Going back to uni - recommend me a backpack please!

[ButterflyOfFreedom]

Going back to uni in September (age 40!!).
I'll need a backpack/ rucksack for my books & notes etc. I'm obviously a 'mature' student so want something practical & that looks good but obviously not what a 18 year old would have!
Recommendations would be gratefully received, thank you

Rough budget? I have a Herschel backpack and I adore it but they are pricey.

I've had a Paperchase backpack before that was nice, it can be hard to find more grown-up designs in there but they do have them. Lasted me a good few years.

Oh yes sorry, that's probably helpful!!

Well I was hoping to spend no more than £30 - £50 - I'll only be at uni for a year (and can't see when I might otherwise use it....??) so didn't want to spend too much on it...

And will need to fit A4 books / paper in!

I think finding a 'grown up' one is the key - and is what making it difficult.
Someone told me Hype ones are good - but aren't they for secondary schoolers????!

I quite like this Paperchase one and only £16, it looks grown up enough to me. Hype is definitely too teenage laddish for my tastes!

www.paperchase.co.uk/black-quilt-backpack.html?utm_source=google_shopping&GlobalEData=%7B"countryISO":"GB","currencyCode":"GBP","cultureCode":"en-GB"%7D&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2f7bBRDVARIsAAwYBBsWx50OgnlC5nfwYqCl5bF8LfMtTVuDkowH2PbZh5ZyabC8AZQxxtYaAhsoEALw_wcB

I love my Kanken and find it a good size for carrying A4 books/notepads etc. Mi PAC have some reasonable and grown up designs (in amongst the bright colours!)

I like my Kipling backpacks. I have a dark grey one, lots of useful pockets. It has a monkey attached though. 😊 I got it from TKmaxx, they often seem to have them at reduced prices.

Try ASOS and Primark too! Primark tend to have more handbag things but I have seen some nice backpacks. Accessorize too but can be pricy.

Herschel.

Kanken. I've bought one to go to uni next month and I'm also 40.
Mine is navy with red straps. Very preppy looking 😂

I always go on about the Mia tui Sydney rucksack https://miatui.com/collections/backpack/products/sydney-backpack-multiple-colours

I'm 40 too and going back to university to do a masters next month. I've bought a Converse rucksack, I don't care if I'm too old!

I'm a mature student too.
I was going to buy a kanken but after watching a comparison video on line I went with a cath kidston one. Normally £50 but they do 10%student discount with unidays.
I love it. Fits my laptop, a4 folders, lunch box and water bottle in as well as various other crap.

I bought a Mia Tui Maya for travelling and it's been great. Go for the Sydney one that whattimeislove linked to. Lovely colours, pretty tough, well-organised inside.

I have an 18yo DS off to Uni , he doesn't do labels or brands (unlike 16yo DD who will beadily spy the next 'big thing' )

I got his , just by chance , in Ikea.
Black, heavy duty canvas , padded section for the laptop.
Lots of pockets .
Looks way more than it cost (IIRC about £30ish)

Thanks for the ideas so far, will take a look!

And any other recommendations are most welcome, thank you

Eastpak, you can sometimes get them at a good price on Amazon, we’ve had some for years and you can use it for days out, picnics when you’re finished.

Herschel! I'm not a student but love mine - you might find you use it even after uni, so much better for your back, neck and shoulders than other bags.

What are you studying op? I've just finished uni as a mature student and managed with my normal bag with a smaller jotter with dividers in. Exciting times

I got Kipling one from TK Maxx for about £45. It's absolutely massive with 3 big pockets, a built in removable pencil case, small pockets to hold notebooks, pen pockets and phone pocket, plus an expandable bit. I'll find a link to a similar one. I absolutely love it and used it today. I had in it: A4 notebook, A5 notebook, laptop, full pencil case, water bottle, phone, car keys, 2 big folded up shopping bags, and (as I had DD with me) 3 nappies, full pack of wipes, bag of assorted snacks, drinks cup, mini train set, assorted other small toys, two books and her jacket. Was probably about 70% full. Brilliant bag.

I bought a karrimor urban. It’s well big and padded straps. Sports direct about twenty quid.

www.kipling.com/uk-en/backpacks-c10565/#p-2

They've changed the style slightly since I bought mine but the Clas Seoul is most similar. Sure you'd get one cheaper off eBay or look in Kipling sale. Good luck with going back to uni!

I’ve got an osprey Celeste. Neat and practical, built in laptop space. It’s been around the world with me.

I actually think the north face my husband carries is better quality, but flares too much at the hips for me to wear comfortably for long periods.

I have an indestructible Eurohike which I've had for years and have had no need to replace yet despite using practically everyday.

It has useful compartments, comfy to carry with adjustable straps (very imp for different pack loads). Fits my MacBook Air and A4 folders perfectly

This is the one

As it's not a fashion item I have no need to replace it till its falls apart which it refuses to do