What bags do college students have?

whatsherface

Hi there

I know this might sound a really stupid question but I want to get my best friend a new school bag (she is going back to college as a mature student), any help with this would be great I haven't a clue what kind people are using these days

Cheers guys for the help.

g'em

moved from tLL

LadyMayBelle

Funny this..I find in Galway, the first years dabble between their Jansports and handbags, or just carry a small bag and a refill pad??
The more mature students tend to carry rucsacs (like a jansport but maybe not as expensive). make sure there is a padded back for laptops!

OldGoat

I used a leather satchel big enough to hold a half dozen document wallets and a couple of books, notepads and the laptop if I needed it and it's so much nicer then the generic rucksack. Mine is a rather old bag - beautifully aged and stained and weather worn now, but it's similar to the one in the picture.
Source

The_Morrigan

OldGoat wrote: »

I used a leather satchel big enough to hold a half dozen document wallets and a couple of books, notepads and the laptop if I needed it and it's so much nicer then the generic rucksack. Mine is a rather old bag - beautifully aged and stained and weather worn now, but it's similar to the one in the picture.Source

ooohhh I like that website - I'm heading back to college (again) in Sept to do a degree, and I don't want a child/teen schoolbag as I work in an office during the day and wish to retain a professional look without being a bag lady because I have to carry two/three bags & folders etc.

hhmmmm I wonder can the budget stretch to buy one... :rolleyes:

Storminateacup

I personally use a big ass handbag.
One about the same size as a normal persons weekend bag. Ha.
It's got to pretty as well as practical

The_Morrigan

Storminateacup wrote: »

I personally use a big ass handbag.
One about the same size as a normal persons weekend bag. Ha.
It's got to pretty as well as practical

Yeah but the problem I have is that I have "walking to work" clothes, books, notepad, netbook, makeup, lunch etc etc

I leave the house at 6/7am and usually don't get home till 11 or after - I come prepared and feel like a bag lady trying to deal with everything!! I'd also like to avoid any spillages from the lunch getting into the college stuff!!

Novella

OldGoat wrote: »

I used a leather satchel big enough to hold a half dozen document wallets and a couple of books, notepads and the laptop if I needed it and it's so much nicer then the generic rucksack. Mine is a rather old bag - beautifully aged and stained and weather worn now, but it's similar to the one in the picture.
Source

I simply must have one of these!

fionav3

Me too! Wonder where you would get one here? I don't have a credit card to order online.

Novella

fionav3 wrote: »

Me too! Wonder where you would get one here? I don't have a credit card to order online.

Check out Urban Outfitters, they usually have satchel type bags. Or have a route around in charity shops and things. Or get a 3V card and use that online!

fionav3

Novella wrote: »

Check out Urban Outfitters, they usually have satchel type bags. Or have a route around in charity shops and stuff. Or buy a 3V card and use that online!

Thanks Novella, I will try!

Novella

fionav3 wrote: »

Thanks Novella, I will try!

And let me know if you find anything nice!

The Big Red Button

Places like River Island usually have nice oversized handbags this time of year. In my experience, for most of the year, all you'll need with you is a refill pad, couple of pens, and then whatever you'd usually have in your handbag - wallet, keys, etc. Then, later on in the year when you might actually be doing a bit of study, you'll probably need something a lot bigger and more durable for books, laptop, folders etc. But to get her started, a large handbag should definitely be enough.

Piste

OldGoat wrote: »

I used a leather satchel big enough to hold a half dozen document wallets and a couple of books, notepads and the laptop if I needed it and it's so much nicer then the generic rucksack. Mine is a rather old bag - beautifully aged and stained and weather worn now, but it's similar to the one in the picture.
Source

WOW, I have been looking for an affordable leather satchel for AGES now. I have a mini one from Topshop which cost me about the cost of one of those bags but only fits a few bits and pieces. I'm DEFINITELY getting one of those bad boys for college next year! Thanks a million

rosa_29

Laptop bags fit a fair amount of stuff in, so between that and a large handbag I find I have all bases covered for even the most action-packed days.

