Hth/Bl Eclipse, OSFA

If ergonomics and tech protection are your main focus during long walking commutes, The North Face Borealis Laptop Pack, Bl Eclipse Lt Hth/Bl Eclipse, OSFA ($69.30, originally $99.00) offers dedicated laptop sleeve protection combined with an ergonomic suspension design for comfortable all-day wear.

Study & Dorm Setup: Upgrading Laptop Accessories

Working efficiently at the library or in a crowded dorm room requires portable tech solutions that cut down clutter and improve multitasking.

InnoView Portable Monitor 15.6" 1080P for Laptop with Protective Sleeve

For research and writing projects, having a dual-screen setup is a major game changer. The InnoView Portable Monitor 15.6" 1080P for Laptop with Protective Sleeve, Built-in 90° Adjustable Stand USB C HDMI Ultra-Slim Portable Laptop Monitor for MacBook Phone PS Xbox Switch ($59.98) slides into your bag and instantly adds a full 1080P secondary display wherever you set up your workspace.

Anker Prime Charger,160W 3-Port Compact GaN USB C Charger

Instead of carrying multiple heavy brick chargers, the Anker Prime Charger,160W 3-Port Compact GaN USB C Charger,Smart Display,Touch Control,Up to 140W Fast Charging for One Device,for MacBook Pro,Laptop,iPhone 17 Series(Cable Not Included,Non-Battery) ($99.99) consolidates power needs. With up to 140W single-port charging and smart display controls, it powers your laptop, phone, and accessories simultaneously from one wall outlet.

Anker Prime Docking Station & havit HV-F2056 Cooling Pad

Back at your dorm desk, the Anker Prime Docking Station, 14-in-1 Laptop Docking Station Dual Monitor ($169.99, down from $269.99) expands your single USB-C port into a complete workstation hub for dual monitors and peripheral connections. Keep your machine cool under heavy workloads with the havit HV-F2056 15.6"-17" Laptop Cooler Cooling Pad - Slim Portable USB Powered (3 Fans), Black/Blue ($27.99).

Classroom Essentials for K-12 and Heavy-Duty Use

For younger students or tough daily handling, durability and bulk value take priority.

ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop

The ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop, 11.6” Display, Intel Processor N100 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage, Antimicrobial Guard, Spill-Resistant Keyboard, Mineral Grey, CR1104CGA-AS44 ($189.99, originally $299.99) is built to survive accidental drops, featuring military-grade durability, spill-resistant keys, and antimicrobial protection.

Premium Classroom Headphone with Microphone (5 Pack) by Sonitum

For remote classes, audio labs, or group environments, the Premium Classroom Headphone with Microphone (5 Pack) - Kids Wired Earphones with Mic for School Students K-12 & Teachers, Soft Swivel On Ear Pads- Perfect for E-Learning, Meetings, Calls -(Colorful) ($39.97, originally $45.97) offers a budget-friendly multipack equipped with adjustable boom mics and swivel ear pads.

Buying Recommendations Based on Budget

  • Everyday College Commuter Bundle ($102.22): adidas Prime 7 Backpack ($42.24) + InnoView Portable Monitor ($59.98) — High utility for budget-conscious students needing space and screen real estate.
  • Power-User & Dorm Productivity Tier ($339.28): The North Face Borealis Backpack ($69.30) + Anker Prime 160W Charger ($99.99) + Anker Prime 14-in-1 Docking Station ($169.99) — Ergonomic transport paired with top-tier charging and desk connectivity.
  • K-12 Student Durable Kit ($229.96): ASUS Chromebook CR11 ($189.99) + Sonitum 5-Pack Headphones ($39.97) — Drop-resistant computing and reliable classroom audio accessories.

