Sorry if this is a silly question, but do most people still use backpacks in most colleges? Mainly girls, but I know some places, even some high schools, girls just use tote bags instead. I’d prefer a backpack most days, but I don’t want to be the only one. Thanks!
I’m pretty sure girls still use backpacks. I used one all through high school, so did all my friends. And I plan to use one during the fall. To me at least, carrying around a tote bag cross campus doesn’t seem as practical as a backpack. However, I am considering a messenger type bag, as I might need to carry a laptop to and from class. Of course, the choice is always up to you, with what you’re most comfortable with 
I always carry a backpack. I would hate trying to carry my books on one arm.
I go to a large scale university. Lots of people carry around backpacks. You can carry around whatever you like–it’s college! Be who you want to be!
You won’t be. Go to any college campus when school is in session and you’ll see that most students use a backpack.
Backpacks are very common in college. Don’t worry about it.
Get a big backpack, that’s my advice. I made the mistake of bringing a slightly smaller one than the one I had in HS, and I can never carry my laptop with me. It sucks.
undergrads, grad students and many profs use backpacks.
Plenty of women carry backpacks in college but there are also many that carry tote bags and purses as well - in college, a lot of people bring a limited amount of supplies to class since it’s rare for a professor to require you to bring in the text; so if you only have one or two classes that day and only need to carry a few pens and a notebook, a tote bag isn’t gonna strain your shoulder too terribly.
I alternate between a purse and a backpack depending on how light or heavy my workload is on any given week; for a backpack I use the North Face Borealis. For a purse I use the Longchamp Le Pliage.
LOTS of women on my campus carry backpacks, and lots carry tote bags/purses. It depends on your preferences, but I like using a backpack because I carry a lot of stuff, including my laptop, on a day to day basis. I also have a bad back so tote bags are a no-go anyway.
The High Sierra backpack sold at Costco (with the laptop compartment) was very popular on my campus last year, and was very affordable but still high quality. I paid 18 bucks and it’s still in GREAT condition after a year of daily use. It’s available again this year (at least in my area; I know Costcos tend to vary in their selection by region).
All mine carry some type of bag. I think it’s personal preference. D2 throws everything into an oversize canvas bag - almost like a beach bag. Both sons have bookbags with laptop sleeves built in that they say fit all the books they need, along with the laptop. I think for walking, something with straps for both shoulders is best. I can’t convince D2, but I would hate for anyone to hurt their back lugging books around.
Most people I see have backpacks (and that’s what I have). I just find it way more practical, and I feel like I have a better range of motion than with something sliding off my shoulder or dragging me to one side.
I should also point out, though, that I’m a commuter, so I bring a LOT of stuff each day. Still, most people I see have backpacks.
My first semester I got a messenger bag because I thought that seemed more trendy and collegiate. Not once over the course of the entire semester did I see another person carrying a messenger bag. Spring semester I bought a new backpack and have used that ever since.
I usually see people using JanSports or Herschel Heritage backpacks
LL bean packpacks are long lasting…my kids had one for 8 years and it never broke.
Yup…backpacks are very common in colleges even today. You may want to consider a few things like weight, durabilitty, # of pockets etc. You can use this as a guide http://www.educarelab.com/5-best-backpacks-college-top-backpacks-college-2014-reviews/
Trust me. use a backpack. girls who use totes and bags in college are usually thought of as weirdos.
but you do have to aim towards the more ‘fashionable’ backpacks. in particular, the north face is a really really popular one for “preppy”-- in fashion type of girls.
I don’t consider backpacks a fashion statement myself. They are 100% utility. The outdoor ones like LL Bean, Northface, Patagonia, etc are popular because they are big and tough, they can take a beating.