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So I got the OG bag by Lo & Sons in the mail on Thursday and have been using it non stop. It's an addiction, really. The bag is large, but not so large that I feel like I'm hauling luggage around all day. I got a navy blue one with gold hardware and a brown strap because I thought it read more "work bag" and less "carry on". It has an interior flap pocket specifically for a laptop (my 13-inch MacBook Pro fit perfectly) as well as a few more smaller interior pockets (I use them for my phone and sunglasses). There is plenty of room for a significant amount of library books (I returned six today and they fit perfectly but were, obviously, heavy) and there are two large exterior zip pockets that are good for anything else--I actually tucked a folder in one and left it unzipped and it worked really well. It comes with a thick, adjustable vinyl strap so you can wear it as a messenger and has a zip pocket on the bottom for storing things like gym shoes or whatnot (since it doubles for a gym back); I stuffed a bottle of water and Polar watch heart monitor in it with a pair of shoes and had room to spare. 
 
I think the best thing about the bag is that it doesn't read "this is my school bag"--it's exceptionally functional and still very stylish. I know that style matters less to some people out there, but I can say that I've owned a NorthFace backpack as well and I'd pick this bag over it any day. It's so much easier than carrying a purse and a backpack and is perfect for commuting. What I will say is that I will not do a significant of walking around campus--I'll be taking public transit from my apartment--so a heavier, less ergonomic bag isn't too huge a detriment to me as I will be doing ten minutes walking to/from the bus stop and not hitching a ton of stuff (since I'll have an office on campus). 
 
A couple of you said that you have Longchamp bags, so I thought I'd do a comparison. I've been carrying the medium sized Longchamp that ​everyone seems to have. I've had my bag for about four years now and love it for days where all I need is a notebook, wallet, and laptop/charger. This bag is only comparable in that it's made from the same exterior material--nylon. The inside, however, is lined (mine is a gorgeous lavender color) and it is extremely padded so it protects the contents and also gives the bag significant structure--with nothing in it, the bag still stands up and holds shape without drooping or falling over. Also, there is a lot more storage with the Lo & Sons bag (much better than the droopy, single interior Longchamp pocket that holds nothing) and the extra cross body strap is nice to have. 
 
All in all, this bag is worth the money if you have it and want something that is fashionable and still functional. I would feel perfectly comfortable carrying this bag to a conference or even dinner with my friends because it reads as a messenger-sized bag. I actually would go as far as calling this my "holy grail" conference bag because there's tons of room for anything you might need, including the countless number of books I tend to pick up at conferences. It's also nice because I don't have to move my stuff constantly from one bag to another; with my Longchamp, I was always taking out my computer and school stuff anytime I wanted to put anything else in it (sweater, more books, etc.) and having to carry two bags. This bag is large enough that it fits a spare change of clothes plus everything I need on campus. 

Hey everyone,

Thank you for the advice. I've decided to keep them with me, as I don't have any friends or family members that could foster them. I'll be paying 1400-1600 a month instead of <600, but that's just something I'll have to take into stride and get loans to deal with. 

Whoa, rvict, where are you buying your cat food from? My cat has to get prescription food (ie $$$) and it doesn't come anywhere close to even half that amount. Vet bills are a real risk, though.

I'm of the belief that when you choose to be a pet owner then it is your responsibility *for the life of the pet* to assure it adequate care. To me this would mean getting the apt that allows cats. Roommates can help. I understand your pain - I have a cat myself and the supply of cat-friendly apts is a small fraction of all apts. Doesn't matter, the cat is just another requirement on my list for an apt (along with things like price, size, and location).

If you honestly feel that keeping the cats would be too much of a strain then it is your responsibility to find them a good home. Please do not just take them to the shelter; put the work into finding them a suitable home. Finally, if it comes to that, think long and hard the next time you're considering a pet. Think about your future plans and be sure that a pet can fit into them. I know you can't always plan 100% but please do your best. A pet doesn't deserve to be shuffled around or killed because the owner had "things come up". If you can't reasonably assure that you can care for the pet for its life then please reconsider getting the pet.

I am a second year Americorps member. My first year was horrendous and stressful (my supervisor was the devil and I worked with children who had special needs/were in state custody for neglect and abuse, so it was heartbreaking at times. Loved the kids, though). This year has been better,but boring. I've pretty much been treated like a second-rate intern, which is whatever cus it gave me time to work on my grad applications. It has definitely been frustrating as I had hoped for a fulfilling term, but at this point I am over it and ready to move on and out of my current city come August. I've told my program director, but haven't gotten around to telling my actual placement. I'm kinda worried that leaving early (classes start two weeks before my term of service ends) will effect my eligibility concerning the ed award. Any tips?
 
**Edited for typos

I am a second year Americorps member. My first year was horrendous and stressful (my supervisor was the devil and I worked with children who had special needs/were in state custody for neglect and abuse, so it was heartbreaking at times. Loved the kids, though). This year has been better,but boring. I've pretty much been treated like a second-rate intern, which is whatever cus it gave me time to work on my grad applications. It has definitely been frustrating as I had hoped for a fulfilling term, but at this point I am over it and ready to move on and out of my current city come August. I've told my program director, but haven't gotten around to telling my actual placement. I'm kinda worried that leaving early (classes start two weeks before my term of service ends) will effect my eligibility concerning the ed award. Any tips?
 
**Edited for typos

I am a second year Americorps member. My first year was horrendous and stressful (my supervisor was the devil and I worked with children who had special needs/were in state custody for neglect and abuse, so it was heartbreaking at times. Loved the kids, though). This year has been better,but boring. I've pretty much been treated like a second-rate intern, which is whatever cus it gave me time to work on my grad applications. It has definitely been frustrating as I had hoped for a fulfilling term, but at this point I am over it and ready to move on and out of my current city come August. I've told my program director, but haven't gotten around to telling my actual placement. I'm kinda worried that leaving early (classes start two weeks before my term of service ends) will effect my eligibility concerning the ed award. Any tips?
 
**Edited for typos

I'm sure you can get into a medicare school with you stats. But if you want to get into a top school, I'd suggest getting some work experience...valued way ore than your GPA. 

My top choice is the University of North Texas Health Science Center. I'm also interested in getting a duel degree in applied anthropology from their main UNT campus so the program is an almost perfect fit. It is a lower ranked program, but the tuition and location are gigantic pluses and would allow me to be closer to family.   I went out of state for undergrad and have student loan debt that I'm really not trying to make worse. Plus I took two years off after graduating to serve with Americorps, so my e-grants would cover a good portion (if not all) of the tuition.  Applied late in the application cycle so I'm still waiting on an admission decision currently. We'll see how it goes!