This bag isn't huge, so i wouldnt expect to be able to cram all of your textbooks in here or somesuch, but for me, this thing works great. I use it on my fifteen minute walk to work to carry my chef coat, apron, phone, sunglasses, and a bunch of other odds and ends. It has one main compartment, which is where your bulkier/bigger items will go. It also has two other compartments in front of that of diminishing size. The middle one is generally where a paperback or two go, as well as any paperwork. It also has a smaller pouch for pens and other stationary (although mine has sharpees and box cutters). The smallest of the three compartments is where i generally keep my phone charger, my glasses or contact lens case plus saline, a small flashlight, and some floss picks. In addition to all that, there is one final tiny compartment on top, which is generally where i keep my phone, wallet, and/or keys.
I have found this bag to be quite sturdy...no fraying of the straps after five or six months, no rips in the fabric...no signs of wear and tear except where i drunkenly put an unsheathed chef knife one day. That was a mistake i cant blame on the craftsmanship, lol.
So...useful, and i recommend it, but i think if you plan to use it as a bookbag, you would be better served looking elsewhere.