<p>Any comments about messenger bags/tote bags/backpacks at ucla?</p>
<p>I'm having trouble deciding which one to bring. I know it's more of personal preference (or not...someone just asked me if I wanted to die at ucla with anything besides a backpack...), but would carrying a tote bag around ucla kill me/my shoulders? </p>
<p>Also, is it really that big of a difference if you get a backpack with a laptop compartment instead of a backpack? In other words, sticking the laptop in a case and then putting it in a regular backpack?</p>
<p>No. A backpack with wheels is never a good idea. Especially in a school that is as a)crowded b)image conscious and c)has as many hills and stairs as UCLA. Not that anyone really cares what you use as a backpack (in a school with tens of thousands of people the only people who really care about you are your own friends), but bringing around a rolling backpack down Bruin Walk is not practical when you're trying to weave around crowds of people (while going uphill both ways). UCLA is also a school full of geeks, heck I'm one too (peep the major), but bringing around a rolling backpack is one way to stick out as the geekiest of them all, unless that's your thing (then go for it). Trust me though, people will hate it when they're tripping on your backpack trying to hurry to class down the crowded pathways.</p>
<p>Really, just go with any backpack you deem most comfortable and best looking. I've seen people wear every style. I wouldn't worry about a laptop compartment unless you plan on carrying your laptop everyday (most don't). I'd try to generally pack light, and usually you can since most people only take 2 or so separate classes a day. I remember freshman year my shoulders would be aching from carrying too much stuff (and I lift). I also lived in Hedrick which didn't help at all. Also, please wear your backpack normally. That means two straps on at a decent height. Your back will thank you. And no, walking around with one strap on will not make you look cooler.</p>
<p>Hm...the thing I don't like about backpacks is that I always have trouble finding whatever I put in there and I always had an issue getting into a bathroom stall at my highschool because of my backpack (weird I know). So then, would you say no to a totebag McGizzle? I'm stuck at Hedrick too so I'm a tad bit scared I might kill off my shoulder with a tote bag....-seriously hoping for classes that won't require me to carry too much- </p>
<p>Actually I think a totebag would be fine. I've seen plenty of girls take one to class (I'm assuming you're a girl by the name). Shouldn't be an issue as long as you keep it fairly organized and a decent weight. I've had to carry an athletic bag across campus a couple times (strapped over like a totebag) and it hasn't been an issue.</p>
<p>Really, no matter what type of bag you choose its always a good idea to keep it as light as possible. Lots of times you can go back to your room anyway (during a break) and just get what you need then.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm hoping to keep it as light as possible. I have an hour between classes so I hope I'll be okay with going back up and then down that hill haha. That helps a lot though, thanks. ^_^</p>
<p>I use my purse. Which is bigger than Texas. Alaska, even. I <3 it. I bought a backpack with the intention that this is what college students use! It is acceptable! And practical, even. But then I put it on and felt like I was in 3rd grade and I realized that I really didn't need to bring books to class and that was the end of the backpack thing. It now acts as easily transportable storage space on my floor. </p>
<p>And yeah. The returning to dorms, etc between classes will get old.</p>
<p>Yea, I was thinking more of if you had like a 3 or 4 hour break between classes. One hour is not nearly enough time to go back to your room for any decent amount of time.</p>
<p>I have two backpacks. I have one messenger bag for when I need to take my laptop out and do stuff, and I have a normal Jansport backpack that I have used since High School. I also do what ShirleyxY does ... minus the plastic bag, lol.</p>
<p>um. i never used a backpack. ever. i almost never even brought books unless i was planning to catch up on reading in between classes (which was rare). you don't really need to carry all that much to go to class.</p>