Well if your aim is not not stand out and fit in with the other bags around campus, I would go with a nice single strap laptop bag. A good one will fit obth your laptop, a couple books and and other supplies.

After 5 years of university, I’ve learned that less is better. A small bag with the essentials is really all you need. No need trucking around heavy texts and supplies between classes.

Depending on your budget, a good bag can go for between 20$ and oh I dunno 1000$, but if you pay about 40 you will probably be able to get some thing stylish and sturdy.

I think what is obvious from all the answers is that different things are carried at different schools. It probably depends upon where your college is located – I’ve been at interviews on rural campuses and listened to students talking about how cute certain accessories were that my students (in a major city) wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. If you can possibly put off the purchase until you’ve gotten a chance to see what others are using, I’d try that. You can probably get by on the first day without much other than a notebook and pen, and at that time, you can assess the situation and buy whatever pleases you.

Don’t get one of those rolling bags. They take up so much room on elevators where its alway crowded anyway, plus the noise is flippin annoying. You can wear the backpack over both shoulders, but make sure its not so full you have to lean foreward to keep your balance. Most people carry their laptops in their backpack and carry a 1″ binder with all their work in it. I carry by bag only if its raining, I have alot of books to take or Im taking my laptop. Otherwise I grab a pen and my folder.

Something like this would be okay

http://jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=10&pid=TDN3

If you’re carrying a laptop, then use a laptop bag. But right now messenger bags and satchels are the thing. Get one in a cute pattern with good shoulder straps and you’ll be good to go!

I am a 30 yr. old full time grad student- get a lap top bag. Lots of them are really cute. At our age professional gear is the norm, and still trendy but age appropriate clothes- don’t try to look like the kids, try to look like yourself- a smart, grown woman headed towards better things. You won’t be out of place, things have changed and a lot of people are in school who are not 18. The kids will look up to you if you are yourself. You have a lot of experience to share, and they do appreciate it.

I buy some of the new stuff, but always remember that I am

a grown woman.

Backpack over one shoulder is still popular. Jansport or Kipling backpacks are nice. If you need to carry your laptop, some people carry a messenger bag, either on one shoulder or across the body.

There is laptop bags that you can get. I have a laptop and I don’t take it to college. Since i am not in a university yet. Wear your backpack on both shoulders.

If you’re carrying a laptop around, get a special laptop backpack and wear both straps over your shoulders, no matter what everyone else is doing. Your back will thank you for it.

Get a Vera Bradley messanger bag…only $80

messenger bag that is large enough to accomadate your laptop. you can pick them up almost anywhere now. Try not to have to carry your laptop seperate, to much bulk along with your messanger bag ………….Have fun good luck