bag for uni

username7564193

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hi @Bee2008

You can honestly go with any bag the first week, just something comfy that fits your essentials. Use that time to scope out what others are using and see what works best for your course and style.

Mercy
BCU Student Rep

Reply 2

Chester Student

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hi there,

This is really down to your preferences.

I had a cheap backpack for my first two years, and it constantly got soaking wet and was breaking in places. Not the best choice!

Just before my year abroad, I decided to get something better. I went with a Swiss Gear backpack, and although they can be pricey, I absolutely love mine! I have used it for the past few years for university and for travel, and it has been fantastic. If you need supportive padding, good organization and space, great quality, a luggage sleeve, and security in hidden pockets, I'd recommend them. I can't find the exact one I use, but I've linked the website here.

I'd definitely recommend buying something of good quality, just so you don't have to keep buying once they break/ruin your stuff. Other than that, go crazy with the style!

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Geography (With a Year Abroad)

Reply 3

Kingston Zhi En

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hi there @Bee2008 ,
Depending on your mode of transport to uni and how much stuff you have to bring to class. Personally for me as someone who walks a lot, I would definitely recommend getting a waterproof backpack! You may be able to find something cool 2nd hand online on platforms like Vinted 🙂

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

Reply 4

AGUoS

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hey @Bee2008

I think the right bag really depends on your course, style, preference and how you commute. I carried a regular backpack initially because I wasn't sure what would work best. After some time, I decided to get a Laptop Backpack as it was the most practical for a business course. And as others have said, I would strongly recommend to go for a good-quality waterproof bag so that it lasts longer and you don't have to worry about your things getting damaged when it rains.

A few months in, I also got a satchel type bag from TK Maxx at a great price for days when I didn't have much stuff to carry. I would recommend to check them out as they have a variety of bags at affordable prices.

I hope this helps!

All the best,
Akshita
(University of Southampton Student Rep)

(edited 7 months ago)

Reply 5

UniLancashire

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hi @Bee2008,

This is a great questions! I wouldn't worry too much about this and go out buying a new bag straight away. I would wait until you join uni and see how much you will be bringing in unless you don't have any bag to use during the first week or two. If you don't have any bag then I'd ask yourself a few questions like will I be walking to get to class and how far? If this is the case, getting a waterproof backpack would be a great option. There are so many options and varieties out there so pick one that stands out to you and matches your aesthetic. Do like backpacks or prefer shoulder bags? I know backpacks are very practical and easy to carry whereas crossbody bags or tote bags can be less practical, especially in the weather we get in the UK.

I had a few different bags for uni. I always had a backpack that was to an extent waterproof but also a tote bag for the lighter days where I didn't need to bring as much and the weather was decent. I would also have a crossbody bag that would fit more than the tote bag in, depending on what my uni days/weeks looked like. Studying a fashion course, I would often be carrying other bags or suitcases in with materials etc. so it can also vary based on what you are studying.

I hope this helps and you find the right bag for you! 🙂
Many thanks, ^Zac

Reply 6

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hi @Bee2008

Something comfy, not too bulky so that it fits in lecture theatres when you're sat, and with some element of waterproofing. I had a canvas tote-bag style bag with a zip, but with a waterproof insert for my laptop. It served me for all 4 years of my degree (although it is now definitely on its absolute last legs).

Rebecca (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 7

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hi there,

I think the best thing to do is to wait and see what your course is like when you start uni and how much stuff you will have to bring in with you. For my course, we only really had to bring our laptops and some papers sometimes, however for some courses you will have to bring books or other supplies too.

If you have to bring in lots of things, I would recommend a rucksack just to save your back and shoulders! Get one that is waterproof as it is likely to rain at some points here, and one big enough to fit your laptop, books if you need it, lunch, water bottle etc. I had a rucksack in my first year which was good but it wasn't really waterproof which would have been better.

In my second and third year, I decided to get a shoulder bag as I didn't have lots of things to carry and I preferred having one of these. I will admit it wasn't the most practical as there were no pockets inside which meant my keys were always lost at the bottom and the bag wasn't very organised so if you are going to get one of these, try and get one which has pockets!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 8

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hey @Bee2008!

There's not one specific type of bag that's perfect for uni - instead, it's about trying to find a bag that best suits your lifestyle!

I know lots of students who cycle or walk to uni prefer backpacks, as they're easier to carry for long distances. Others who live closer to campus might just opt for a tote bag as they don't need much storage space for any extra belongings throughout the day.

Personally, I use an Osprey backpack which I got on sale (and reduced further using my student discount). It's perfect for me: it has a padded laptop sleeve and a waterproof coating, as well as lots of additional and easy access storage pockets. I did use tote bags occasionally throughout first year, but found them difficult to keep secure on my shoulders whilst walking.

Hope this helps and best of luck at university!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 9

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by Bee2008

what type of bag should I get for uni? like, a rucksack or a satchel type bag. I wanna be cool 😎 but also practical.

Hi there,

I just take a rucksack (same as 80% of all my classmates). It's a solid option as you can fit everything there including books, laptop, notebooks, and anything else. Satchel is also a great idea, but I haven't seen many people wearing it.

Best regards,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at De Montfort university