o, it’s your last year of college, possibly your final year of school ever! You’ve made it to the final stretch, the moment over sixteen years in the making is approaching. You may be anxious to dive in and get it done, but slow down, sit down, and take a deep breath. We’re here for you. Before you head into your senior year it’s time to complete that back-to-school checklist one final time. You’ll need folders, books, writing utensils, and a backpack to hold it all.
But what kind of backpack do you get for your last year of college? You might be tempted to get something cheap or second-hand since you’ll only need it for one year. Or maybe you’re thinking you should get something slick and professional that you can use at work after you graduate.
There are plenty of factors to consider, but if you’re in college or university, the most important thing for a backpack is that it can fit what you need it to — so we’ll only be considering backpacks that can accommodate laptops and books. Now let's lay out the options and help you find the best backpack to rock on your last year of school.
What we’ll talk about in this post:
- Cost-Effective Backpacks. Get the most bang for your buck.
- Stylish Backpacks. Get the best look that fits you.
- Practical Backpacks. Check out other practical and professional bag options.
- Our Top Picks. The best backpacks we could find.
Cost-Effective Backpacks
As a college student, you might not always have a surplus of funds, so the first factor you might want to consider when buying a backpack is what options give you the most bang for your buck. If this is the case, these are the places to look.
Amazon: Amazon is a wonderful place where you can usually find anything you need. Unsurprisingly they have a decent selection of backpacks as well. You can easily find a good-sized backpack that will fit your laptop and books for under $30. Here are some of the top Amazon picks for inexpensive backpacks.
Amazon has plenty of great options, but even low-priced items can become a bit pricey after tax and shipping. If you’re looking for something even more cost-effective, here are some more options.
Walmart: Walmart is another jack of all trades that’ll usually have what you need no matter what. Plus they have one of the best selections of the most cost-effective products out there. If you go in person, it’s easy to find a backpack under $20.
You could also check locations known for low prices like thrift shops or second-hand stores. Goodwill, Temu, and Shein are some of the most accessible options. You usually can’t beat the price when it comes to thrifting, just be wary of the quality of what you’re buying if it’s from an online seller.
Stylish Backpacks
If you’re looking to go through your senior year in style with a backpack that contributes to your outfit, you’ll want to find the balance between practicality and good looks. Here’s where to look.
In terms of high-end, practical, and stylish backpacks, it’s hard to beat TROUBADOUR. They look sleek and professional – and they come in a variety of colors to match any outfit too. Plus, they’re built tough so they won’t fall apart with everyday use. Troubadour backpacks can also easily be repurposed for work, travel, and sport, not just school.
The downside to these is that they tend to be on the pricey side. The Apex Backpack 3.0 is one of Troubadour’s cheaper products at $245.00. The ratings of these backpacks attest that the price is worth it, but it’s certainly possible to find a good-looking backpack that won’t break the bank.
A top choice for stylish backpacks on the inexpensive side is a LOVEVOOK bag. A laptop backpack can range from $60 to $25, offering a good look that won’t cost you hundreds. Lovevook products boast great ratings and reviews online, most bags have over a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.
Their most popular backpack is the LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack, an Amazon’s Choice product that you can get for around $30.00.
Another great brand for good-looking backpacks is YALUNDISI. They offer laptop backpacks in a wide assortment of colors and shapes all with 4.0 stars and over on Amazon. The best part? All of Yalundisi’s bags are between $15 and $26, offering an amazing option in terms of price, quality, and style for college students.
The overall pick for Yalundisi bags is the YALUNDISI vintage laptop backpack. It’s a classic look that comes in 5 colors, costs under $25 and is an Amazon’s Choice product.
Practical Backpacks
Going into your senior year of college, you might have a full-time job in mind for after you graduate. This could be a factor to consider when choosing a backpack as well. After you graduate, you may need to commute or travel for your full-time job. You’ll need a bag for that too. Instead of buying something on the cheaper side that may not last as long, consider getting something that’ll continue to be useful even after you graduate.
When looking for a practical, professional travel bag it’s important to consider durability, ergonomics, and space. If your job requires you to travel with equipment, you’ll need a bag you can trust, here’s some of Amazon’s top picks ranging from $20 to $200.
Backpack Alternatives
If you’re considering purchasing a bag for jobs and professional travel, it’s also worth looking into bags other than backpacks like briefcases, totes, and shoulder bags. Shoulder bags and other similar items are good options if backpacks tend to give you back and shoulder pain. Here are some options between $50 and $20
Top Picks For Senior-year Backpacks
There are many factors to consider when looking for the right backpack for you. There’s price, quality, durability, practicality, looks, style, and so on. We’ve gone through them all to help you find what to wear during your last year of school. Here are the top picks from our research.
Best Cost-Effective Option: Amazon Basics School Backpack
This backpack is all you need for carrying around books, electronics, and other school materials. It’s nothing special but it’s price-efficient, highly rated, and will get the job done. If you’re not going to need to use a backpack after completing school, this will have you covered.
Best Stylish Option: YALUNDISI vintage laptop backpack.
This is a top pick in almost every category. It’s cost-effective, spacious, well-rated, and good-looking. It’s also customizable to the color that fits you best. If you’re prioritizing style during your senior year of college, this is your best bet.
Best Practical Option: Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack
This is another option that hits in multiple categories. It’s a reliable, practical, spacious bag that will fit and protect work equipment. Another plus is that the price is far from outrageous. If you’re looking for a backpack that you can use for professional work even after college, this is your top pick.
Which of These Senior Backpacks Will You Choose For Your Last Year?
With the backpack side of things figured out, it’s time to tackle that final year of school. It may feel exciting, nerve-wracking, or even sad that it’s almost over, but keep your head high. College is an amazing opportunity that you are lucky to have. You’ll look back on these experiences for the rest of your life, so make the most of this last year! Leave no regrets behind as you go on to adulthood. Good luck!
