Have you started thinking about back-to-school yet? Because at CareerBags.com, we
certainly have!
While emotions tend to be mixed for most students as
they head back to hit the books, the one thing most of them can look
forward to is traditional back-to-school shopping - bags included!
In anticipation of the season, I spoke to a few students to get their take on what a student laptop bag needs to be:
First up, meet Erin, who's studying public relations!
What does a typical college student carry these days?
I'm not sure if I count as typical, but the necessary things to have in my bag are my wallet, blackberry, keys, iPod, flash drives, laptop, assorted utensils (pens, pencil, white-out, mini stapler etc...the mini stapler is definitely a necessity), a few folders and project packages, a book or some sort of reading material for the commute, a water bottle and some munchies. A few other odds and ends.
How do you get to school (walk, drive, bike, transit) and how does that affect your choice of bag?
I've been busing, usually over an hour each way, for my entire 7 years of post-secondary education. I have my bus commute down to an art form. I'd say it has a pretty major impact on my choice of bag: the bag needs to be big enough to hold everything, but with no extra bulk (to avoid smacking other passengers in the head). It needs to be easy and quick to swing on to my lap for that smooth seat obtaining action. It needs to have enough structure to keep everything safe inside, but not too rigid so that it's uncomfortable to hug on my lap for an hour. It needs to have some level of weather protection. Also, I need to easily be able to quickly access my bus pass and my phone. It's a tall order.
How important is fashion? More important than function?
I'm
a purse junkie - I'll admit that straight away. Still, up until my
current program, I was okay with my bag being a touch more utilitarian.
However, for what I'm currently studying, there's a good percentage of the time that I need to dressed in business-wear...as such, a canvas backpack won't quite cut it. I still need a bag that's going to be a practical carry-all for school, but I also need it to fit in with a suit.
How important is price?
Perhaps it's the purse junkie in me, but I'm willing to pay what a bag is worth. I won't pay for fashion over function, but I will dig into my meagre student budget for something that delivers a high level of both, particularly if it's going to last me more than one school year.
What's the one thing you wish designers knew about student life?
Sometimes, students need a bit more room - if I'm at school from 9am until 7pm (plus transit), I like to bring at least one meal to save some money, and very few laptop bags out there have enough room for a substantial lunch.
What bag would be on your back-to-school shopping list?
I'm currently infatuated (from afar) with the Siamod San Francisco Messenger Bag in Chocolate. It fills the bill for what I'm looking for perfectly (stylish, practical, school and work appropriate), and it's just plain gorgeous. I love that the leather flap will save my folders from any incidental rain drops, and it would be super easy to manage on the bus, with the option for a shoulder or cross-body carry. Hmmm...my birthday is coming up shortly...
