I'm wondering whether your choice of background affects your starting equipment at all. So far I've made two characters with different backgrounds, and it's the same except for the university student having a book in his bags. If it doesn't change, could someone tell me how to add weapons? I'd like to have a bow and arrows, since crossbows are slow to reload and arrows just cost a ridiculous amount of money.

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. :)

Is there any way of viewing your background after the game starts?

AFAIR, I have never seen it; but, honestly, I was never looking for it.