EDITOR PICKS
THE BEST BACK-TO-UNI BAGS
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 11 August 2025
You’ve played hard, and now the season to work hard is looming closer. If ‘new season, new me’ is your mantra for the upcoming uni year, kickstart your transformation with a fresh bag or two. While seminars, lectures and exams might take priority over your style sense, when you look good, you perform even better – a sentiment you can take from the campus to the gym and beyond. Look below for the picks we think you’ll love.
Becksondergaard rallo lottie woven tote bag in chocolate brown, £84
This Becksondergaard tote has a textured woven design and the potential to be carried as a supersized clutch – it's giving versatility. Its functional credentials include: a water-resistant material, long twin straps that suit every shoulder, a spacious laptop-friendly shape, a magnetic closure… we could go on forever. If you’re a fan of tote bags but prefer canvas styles, look no further than Dickies and ASOS DESIGN.
Herschel Supply Co survey backpack with contrast tan straps, £85
This Herschel bag is in it for the long haul. It strikes the perfect balance between the convenient utility of a backpack and the classic sophistication of a satchel – in other words, it’s a must-have. This backpack is versatile enough for any scenario: gym days, course trips or for securing style points. Level up your look with a preppy academia-inspired ‘fit – Dr. Martens, pleated skirts and preppy shirts wouldn't go amiss.
OLEND Ona multiwear crossbody bag in cobalt blue, £92
It wouldn’t be a bags roundup if we didn’t include the innovators: ÖLEND. The brand’s greatest selling point is their multifunctional bags which can be transformed in several ways, and the fan-favourite Ona silhouette is the perfect example. While it’s a crossbody bag at base, it just as easily doubles as a messenger, or you can forgo the long straps altogether and keep it chic as a large handbag. This royal blue shade is a major attention-grabbing style that'll be a conversational piece during freshers' week and beyond.
Accessorize east west bowler bag in green, £32
Uni is unpredictable. Some days you’ll need every textbook you own, other days might require little more than a small notebook, or you might just be popping onto campus for a catch-up with your mates. For the latter situations, an east-west silhouette like this minimalist Accessorize bag is your new go-to. These bags got their name due to their broad width (like going from east to west) and slightly larger build than the traditional baguette – but like the baguette, they’re just as stylish and comfortable to carry.
Pictures: ASOS
adidas performance Yoga duffel bag, £40
Getting a good workout when you’re pulling 9-5s at uni and all-nighters at home isn’t easy. But for days when squeezing some fitness into your timetable doesn’t seem like a pipe dream, stuff your activewear and study essentials into a duffel bag. Nothing screams sporty like adidas, and this mauve colour is muted enough to pair with all your smart-casual looks. Plus, it includes internal and external compartments at the front and sides for organising everything from your makeup bag to your water bottle. Handy.
