The most shallow University question I've ever thought of!

[Ryatha]

I just had a big backpack that was my DH's. It had one big pocket for the books, jumpers and folders, a smaller one in which my purse, phone etc when in and then a smaller one with pens etc. I found as the year progessed I took less and less with me as I just didn't need it.

Since I was combining Uni and Work, I was lucky that the bag was neutral and it went with my office wear that I wore to work. I tried my laptop bag that was much more 'classy' but it really hurt my shoulders and so I gave up on that and went back to the comfy backpack.

Try out both bags with full weights and work out which is most comfy - it may help in the long run!

[Lolli]

Personally, I always went the smaller bag and carrying the folder. Mainly beacuse it made me feel a bit more fashion- in that American college, carrying a stack of books kinda way.

A pain in the bum? Totally. But it does indeed look very cool.

[Oorki Galoorki]

im still yet to find my bag! i want one bag with a few different pockets but i want a one strap...i found one the other day but not sure isf i can justify $80 for it....

[feeb]

i always used a back pack with a few pockets to keep thing easy to get to, i also went for ease, convenience and comfort over fashion.

[HotI]

Don't take a shopping bag. It always looks funny when people are using them as a handbag, and definately not fashionable.

I am with the majority, go the big bag with a smaller bag inside to keep the stuff you need accessible.

[Nelle]

Big bag, and you can keep a smaller bag in the big bag, even a funky cloth zip up bag (hellooo etsy), for your purse and other stuff.

[AnyDream]

My advice - go to the very first conference you can wangle student attendance to get to in your chosen professional field. They hand out really groovy bags at ALL of them - I have 2 FANTASTIC satchels that have folder-sized spaces AND all the little pockets and zips for all the other sort of stuff you want to carry around. PLUS it's a conversation starter for any other students who've been to the conference as well.

GOOD LUCK on Monday!!!