So I feel like I've been going back and forth between different bags for school. First, I was thinking of a messenger bag, but then I got my books and decided that a rolling backpack would probably be better. I bought a SwissGear wheeled laptop bag from Staples this past weekend and it is really big. I think it will fit my books with no problem, but now I'm wondering if it is too big? I'm so indecisive!! What do you guys think?

Here is the link to the bag I purchased:

http://www.staples.com/SWISSGEAR-Patriot-Wheeled-Laptop-Case-Black-17in/product_505297

There are two other threads going right now about this exact same issue. You may want to check those out before starting another thread about the same thing.

Your rolling backpack can never be too big. At least for me I need to fit my books, binders, snacks, water bottle, planner, and laptop into mine so mine is huge. The only problem I find is having to haul it up stairs sometimes. Carrying too much weight on your shoulders really can cause problems later in life so if you even think you need a rolly backpack then definitely use one.

First let me say, yes there are other threads talking about rolling backpacks, but yours is totally different because you are asking about YOUR specific backpack.

Secondly, the style of the bag you choose isn't my cup of tea, but if you like it that is all that matters. I agree with the above poster that no bag can be too big.

Thank you, Mama_Cashew! I felt the same way I just didn't care to respond to the first comment. Because believe me, I checked into previous threads before posting my question about the rolling backpack that I bought. I hate rolling backpacks, I really do. I know it will be better for my back (which is bad to begin with!), so that's why I was leaning more towards buying one anyway lol... they aren't exactly cute! I'd rather have a messenger bag, but I'm going to keep the tags & reciept for my wheeled one just in case I find I don't really need to use it. I start October 1! :)

I appreciate your response, SNkat :) More than likely I will be needing to use the wheeled backpack, but I am going to be keeping my reciepts just in case I don't. I will definitely be needing the room, so I bought the SwissGear rolling bag because it expands and it's huge!! Of course, after I bought it a little voice kept asking, "What if it's too big!?" ... I've been driving myself crazy over what type of bag to get for school :/

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community.

It is perfectly fine to talk about your backpack. Whether or not it's too big is a personal choice but once you start carrying around a stethoscope, lab gear, care plans, papers, water, snacks/lunch.....YOu will probably find your bag is just fine. Once school starts your bag will take a second seat to your studying.

I am sure it is fine.....:hug: Good luck in school

I have been in nursing school for three weeks and changed my bag three times. The first was a rolling backpack but that tore in the first 2 weeks and was to small. I next went with a rolling laptop bag that I LOVED, but I bought a cheap one that couldn't handle the weight of the books. I then went to my school bookstore and found a rolling tote bag that is huge and I love it. I am still torn because I really liked the rolling laptop bag. I just cannot afford a better quality one. So, my best advice is either the rolling laptop bag or rolling tote bag because of their huge size. I have found I have really needed the space so both are wonderful. So, definitely don't worry about it being to big. Your going to need that room in that bag for all the books. Oh, and one more little thing. I love my rollling tote bag. But, the laptop bag I liked a little better for the ease of getting my books in our out of the bag. Plus with the way you put the books in the bag it's easier to see the lable of the books and notebooks when reaching for one.

I do not think you will really know what bag you like until after you start.

I am a bag whore. I love backpacks, purses, totes, messenger bags, anything So I have three different bags I take depending on what I have going on that day. Right now in lecture on Wed. we have Ped nursing, this is backpack day. Thursday and Friday are my clinical days so I take a tote that has many pockets for pens, pen lights, note cards, paper, pocket books, ect.. Then on Monday I just bring my purse, pen/paper, and text book (this is when I study at school).

Congrats on starting nursing school!

I too am super indecisive, so I feel for you.

I think that bag might be too big, but I suppose I guess it depends on your campus style and how many classes you are taking. I don't bring my books to every class either, so even if I had three classes in a row, I might only bring one text or a text/workbook & binder.

A rolling backpack of some sort is essential.

Ko115... wasn't trying to be rude by my comment. However, from the perspective of someone who reads the forum every day... there were literally four threads going at once about rolling backpacks; it was a bit much.

It's really not that big of a deal to me. I was looking for opinions on the specific bag that I had already purchased, being that I haven't started my program yet. Believe me, I read all of those posts, even searched via the search bar. Since none of the posts that I read had the answers to my question, I posted one regarding my own wheeled backpack, and whether or not it was too big.

:)

I agree with others who have posted on this site - you can never have too big of a backpack for nursing school. It's so funny to see people's threads indicating their specific likes and preferences because I am the same way!! I really don't know how one can be so picky about some things while being so indecisive at the same time - but somehow I manage it!! Also - I'd prefer not to refer to myself as picky - I just know what I like and I know what I don't and if I don't find something I'm looking for that meets my requirements - then I just have to make my own something and just make it work!

I too have changed my school bag about three times since I have started nursing school. I just bought a backpack that I got from academy - it has three pockets and can hold a ton but I've found that it's still too small! So I have decided to put my books and my netbook in the backpack and all other personal items, writing utensils, supplies etc. in a separate bag that I can wear around my shoulder. Not an extremely comfortable way of doing things but it keeps me organized and I always have whatever I need with me. Also, I'm somewhat of a catastrophist - so I need plenty of bag-space to fit all I need in order to feel prepared for whatever happens.

and just a suggestion - Some of my classmates purchased a tub-a-ware box or like a cute storage box of some sort (you could probably find one by searching "storage box" on the Target or The Container Store websites) - they leave it in the backseat or the trunk of the car and store ALL of their books inside. They just pull out the books they wish to use whenever they need 'em.

Seems to work out nicely for them. If you aren't afraid that some sorry nursing-book-crazed-crook will break into your car and steal all your books - maybe this can be an option for you if your backpack proves to be too small.

Good luck with your backpack situation and good luck in nursing school!