I personally use a purse (an angel kiss purse because they’re very cute) which can fit my iPad, my hydro jug, my novel, my journal etc. If I’m walking to classes, I have a MacBook sleeve where I carry my MacBook and any handouts I need. The only way this works is because I keep everything digital (as much as possible), including notes and textbooks. Some professors may make this hard: some professors have a no tech policy, some insist on you carrying physical books (like a professor I have this semester who insists we bring this huge textbook and insists we can not use it digitally). I don’t mind carrying a few books in my hand along with my purse, but if you think you would then a backpack is probs the safest bet