One thing I was always curious about was what kind of bag I should bring to uni every day, and what people filled it with. So here goes:
First of all, I have a couple of different bags that I rotate depending on my mood or how much stuff I have to take to uni.
If I have my laptop I take my bag with the laptop case built in it.
If I have a long day or I’m going to the library to study and I need to take a textbook or a few books, I’ll take my backpack.
If I have a light day and I just need one lecture pad or something, I’ll take a little A4 sized shoulder bag. And if there’s not much in it I’ve discovered a way to wear it as a backpack, so I can ride my bike with ease.
The most annoying bag, one which I’ve never carried but I always see people struggling with, and gets especially irritating if you’re wearing a skirt, is one of those long over-shoulder bag things that hang at your hip. They can fool you with how cool they look but don’t be duped. They get very agitating.
Now, as for what to take. In terms of books and stuff, I’ve actually written an entire blog on it.
Apart from that, there’s of course your phone, wallet, keys, and in my case, glasses (there have been some very annoying instances where I’ve forgotten my glasses and had to squint through entire lectures... not fun. But, incidentally, an interesting way to make friends: "hey, I can't read the board, can I copy off you...?")
The next most important bunch of things you will need is your lecture pad, diary, pen/s, calculator if you need one, and lunch.
This is becoming a little bit of an heirarchy, isn’t it? Well, anyway, moving on. If you have all that you can deal with a water bottle, lip balm, tissues, a snack, iPod, gum, spare bobby pins, kitchen sink...
And even though that sounds like a lot I can usually pack it in with ease, even though a male friend of mine once expressed his amazement that girls could bring everything they need for uni in such small bags.