Students carry many of the same things to class, but they don’t always carry them the same way. Around Southern Nazarene University, students can be spotted walking around campus with tote bags hanging from their arms or backpacks over their shoulders. While both bags can carry everyday essentials like notebooks, laptops, water bottles, and pens, the choice between them often comes down to convenience, comfort, and personal preference.
For freshman Azlyn Tucson, a backpack is the clear choice. Tucson said she prefers her backpack because it’s easier to carry and gives her enough room for things she needs for each class. “In my backpack, I just have my computer and my notebooks for the class I’m going to,” she said.
For Tucson, storage and comfort are essential when it comes to choosing a backpack. She believes having enough padding and storage can prevent the bag from becoming uncomfortable while walking around campus. “I think it’s very important to have a comfortable backpack with a lot of storage so it doesn’t hurt your back,” Tucson explained.
Tucson also believes that backpacks are more practical than totes because of their padding and pockets. Although tote bags have become a popular option among SNU students, Tucson said she has never considered switching. “I don’t think I’d like having something just on my shoulder with all my stuff in it,” she said.
Freshman Kayla Freeman has a different opinion. Freeman uses her tote bag to carry her everyday essentials, computer, calculator, and notebooks. Unlike Tucson, Freeman stated, “Tote bags are easier for me to manage and carry.” While backpacks can offer more padding and pockets, Freeman chooses the simplicity of a tote for the items she carries throughout campus. “I would definitely choose a tote bag,” she said, demonstrating how personal preference can strongly influence a student’s decision.
Senior Mia Tucker agrees with Tucson, but her reasons are connected to her daily routine. As a commuter, Tucker uses her backpack to keep things she needs throughout the school day.
When asked what she usually carries in her backpack, Tucker exclaimed,“Everything! Since I’m a commuter, I usually just keep everything I need either in my car or my backpack.”
Tucker explained that one of the biggest advantages of a backpack is the weight is distributed across both shoulders. She believes this makes backpacks more comfortable and better for posture than carrying everything on one shoulder.
“It’s an evenly distributed weight across your shoulders and it’s better for your posture,” Tucker added. “Still not great but better.”
Tucker has had her current backpack for around two years. She originally chose it because it’s a reliable brand that does not fall apart easily. Comfort and storage are extremely important to her when choosing a college backpack. Her backpack helps her stay prepared throughout the day; she enjoys filling it with snacks and other necessities so she has what she needs while on campus.
The experiences of Tucson, Freeman, and Tucker show that choosing between a backpack and a tote is not necessarily about which bag is better. Instead, students think about what works best for their belongings, schedules, and comfort. For students carrying notebooks, laptops, and other supplies throughout the day, backpacks provide support and storage. Tote bags offer easy access and a lightweight option for students carrying fewer items.
At Southern Nazarene University, the tote versus backpack debate ultimately comes down to what works best for each student. Whether it is a tote carrying a laptop and a few notebooks or a backpack packed with everything a commuter needs, both styles have found their place on campus. So, the next time you head to class, which will you choose, the simplicity and style of a tote or the storage and comfort of a backpack?
Photo by: Paige Davis