one backpack or messenger bag will work and you probably wont need to bring all of your books to every class

I have one bag that I put everything in. I live on campus and usually can stop back at my room to switch books between classes. Usually I don’t have to because not all classes require that you take your textbook. If you’re professor doesn’t say you don’t need your book, usually after the first few classes you’ll get a feeling as to whether you need it or not. Some professors do get aggravated if you ask them if you need your book in class and think you don’t take the class seriously. Others understand that you have a lot of books and are just asking out of practicality. It’s hard to tell which category a professor falls under without asking them, though.

Make sure that you have a pen, pencil and paper because you will be taking notes in your classes. Take the book that you’ll need for the particular day you are going to class. Some professors require 2 books but you use the first one for the first half of the semester or quarter and then they use the later one for the second half of the semester. You’ll find out the first day of class when you’ll be using either text book, it should be listed in your syllabus or your professor will announce it to everyone in class. Hope this helps to lighten your load.