Tote bags have become a familiar sight at Chuka University over the recent semesters. Once seen as simple shopping bags, they have quietly taken over Chuka University, acting as the go-to accessory for female students, who see the bags as a perfect fit for balance of style, practicality,functionality and affordability. Whether carried to lectures, libraries, or food joints and cafés, the rise of the tote bag on campus is impossible to ignore. These simple fabric bags are more than just a trend—they are a statement.
For most, if not all students, price matters in everything they purchase. This is not different for Tote bag owners. According to them, the bags are significantly cheaper than backpacks, making them a budget-friendly option without sacrificing function. Some students see them as an economic necessity, others as a fashionable choice. “I bought my bag at 200 shillings, although I heard that there was an offer where the bags now go for 180 shillings. The most expensive they can get is 250 shillings from where I got mine,” says Rachel, as she explains why she prefers a tote bag over more expensive alternatives.
Beyond affordability, they are quite a statement. Minimalist designs, bold graphics, and artistic prints give students a way to express themselves through their choice of bag. They come in different colours, sizes, styles and touch, making the campus corridors a literal runway of tote fashion. “If you ask me, tote bags are beautiful and make a statement. As a lady, how do you walk around on campus with books in your hand? come on,” notes Mercy Mwikali, a 4th year student of journalism and Mass Communication. She says this shrugging her shoulders and while adjusting the strap on her bag as if to insist on the words she said. She appreciates how a tote can compliment an outfit just as much as a carefully chosen pair of shoes.
Comfort plays a role, too. Lightweight and easy to carry, tote bags don’t dig into shoulders or press against the back. They transition smoothly from class to casual outings, making them a practical option for students who are constantly on the move. “I bought my tote bag for 200 shillings from a fellow student, and apart from the fashion side of it which is obvious, I find it extremely comfortable and easy to carry. I can carry books and other things in this bag very comfortably. That's What sold it for me ,” remarks Ann,swinging her bag over one shoulder as she walks towards the gate after attending her class from one of the lecture halls.
Basically, tote bags are no longer just an accessory at Chuka University—they are a reflection of some form of student identity. Whether chosen for their affordability, comfortability, or fashion appeal, they have seamlessly and effortlessly integrated into campus life. With each passing semester, their presence only grows, proving that this is more than just a passing trend. For the students who carry them, tote bags have cemented their place in student life at Chuka University and they are here to stay.
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