With the fall semester in full swing and students deep into their schoolwork, one thing ties all students together -- they need a way to carry their books.

Backpacks are as different as the people who carry them, and each season a new trend arises.

Last year, messenger bags could be seen slung across the shoulders of many students on campus. Lesley Rajkovich, an employee at Eddie Bauer, 131 S. Allen St., said they still are a big seller.

"We have seen a lot of them for guys and girls and mostly in army green," she said.

While messenger bags can still be seen this fall, for the new season they have been bred with the traditional backpack to form the one-shoulder bag.

This bag has the look of a backpack, but it has a strap that goes across one shoulder.

"Students choose these bags because they are unique," Jansport spokeswoman Janet Rothe said. Rothe said the bags are the trend this season and that 28 percent of 12- to 28-year-olds sport one of these bags.

"Trends ebb and flow," she said. "These bags were popular a few years ago, and now they are back."

However, Rothe said there is still a big following of traditional backpacks, mostly because of comfort.

"Still, many people are willing to risk comfort if style is more important to them," she said. "It's a personal choice, and most people do things because of style."

Rothe also said that each year the bags Jansport offers are continually changing to meet the needs of electronics.

"We change our bags to accommodate cell phones, CD and MP3 players that students might be carrying," Rothe said.

Ray Baker from Appalachian Ski and Outdoors, 123 S. Allen Street, also said bags are designed more for electronics. "Every year we see more and more pockets and bags that can be used to accommodate laptops," he said.

As far as trends for traditional backpacks, Baker said they usually stay about the same every year.

"There isn't really anything too groundbreaking," he said. "People just want a place to put their stuff."

Carrying tote bags is another trend that can be seen on campus. Varying from nylon, multi-colored totes to those that fit in with fall's bohemian style, tote bags seem to be an overwhelming trend.

Stores such as Gap and American Eagle Outfitters are offering totes of various sizes in denim, suede, corduroy and canvas.

Minus the compartments and bulkiness, these bags give many students a trendier feel to their backpack.

Sarah Fair (junior-animal bioscience), who carries a tan colored corduroy bag from Pacific Sunwear, said she picked her bag because it was different.

"It's kind of small, but it still carries all of my stuff," she said.