Let’s face it, we all have stood in front of our mirror trying to get our bags to look ‘cool enough’ for university. It’s not just a bag, but our emotional support buddy during long lectures, intimidating tutorial discussions, and chaotic commutes. But with everything that university throws at us, from back-to-back classes to last minute caffeine fueled library study sessions, what’s the best bag that can ‘survive’ our dramatic schedules?
If there is one bag that gets to be called a staple in a university student’s wardrobe — it’s the tote. While walking around campus you’ll see the same parade of Longchamp La Pliage and for good reason; they can fit your entire university survival kit while giving an effortless minimalist look to your outfit.
But they might not be as practical as they look. There is no structure to these bags, so everything ends up in a bottomless pit, your laptop wedged right next to your water bottle, your keys buried somewhere under loose papers, and your lip balm — well, good luck finding that again. However, on days when your to-do list isn’t too long and your university hours don’t exceed by a couple, a tote is the best fit for you.
But there are days when assignment deadlines and long hours of classes constitute the majority of your day — when you’re on campus from early morning until the sun sets. On those days you need the unsung hero of student life: a backpack.
A good backpack can carry everything — laptop, charger, snacks, water bottle, even a spare cardigan for when it gets chilly — basically your entire academic career without breaking your back.
It might not be as aesthetically pleasing as a slender tote but the comfort does make up for it any day. There are multiple backpacks in the market today that have that ‘stylish, minimalist’ designs: think Herschels, North Face, and the classic Superdry. This proves that practicality doesn’t need to be boring.The only danger? Accidentally overpacking it until it feels like you’re training for a hike rather than heading to class. It is like that dependable friend that never complains — no matter how many group projects, essay deadlines, snacks, or existential crises you shove inside it.
At the end of the day, there is no single ‘best’ bag for university, it really depends on your schedule and your mood. In my opinion, you need both: a trusted backpack for the days packed with classes and library runs, and a tote for a lighter, coffee -and-catch-up-with-friends kind of day. Bonus points if it is waterproof so it can survive the Edinburgh weather without putting your notes and your laptop in jeopardy.
Photo by Charlie Solorzano on Unsplash.