But to be honest, since starting college two years ago I've found it's far better to learn to carry less, rather than finding ways to carry more. Try to be strict on yourself with what you carry around with you. For example:

• Instead of a make-up bag, I just pop my 'essentials' (e.g. lipstick, concealer and comb) into a side pocket
• Instead of bringing a lunch box, source out a cheap sandwich shop near/in your college (this is also the best way of avoiding a spilled lunch box, and means you've an extra 10 mins in bed in the morning )
• If you use a laptop, take all your notes on it and scan any handouts you get, eliminating the need for notepads, pencil-cases, etc. Anything you need to jot down on the go, write into your phone
• If possible, only carry one book (or max two) at a time. Obviously this depends on your course, but I do English Literature and manage it, so really anyone should be able to!

Remember, take advantage of the lockers if your college has them too

RacoonQueen

I just used a rucksack. Your bag will probably be heavy, too much strain on the shoulder with a satchel or handbag.

DOC09UNAM

Get a Satchel like the one above.


Indiana Jones has one :P

jokettle

After reading this, I bought a leather satchel from Scaramanga I have no impulse control!

convert

There really is a huge variety of bags used by students in college, from rucksacks, to oversized handbags, to two small handbags, to brief cases, and everything in between!

The type of bag used really should depend on the student's situation. If the student will be using a laptop in college all the time, then splashing out on a good and nice laptop bag would probably be the best, especially if they're walking/cycling to college. As mentioned above, they really can fit a huge quantity of things, from laptop and refill pad, to books to bottles of water, etc.

If they'll be working from home and literally will only be in college to attend lectures and take out books from the library, and won't be carrying a large laptop all the time, or will even be using one of the EEEPC laptops, then an oversized handbag is fine - it's what I'd use most of the time. It'd also be useful if your friend was driving in and out of college, or using public transport and didn't have too far to walk. A satchel would be an alternative to the oversized handbag

Personally, when I was cycling or walking, or hauling a large laptop around college with me, I'd always bring a laptop rucksack as I'd normally have a refill pad and at least two books with me at all times!

If I happened to drive into college and had my EEEPC with me, I'd just use a small oversized handbag, which would also fit a refill pad and one book. If I'd any more books, I'd just carry them in my hand. A satchel would probably be a more 'grown up' version... I just couldn't get my budget to stretch that far to buy a nice one!

lindtee

Starting UCC in September and thought I'd be okay with my trusty rucksack but now I want me one of those leather satchels. Damn you Old Goat:mad: I used a rucksack for the past two years in the course I was doing in a plc college but now I feel it just won't cut the mustard:(:(

Pandoras Twist

Idiots use handbags.

Buy her a decent backpack (plain coloured Jansport if youre worried about making the wrong statement)

Other than that I would advise getting nice ones fromt he likes of Quiksilver, Ripcurl and Roxy.

If shes getting a laptop DONT get her a laptop bag. Get a laptop skin and carry it in your backpack. One shouldered bags are EVIL when carrying more than one book. Back problems are to be avoided!

xOxSinéadxOx

I bring have 3 satchel type bags, I normally use one of them. If I need to bring in a good few heavy books though I'll bring my jansport

rainbow kirby

I've been using a Jansport laptop backpack (an older version of this one) for the last few years. Given that I need my laptop every day in college (and it's not exactly small, 15" Macbook Pro) - I couldn't really get away with anything smaller.

I've always used a backpack. It might look a bit schooley, but to be honest, I'd rather save my back and bring everything I need around with me. If I was just going in for one class, I'd often bring just a notepad and pen in my handbag, but if you're around all day, you'd want a lot more. Fashion wise, I think the satchel or the oversized handbag look the best but I really don't find either of them practical.

Pythia

My boyfriend went back to college as a mature student last year and he has an Eastpak rucksack in a khaki colour. He also also a laptop bag but it doesn't fit in as much books, for obvious reasons.

jd83

I’m probably not very fashionable but i think those satchel bags look terrible and are completely impractical. Depending on what you’re studying you’re going to be lugging a load of crap i.e. notes, laptops, books, lunch, etc. Better off getting a good quality backpack

newbee22

I always used a Jansport when in college, most of my friends did too.

phasers

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

Idiots use handbags.

