Here is a crazy question

35 and used a backpack

I'm 31 and I got an expandable file of sorts that holds all my papers and notes and carried it in my arms. I very rarely needed to have my text book on hand for classes.

38 year old here and I used a backpack (on both shoulders, evenly distributed and appropriately weighted.)

Might think about those backpacks with wheels too. At the local community college those were acceptable but at the university here in town the wheeled ones "weren't cool". I knew I stuck out like an old lady already so I didn't want to add to the awkwardness by using an "uncool" wheeled backpack. lol

Old lady here too (42).

I use a backpack just because sometimes I like to have my laptop with me and it really does feel better than putting all that weight on one shoulder.

I'm beyond worrying about looking cool anyway, I say do what is comfortable for you.

I have two bags and which I carry depends on how many books I have to haul.

One is an eBags "Savvy LapTop" tote in pink. It is fairly roomy and includes a laptop sleeve that I really like. My first semester I had all my classes on Tue/Thur and they had tons of books so I carried that and a small canvas tote.

The other bag is an acme made Clyde (black with a pink lining), which also comes with a laptop sleeve. It doesn't hold as much and is kind of expensive but the construction is impecable. I was able to use my Clyde spring and summer, but I don't think it will work for this fall.

I've looked at backpacks but they are so ugly.

I'm 39 and have a great big backpack! The rolling ones were popular at my CC but I always thought they were so heavy before I even put books in them.

What I did do though is buy a good backpack. Mine has an internal support, waist straps and a chest clip. Once I fill it up it's regularly over 40 lbs, but once the thing is on my back, it's really quite comfortable.

Peace,

CuriousMe

I actually thought about posting this same question! LOL. Ill be 30 when I start school, so I am currently shopping around for a backpack.

I use one of those sling bags I think they are called. It goes over the head and rests on the hip. It is big enough to fit a couple books and a binder, plus a side pocket for calculator, phone, etc.

I am 46 and what I have done is this.....I've been watching the back to school sale ads and purchased some of the new notebook that will hold a couple of books, notebook paper,has a place for pens,etc...it zips all the way around and comes w/a sholder sling.....I bought four hem in different colors...One for A&P, one for Chem & one for Intro to Respiratory.....they cost me $15 a piece, but I only have to haul one of them to school at a time and I don't have to continually change out my bookbag w/what I need for each class. I purchased highlighters for .05 this week at Walgreens and paper for .29......Watch that Sunday paper right now......so many specials for kids going back to school.....and us Older Students.

I will be at school all day on Tues and Wed but it's only a short walk out to the car to exchange notebooks and I don't mind the exercise v/s breaking back.....

There are folders that can hold a couple of books?

Hi! This is my first post to the forum. I am 43 and feel so OLD to be in school. I was so scared to go to school since I had never gone to college before. I bought a really nice backpack. I am in central Florida, and after talking to several other students, your location may really determine what most people are using to put their books in.

I also wanted to be "cool", but not too cool, LOL! I took a look around and realized the only backpacks I really saw were guys and women over 40. Soooo, I bought a couple of basic totes (you can get them anywhere- Vera Bradley, Lucky Jeans, Old Navy, to more expensive in major dept stores). Turns out, carrying my stuff that way is not near as heavy, and I have easier access to my books, plus its fashionable!

Not crazy at all. I'm 26 and I use a book bag but, a back pack is fine too probably even better cause the book bag kills my shoulder after a while.