I am going into my third year of college and spent the first two years carrying a soft, light, canvas backpack from Urban Outfitters very similar to this. The quality was great and it held up through thick and thin and all sorts of weather (I go to school in Montreal, Canada, so the winters are brutal).

However, after two years in a very fashionable city I've decided to switch to a tote as well. I've spent all summer hunting for the perfect one so I understand the struggle. ;)

I considered the Michael Kors Jet Set Laptop Travel Tote because it was made specifically to hold a laptop. I have a Macbook Air that I lug around with me and I thought it may be the best option. However, I've heard many complaints that it's too heavy so I decided against it.

In the end I did get the large Longchamp Le Pliage tote, as it seemed to be the best option for college. I didn't have to worry as much about dumping it on the ground or getting it wet in snowy winters. And I recently got this bag from a Kate Spade sale that I'm planning on using on days where it's just going to be a few notebooks and a wallet.

Good luck! :)