Or people who don't have to carry much

I have my tiny netbook, my wallet, a refill pad and two pens. My handbag does me just fine.

Safest bet is a decent backpack OP. but depending on your course you may or may not need a heavy duty one.

vicecreamsundae

I have a really nice leather satchel like the one in the picture [found for 2euro in a charity shop, and after i googled the name on it i found out they are one offs!]
and its great for notepad and even my netbook, but the shape isnt exactly flexible when it comes to big water bottles and things as well, and one strap isn't good for heavy books.

i also have a mambo backpack that's really nice . i think a nice
backpack is the way to go -i'm sure your friend already has handbags she can use on days she doesn't need much with her. maybe even a leather backpack? there's one in A wear at the moment [imitation leather i'm guessing, but whatever] -i can't remember if it's big enough, but something along those lines could be nice.

i wouldnt go for an urban outfitters satchel, they're not the best quality and for the same price you could get something a lot more authentic in a vintage store/better store.

convert

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

Idiots use handbags.

Or postgrads who, in the final stages of their thesis, only go into college to meet their supervisor and so have no need for a massive bag to carry a refill pad, jotter notebook and pen! :pac:

Just a thought: if buying a backpack/laptop bag, make sure it's waterproof and has a side or front pocket for bottles of water... We wouldn't want any nasty accidents! :eek:

europerson

A Jansport backpack is what I used. It probably wasn't the most fashionable thing, but it was utterly dependable and practical.

fonpokno

I am going to start saving for one of those scaramanga satchels now. OG you're a terrible influence!

I just use a normal roxy schoolbag for college most of the time. I have to carry a uniform into college everyday as well as folders, notes, lunch and pencil case though so I need the extra space.

OldGoat

fonpokno wrote: »

OG you're a terrible influence!

*Dusts hands*
And my work here is done. :cool:

naasface

aha I am obssessed with those scaramanga satchels now. I NEED one!
OldGoat you should get commission !
Last year I had no money for a proper bag so I used anything I could find. I used childish schoolbags (the tiny ones) that fitted nothing and painful handbags. Can't wait for this satchel

wixfjord

Honest to god OG you should get a few bob from them for this!! Im saving my pennies too!

NiamhTCD

Well I got this one for college in september

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Michael+Kors+Braided+Gromment+Medium+tote+bag./139413388,default,pd.html?cgid=3041

My sister said in her class in college last year some mature student in her 40s used a shopping trolley like this to bring her stuff around in

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/shopping-bags/marketeer-shopping-trolley.asp

seanbmc

I'm thinking of getting one of those satchels since I'm starting in september. OG's picture is making me consider the matter further :P.

NiamhTCD

seanbmc wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting one of those satchels since I'm starting in september. OG's picture is making me consider the matter further :P.

I would rather see a guy with some individuality ,rather than a group of people like lemmings with the same bags.

fonpokno

seanbmc wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting one of those satchels since I'm starting in september. OG's picture is making me consider the matter further :P.

They're gorgeous bags aren't they?! Dooo it!

seanbmc

NiamhTCD wrote: »

I would rather see a guy with some individuality ,rather than a group of people like lemmings with the same bags.

As in guys with satchels? Not that many guys have them do they?

NiamhTCD

seanbmc wrote: »

As in guys with satchels? Not that many guys have them do they?

They are nice bags , but yes loads of guys have them around town and I was out in UCD at easter and every second guy had them.

fonpokno

seanbmc wrote: »

As in guys with satchels? Not that many guys have them do they?

Sean, if you like it buy it! I've never seen that many people with them myself.

Thumpette

Just went halfers with a friend and bought one of these for my friend who is emigrating and going back to college. Would never have thought of it if it wasnt for the OP- great plan!

seanbmc

fonpokno wrote: »

Sean, if you like it buy it! I've never seen that many people with them myself.

Don't worry I will, maybe not that exact one but something very similar . Was just seeing where she was coming from.

angelxx

seanbmc wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting one of those satchels since I'm starting in september. OG's picture is making me consider the matter further :P.

I think those satchels look great.