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  • by Laura Martinez
  • 4 min read
  • Comfort, durability, and functionality are the bare minimums to look for while choosing a college bag. 
  • Nylon backpacks, sling bags, crossbody purses, tote bags, and large handbags are perfect for tackling the ever-changing demands of college life.
  • Smart accessories like adjustable crossbody straps let you switch up your look on a budget with a simple swap.

When you’re a college student, a good bag is basically your lifeline. It’s a portable locker for all the essentials that help you juggle hectic classes, extracurricular commitments, and off-campus plans with ease. So naturally, choosing the best backpacks for college is a whole mission on its own. You want something functional and durable (the bare minimum), but that doesn’t mean you’ll lug around any unsightly thing for the sake of practicality! Luckily, Sol and Selene has you covered with bags that don’t make you sacrifice one for the other. Take a look at our round-up of the best bags for college to discover the perfect carry-all for your schedule and lifestyle!

A Nylon Backpack for the Studious Student

A black quilted backpack on a woman in grey sweats

If your typical college day starts at 8 am and doesn’t end until late in the evening, you need Sol and Selene’s classic nylon backpacks to get you through. These are the best collegebackpacks for the big shooters with hectic schedules. The design is luxe and the space is ample, with separate compartments for books, laptop, water bottle, and small items. Even when loaded to the brim, these backpacks never look bulky or overstuffed. These lightweight, fashion-forward carry-alls are the perfect pick for ambitious overachievers who attend back-to-back classes and pack for the unexpected.

A Sling Backpack for the Recreational Athlete

A black padded sling backpack on a woman’s shoulder

If you’re the type to head straight to the sports complex after classes, you need a bag that understands the assignment. Sol and Selene’s sling backpacks are best for college students who know that physical fitness is just as important as academic excellence. “A healthy mind lives in a healthy body,” as they say! These large sling bags are as roomy as our backpacks, but sleeker and sportier in design. Use one of these when you don’t need to carry a lot of books but still want enough space for a water bottle, an e-reader or tablet, sports gear, and other small essentials that get you through the day.

A Nylon Tote for the Stylish Over-Packer

A woman in white clothes holding an olive crossbody tote

Some college days feel like you’re packing for a weekend getaway. Maybe you’re planning to swing by the debate club after class, observe the wonders of mitosis at the lab, hit the court right after, and then squeeze in a late dinner with your mates. This means you’ll need to carry a bunch of other stuff that just might be too much even for the best college backpacks. In this case, a large nylon tote from Sol and Selene is the only plus one you need to conquer the day. Go for a style with a crossbody strap so your hands are free while commuting and moving through the campus.

A Crossbody Purse for the Light-Pack Days

A woman carrying the best crossbody bags for college

College isn’t a chaotic grind all the time. Some days are slower than others, with just a class or two in the morning, a quick library stop at noon, and then lunch with friends. The best backpacks for chill college days like these are Sol and Selene’s medium crossbody purses. The largest size can easily fit an iPad or Kindle, a couple of slim notebooks, a small water bottle, and your daily essentials like keys, wallet, stationery, etc. These bags are incredibly lightweight, stylish, and convenient, whether you’re out for a quick class or just feel like carrying light.

A Chic Handbag for Off-Campus Adventures

A woman holding a burgundy woven handbag

College days that end with cafe hangouts or spontaneous trips to art galleries and museums call for some extra pizzazz. A school handbag from Sol and Selene’s Dare to Dream collection can rival the best backpacks for college when flexibility and style take priority. Every carry-all in this line-up delivers forward-thinking design without putting functionality in the back seat. Fashion majors, these are the best go-to college bags for completing your outfit!

Accessories to Round off Your Collection

Woman wearing a tote with red & navy crossbody strap

As a college student, you likely don’t have the budget to invest in a matching bag for every outfit. Sol and Selene has a solution for that! Our adjustable crossbody straps are a clever way to switch up your look with one simple swap. Replace your standard strap with a woven strap to add more texture to basic looks, or try a fun hue or stripes to bring a fresh energy to your neutral-colored bag. This is a great addition to your accessories collection if you use Sol and Selene tote bags, since many of them are designed with built-in loops for crossbody straps.

Chic Carry-Alls for the Multi-Tasking Overachievers

Ready for your great academic comeback? Then pick your favorites from Sol and Selene’s best backpacks and bags for college! Our multi-functional carry-alls are designed for versatility and elegant style that crosses over from campus to gym to weekend plans. They’re made from durable, water-resistant materials and designed to keep you organized no matter how messy your schedule gets. Make sure to explore our clearance purses for affordable finds high on style. Also, sign up for our newsletter and enjoy 25% off your first order!

About the Author

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Laura Martinez is fueled by a love for adventure and an obsession with all things chic and functional. With a background in creative writing and a knack for spotting trends, she brings a fresh perspective to the Sol and Selene blog. When she’s not crafting inspiring content, you can find her testing the limits of her favorite bags on weekend hikes, jet-setting to explore new destinations, or savoring her third cup of coffee at a cozy café. For Laurel, every bag tells a story—and she’s here to help you find yours.