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!