Tote bag
The tote bag: it’s either one with a colourful print and a random quote, or the one you once got for free during the Kick-In or Business Days Twente. Either way, if you carry a tote bag to uni, you’re that creative, cheerful student everyone wants to be friends with. On the weekends, you love going to a museum, the theatre or a bookshop. And when it comes to studying, you’d much rather sit in a cosy café with an oat milk cappuccino than on campus.
There’s a good chance you’re doing a social study. That heavy, powerful laptop for the engineering students among us wouldn’t even fit in your bag… What do you bring instead? A paper notebook, coloured markers, a water bottle and a few loose receipts from cafés here and there.
Briefcase
Your life is just as organised as your bag. Laptop in one compartment, lecture notes in the other, keys neatly tucked behind a zip. You’re the person who suggests meeting at the library at 8.00 am (and actually shows up!). In group projects, you’re the one who keeps track of everything and does the planning. Nine times out of ten, you’re the project leader, without it ever having been explicitly agreed. You’ll probably do something entrepreneurial later on. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already on a programme with Novel-T!
Patagonia/The North Face
If you’ve got an outdoorsy bag from Patagonia or The North Face, you’re definitely the adventurous type. You work hard during your studies, but you also believe that life consists of more than just studying (and you’re absolutely right). You’re that friend who spontaneously organises the most original outings and trips for your friend group. Your plans for this summer? Probably interrailing through Europe, camping in the woods or hiking in the mountains.
Old high school bag
That triple-layered Eastpak with a crazy print, ink stains and multiple tears that you’ve had since year 7; you’re not ashamed of it. Why buy a new one when this one still works perfectly fine? You and your bag have been through everything together. Maybe that’s secretly why you can’t seem to let it go 😉. But let’s be honest: it is practical. Laptop, laptop stand, books, lunchbox, toastie maker… everything fits. What this bag says about you, though? You don’t care much about what others think of you and just do your own thing. Respect!
Plain black backpack
Let me guess. You were also that high school student with a crazy backpack, and you were completely done with it. When you started uni, you wanted just one thing: to blend in with the others. So you chose the most basic black backpack you could find. At first glance, you seem to be that laid-back, casual student, but looks can be deceiving! You actually work hard, are motivated and have everything under control. You just don’t feel the need to show it.
Herschel
Aesthetically, I can totally understand your choice for a Herschel bag: it’s stylish, elegant and unique. But practical? First a flap, then a drawstring, and then one big compartment for all your stuff… There’s no way the inside of your bag isn’t a mess. But that’s exactly your vibe! You’re probably creative and a bit chaotic. Chances are you’re studying something like Creative Technology or Industrial Design Engineering.
Fjällräven Kånken
The VSCO girl phase was never just a passing trend for you; it’s a lifestyle. You’re conscious of sustainability, probably eat plant-based (regularly) and love vintage shopping. Your reusable water bottle fits perfectly in the side pocket of your Fjällräven, which, just like you, radiates sustainability and cheerfulness. Deep down, your bag is also a bit of a statement, and you wear it with pride.
Longchamp
If you carry a Longchamp bag, you’re guaranteed to be stylish. Your bag contains everything you need: hair clip, hairbrush, lip gloss, perfume, and yes, your laptop too, which, unlike the tote bag, actually fits inside. The fact that your shoulders suffer every day is a sacrifice you’re willing to make. You probably live in a girls’ house, love drinking Aperol Spritz on a terrace, and regularly go to Pilates or a running club. A bit fancy? Maybe, but you secretly love that.
Gym bag
You’ve got your priorities, and studying is not at the top of the list. You live for the gym, so you’ve turned your sports bag into your university bag, so you can head straight there after lectures. Fair enough, I appreciate the dedication! But, um, your bag… let’s just say it can sometimes have quite a strong smell. So do your fellow students a favour and maybe take your sweaty socks out once in a while.
Plastic bag
Your morning was probably a disaster. You overslept, your bike tyre was flat, and you’ve got an exam in ten minutes. So you quickly gathered a pen, paper and calculator and threw them into the first Appie bag you could find. I reckon you’re the sort of person who brings a whole loaf of white bread, a jar of peanut butter and a knife every day to make your own sandwich during lunch break. Your life is chaotic, and yet you always manage to pull it off just in time. How? Nobody knows (including yourself).
No bag
No bag, no stress. You like to live on the edge. You’re that student who always asks someone else to ‘borrow’ you a pen and paper, only to never give it back. You only show up for lectures when attendance is compulsory, and you start studying the day before the exam. We call it madness; you prefer to call it adventurous.