FAQ

Can the North Face Borealis backpack fit a 15.6-inch laptop?
Yes, the main compartment is designed specifically for a 15.6-inch laptop, and it also has multiple divider pockets for a tablet, phone, and files. According to the product details, the main compartment is spacious enough, and with over 3,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, real-world users confirm it works well. If you need to carry your laptop and books to school every day, this backpack offers great comfort and organization. I'd suggest double-checking the thickness of your laptop against the official dimensions, but most 15.6-inch models should fit without issue.
Is the adidas Prime 7 37L backpack big enough for college students?
Absolutely, 37 liters is a huge capacity that can easily hold textbooks, a laptop, a change of clothes, and even travel essentials. With a 4.8-star rating from 1,563 reviews, the padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel reduce pressure when carrying heavy loads. If you need to pack several thick textbooks, a 15.6-inch laptop, and a lunch box all at once, this bag will handle it. I recommend measuring your most used items beforehand to make sure the internal pockets match your needs.
How important are the spill-resistant keyboard and antimicrobial coating on the ASUS Chromebook CR11?
They are very practical, especially if you often study at cafes, libraries, or outdoors where accidental spills and germs are common. This laptop is MIL-STD tested for durability, so the spill-resistant keyboard can handle small liquid splashes, and the antimicrobial coating reduces bacteria on the surface. Keep in mind it only has 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, so it's fine for documents, online classes, and light work, but not for heavy software or gaming. If you're on a tight budget and mainly use Google apps, it's a solid deal. I'd suggest pairing it with an external drive or cloud storage for extra space.
Can the Anker 160W charger fast-charge my MacBook Pro, and do I need a separate cable?
Yes, it can deliver up to 140W through a single port, which is enough for super-fast charging on a MacBook Pro. However, the charger does not come with a cable, so you'll need to buy a USB-C cable that supports PD (Power Delivery). This GaN charger is much smaller than traditional 160W chargers, and its three ports let you charge a laptop, phone, and earbuds at the same time. If you have multiple devices, I strongly recommend getting a braided cable rated for at least 140W so you can carry just one charger for everything.
Can the InnoView portable monitor connect directly to a MacBook or iPhone as a secondary screen?
Yes, it has USB-C and HDMI ports, and a single USB-C cable can transmit both video and power, so it works plug-and-play with a MacBook. For iPhone, you'll need an adapter or an app that supports video output, but the product description says it works with MacBook, Phone, PS, Xbox, etc. The 15.6-inch 1080p screen is great for office work, coding, or watching videos, and the ultra-thin design fits easily into a backpack. If you often need dual-screen productivity, this is a very affordable option. I recommend getting the version with a protective sleeve for easy carrying.
Should I buy these items locally in the US or ship them from China?
If you're already in the US, buying locally is much more convenient. All prices are in US dollars, and there are no voltage or plug issues (for example, the Anker charger uses a US standard plug, and the Chromebook has a US keyboard). Shipping from China adds high freight costs, potential customs delays, and no warranty support. For electronics like laptops and chargers, local purchase gives you manufacturer warranty and easy returns. I suggest ordering from Amazon, Best Buy, or the official website, and keep an eye out for back-to-school sales to save even more.
What's the approximate budget for back-to-school supplies with these items?
Based on the listed prices, a North Face backpack is $69.30, an adidas backpack is $42.25, the ASUS Chromebook is about $190, the Anker charger is $100, and the InnoView monitor is $60, totaling around $460. If you only pick a couple of items, say a backpack and the laptop, it's about $250. That's a mid-to-low range for back-to-school shopping in the US, especially the Chromebook offers great value. I recommend making a list and checking for Amazon Prime Day or early August discounts, as some items could drop another 10-20%.
Is the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage on the ASUS Chromebook CR11 enough? Will it lag?
For everyday school tasks like browsing, writing documents, watching videos, and joining Zoom classes, it's perfectly fine. ChromeOS is lightweight, and the Intel N100 processor handles it well. However, if you try to keep 15+ tabs open simultaneously or run heavy software, it might feel a bit sluggish. The 64GB storage is mainly for installing a few apps and local files; for larger files, use Google Drive or a USB drive. This laptop is designed for durability, portability, and low cost, making it a great fit for K-12 students or as a backup for college students, but not as a primary machine for programming or design work.

Related Guides

Back-to-School Laptop Buying Guide for International Students
Student Life · 9 items
College Dorm Room Essentials: Complete Buying Guide for Bedding, Power, and Small Space Gear
Student Life · 7 items