I'm in Life Sci from september and wondering what kind of backpack should I get? I'm going to be carrying a laptop where ever I go. Should I just get a regular backpack with a laptop compartment or one of those laptop/purse bags that go over your head?

I would recommend a regular backpack because you can use it for a wider range of things and you can store more stuff at a time, but other than that, it's probably just personal preference.

I used a laptop shoulder bag last year, but the most I had to carry at one time was my computer and 1-2 books. If you have a lot of classes together, and have to have a lot of books at one time, use a backpack.

Just from personal experience, sometime anything with one strap (ie, tote bags, shoulder strapped backpacks or laptop bags) can get too heavy, and become extremely uncomfortable to walk with. I'd say go with a regular backpack for when you have heavier things, and if you want something with one strap for smaller, lighter things, go with that.

I use a messenger and regular, depends on my mood lol

I'd definitely recommend a regular backpack w/ laptop compartment. You'll get way more flexibility for your money that way, because you'll be carrying different sets of items dependibng on your classes/time of year/etc...

Also you'll probably have a backpack for other stuff anyways so you might as well save money and just have the one backpack which does everything.

Definitely echoing the suggestion of a backpack with a laptop compartment. And depending on how many books you plan to be carrying, one that has a chest strap might be a good idea. When you have to carry a few textbooks, you'll definitely appreciate it.

I lived on campus and I only ever had 2 classes max back to back, and since I dont prefer to bring textbooks to class, I only ever had 2 notebooks + laptop in my backpack. If I wasnt planning on bringing my laptop that day I couldve gotten away with using a purse lol.
Also I would say that for me, a side bag/messenger back would be annoying with a fullsize laptop, those bags always bang against my leg and sway. A netbook however wouldnt cause too much problems.

I would recommend a normal, 2 strap backpack, like this one:
http://store.bootsnall.com/product_i...a-backpack.jpg

There are special backpacks with a little compartment for your laptop, that might be useful.

Personally, I take so few books to school, that I use a big purse-type bag, like this:
http://www.leatherhandbags4s ure.co...7014252736.jpg

If you're a guy, I'm sure you won't be using a purse. But just to give you an idea of how much space you'll actually need in a backpack. I only take a lunch, some pens and one notebook. If you're bringing a laptop, I strongly recommend you do NOT get a one-shoulder bag. It's a pain in the ass.

Depends on your learning style, but this year I'm planning on just bringing a single notebook, and keeping a few textbooks in my locker. Laptops are soooooooooooo much of a distraction...

I used a laptop bag in first year and switched to a regular bag last year because of all the reasons people have mentioned (weight on one shoulder, uncomfortable, lack of space, etc). Definitely go with the normal bag.

I have a timbuk2 messenger bag because I'm a total poser.
Its a nice bag though.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...374 302699687

Not fancy, but it's large and durable.

I use this one. Bit of an overkill for school, but also doubles as an outdoor day pack.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/...&cm_vc=Search#

Thanks for the replies everyone. Based on ur advice, I guess its safe to go with a regular backpack with a laptop compartment. Anyone know a place to get em for a good price?