NYU, what’s in your bag?

Backpacks are off and bags are on. Here’s what NYU students bring to class.

Bags are an integral part of New York culture. They are used for almost everything: shopping, carrying school supplies, creating everyday aesthetics – and students are no exception. WSN asked several NYU students what they carry in their bags. That’s what they had to say.

Piers Whitney, Tish Age 25

I actually bought this bag this summer when I was studying abroad. What’s in my bag is my MacBook Pro, which I use for my classes and scripting, and I have a journal that I use to generate ideas. I also have the book Jazz by Toni Morrison, which I definitely recommend, and I also carry two bookmarks with me – metal and wood, because I am a bougie lover. I also have cosmetics like mascara, brow gel and lip gloss just to put on makeup in the middle of the day. Then I have headphones for my computer, a wallet, and seven different colored pens because I need to color in what I highlight and annotate.

Rakaya McNeely, Tish, 26 years old.

In a bubblegum pink phone, I have a white Five Star notebook, a custom-made pink Papier planner, and, of course, my NYU ID on a pink keychain. I also have a Muji pencil case with pink handles, a contact lens case and contact lens solution. I also have a pink Louis Vuitton monogrammed wallet, a pink charger, a pink Brita water bottle, and a black umbrella. Then I have a notebook with Hello Kitty compositions, Hello Kitty pink macaron lip balm, Hello Kitty hand cream, pink hand sanitizer, headphones, and Lysol. If you couldn’t tell, pink is my favorite color!

Desmarie Miller, Gallatin ’26

My bag is from Victoria’s Secret and I actually got it from my cousin. I have an iPad in my bag, a Gallatin class book, and a folder with notes and a photo of my mom. I also have another book for another one of my activities, then a mini bag with my charger and headphones inside. Then I have Hydro Flask, keys and wallet – my favorite thing. Then all I have is an NYU ID card and a few pencils, and that’s it.

Annelise Foltz, CAS ‘25

I bought my big bag from Urban Outfitters and it’s made from denim. I have my keys and NYU ID in my bag. I also have a lot of pens and pencils scattered around my bag, as well as my two main notebooks. I use one for drawing in Italian classes and the other for science classes. I also carry a calculator, pencils, pens, and AirPods with me. I also carry an extra set of headphones in case my AirPods die. Then all I have is a pack of gum, a random piece of paper, and an extra five-dollar bill.

Gabby Bates, Tish ‘26

I carry my cream Telfar with me every day and consider it a good bag. Every day, the things I pack inside include my laptop, my two notebooks, and a folder. I also carry headphones with me when I’m not wearing them, and since I specialize in photography, I carry my camera with me. I also carry two pouches in my bag: one for pencils and other supplies I can use in class, and the other for my electronics, including chargers, a portable charger, and a hard drive for my camera. I also carry a lot of beauty products with me, like Fenty lip gloss and lip care products. I like to bring wipes for my glasses, an extra reusable grocery bag, and I always take an umbrella with me because you never know when it’s going to rain.

Contact Genesis Hines at [email protected].