Best Bags for Back-To-School & University

With heading back to school just around the corner, the start of a new year can be filled with excitement, anticipation and nervousness. Whether you’re dusting off your textbooks or sorting out your outfits for the year, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to assess what you need to start the year off right – and a good school or university bag is one of those accessories.

In this article, we’re sharing our tips and tricks for choosing the ultimate back-to-school bag to help you get the most out of the school year ahead.

When it comes to bags for school and uni, one key difference lies in their size. Since students spend the entire day at school, a larger backpack is usually required to accommodate all their essentials, such as textbooks, notebooks, and lunch boxes. On the other hand, uni days can vary depending on the classes, making a smaller bag sufficient to carry essentials like a laptop, water bottles, and any necessary documents or notebooks.

From deciding on the style, size and overall functionality, choosing a back-to-school bag needs a checklist. Not to mention there is a plethora of variation, aesthetics and tech available.

So, how do you choose the right bag for back to school and uni?

The first aspect of a new bag to consider is how much you need to carry with you while at school or uni. Do you need a small number of items, like a drink bottle, laptop, wallet or a whole selection of textbooks, equipment, etc.? This can help you determine what size bag and how much space you’ll need.

For some schools, a specific type of bag may be required, like a backpack or duffle bag, which may limit the type of bag you can choose. Make sure to double-check your school’s uniform requirements before splurging on a new bag right away.

Once you know roughly how much you’ll need to carry and the requirements for colour, style etc., then you can start looking for bag features that matter. There are many different aspects of a good bag; choosing a style based on aesthetics and functionality is important.

You likely already have a design in mind, but let’s help you express yourself more confidently. For school, a backpack is more of a practical option, especially if your school doesn’t offer lockers or common rooms, and will give your back support while carrying an array of heavy items, like notebooks and a laptop. For uni, there is more freedom to include a bit more style and personality – so you can grab a chic tote.

Be sure to choose a bag made with sturdy, durable material. You’d be surprised how much stuff you may need to bring with you daily, so you need a bag that can handle any weight. Be it high-quality leather or pleather, the thicker the fabric, the more likely the bag will last the entire year. Also, make sure it is easy to clean during a hassle-free school year.

Make sure to choose a bag in a versatile colour for a range of outfits and environments. Neutral colours like black, tan and navy blue will work well with several outfits. They are also better for preventing staining and disguising dirt, especially at school when your bag will most likely be thrown around. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experiment with colour.

Does the bag have enough storage and pockets to keep your essentials, like your phone, keys, wallet, chargers and personal items safe? Additional pockets and space will make it much easier to keep track of your items when spending the whole day on campus.

Check if the bag can handle the daily grind. Look for sturdy stitching and tough weather-proof fabrics. Nylon and canvas bags are strong materials to withstand the demands of school life.

Heavy loads require serious comfort. Adjustable padded straps and back support are your friends. With a cushioned back panel, you can carry the bags with more ease and breathability. A wide strap helps to distribute weight evenly.

Having defined compartments helps keep you organised. Think about everything you need to carry. Also, measure your laptop, textbooks, and other essentials to ensure they'll fit comfortably. Then, look for dedicated laptop sleeves, water bottle pockets, and smaller pockets for valuables.

Who doesn’t want extra space in their school bag? So, shop for bags with expandable features like gusseted sides or expandable zippers to accommodate those occasional overloads.

Keep your belongings safe in bags that feature secure closures, including zippers, buckles, and magnetic snaps. Some bags even offer anti-theft features like lockable zippers or RFID wallets to protect your tech.

Don't let a little rain ruin your day (or your books!). Look for water-resistant or waterproof materials to keep your belongings dry, like nylon or leather.

AYA tote bags are a fantastic choice for university, in both casual and formal settings. With their spacious design and durable materials, they can easily accommodate textbooks, notebooks, and other essentials. The internal zip and phone pocket provide added security for valuable items, ensuring that students can keep their belongings safe. Additionally, the large main compartment and twin round shoulder straps in AYA tote bags offer ample space for carrying bulkier items, like a laptop and water bottle.

Antler backpacks are a great choice for refreshing your back-to-school look in a functional and simplistic style. The new favourite is the Antler Icon Large Backpack. Whether you're heading to work, school, or on a weekend adventure, this sleek and spacious backpack will carry all your essentials with ease. With its comfortable straps, multiple compartments, and durable design, it’s ideal for students to stay organised. Plus, the modern design ensures you look effortlessly cool.

From carry-on to day backpacks, Nere Seeker brings the ultimate mix of cool and practical, with enough room to keep all your school stuff – from textbooks to snacks. The cushioned straps and soft material mean you can rock it all day long, whether you’re rushing between classes or chilling with friends at lunch. So, ace this school year with the range of Nere Seeker backpacks.

With a luxury leather feel, the Colorado messenger bags and satchels are the most sleek everyday bags for long days on campus. Available in appealing rustic colours, it offers a modern twist to the traditional briefcases with adjustable crossbody straps. It is built to carry anything you throw in it – fill in your books, laptops, earphones, snacks or bottles. From back zip pockets to flap top magnetic fastenings, the Colorado messenger bag is your perfect companion on busy days.

Are you looking for a shoulder bag for a short uni day or a backpack for a hectic study life, these Travelon convertible bags are the shape-shifting superhero of bags. And don’t even get us started on the anti-theft features that keep your laptop and essentials safe no matter where you end up. So go ahead, conquer your day (and look good doing it) with the Travelon convertible bags – your trusty stylish partner.

Whether you’re revamping your style or need a versatile option for work and school, discover the full selection of back-to-school and uni bags online from STRAND.