The best school supplies for college will definitely help you through your journey! Starting college soon? You will quickly discover that your workload is a little more demanding than it was in high school, so you'll need the appropriate supplies to help you thrive. Whether you are a freshman or a junior, these are supplies that you should have with you!
DO COLLEGE STUDENTS NEED SCHOOL SUPPLIES?
Just like with preschool, elementary, and high school, college students also have a set of supplies they need to be successful in their studies. Don't overlook the important school supplies you'll need to excel as you get ready for a new year of college.
Although textbooks consume the majority of a college student's supply fund, there are still a few essential items you'll need to buy before the start of the semester. These school materials won't be like the ones you have previously bought when you were younger. Some are the same but upgraded.
WILL THE COLLEGE PROVIDE A LIST OF NECESSARY SUPPLIES?
In a learning setting like college, you are responsible for evaluating and using what you have learned from your previous years in high school and elementary. This means that college is like a practice run for teens to become an adult.
With that being said, some instructors or professors might not give out necessary supplies because they are assuming that you should already know what to buy and have. This is where the best school supplies for college list below come in handy.
On the other hand, there are some subjects that will need some additional materials other than the basic supplies that you are going to need. It is preferable to get the basic supplies you would require for almost any class before purchasing more particular items as you become aware of the requirements for each subject.
BEST SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR COLLEGE
Academic requirements are different now since schools and universities make use of technology. Because of that, some college kids find it difficult to choose which school supplies they will be needing for each subject.
When determining whether to purchase learning-related products, students frequently have to factor in the high expenses of tuition as well as other fees. Here is a list of the best school supplies for college that you should have with you:
- NOTEBOOK
While some students like to keep notes organized in a binder or five-subject notebook, others choose to assign a notebook for each course. Papers can be kept in notebooks neatly and without any missing pages.
Keep in mind that your notebook's pages come out easily should you need to submit any handwritten work, or you can also keep some loose-leaf paper on hand for those times.
- PENS & PENCILS
However, most of the time, it comes down to personal opinion. Pens are often excellent for writing notes in class, while pencils are helpful for any topics requiring computations. If you frequently use pencils, don't forget to include a pencil sharpener or extra lead.
If you choose to buy pens, be sure to get black, blue, and red ones. The first two are used to write essays and sign documents, while the third is used to make corrections. But, when you decide to use pencils instead, mechanical pencils are more preferred for college students.
- HIGHLIGHTERS
You were probably prohibited from scribbling in your textbooks throughout all of high school. Yet, marking up the pages on your books is a way of life in college.
Even though some pupils choose to highlight key portions and make handwritten notes, highlighters are an excellent method to draw attention to key topics and unfamiliar words.
- ERASERS
Of course, you are going to need an eraser if you are going to use pencils in class. You will be surprised at how much you will be using and need an eraser for your math subjects.
- PAPER FASTENER
This is a school supply must-have for college students. With all the reports, reaction paper, and homework you will be doing, one way or the other you are going to need paper fasteners such as a stapler, paper clips, and maybe even tape. It is better to be ready than to ask your classmates for one.
- CALCULATOR
Before buying a calculator, ask your math or science instructor about which models can be used and the necessary functions that will be required for the subject. The cost of scientific calculators should also be considered.
Even if you are majoring in history, you should probably have a simple calculator on hand for simple calculations like checking your checkbook or for basic math calculations. You might have a calculator on your phone but some instructors would not allow that.
- POST-IT NOTES
Never study a textbook without using sticky notes. These tiny gems are fantastic for marking significant chapters in a book as you study. Additionally, they come in helpful for page labeling when writing a research paper and book reviews.
You can also write down important details on post-its and stick them to your work or study area. This way you are going to see the notes you wrote down right away. These notes can be to do tasks, details for an event, or whichever note you need to jot down that you need to see easily.
- REFERENCE BOOKS
The availability of a dictionary and thesaurus would be advantageous for all pupils. By major, different reference books will be required, ranging from dictionaries for foreign languages to how-to guides. There are also other professors that allow students to have a soft copy.
If your instructor allows you to, you can download reference books online if it is available. Not only will you save some money but you are also saving up some space on your backpack. If not, check out the school library, there might be books there that you can borrow and use for your other subjects.
- LAPTOP
Computers are becoming a prerequisite at many schools, despite being a great resource for colleges in general. Although, if your school mandates that every student have a computer, the price of buying one should be taken into account when calculating your financial support.
If you're not sure whether to buy a computer, you might want to check out the school's computer lab first to see how their setup and availability compare. You might have to consider getting a printer if your school library doesn't have one ready for students.
To decide whether you require an ethernet cable or a wireless adapter, you should also learn how you will access the internet on campus and at your dorm. Lastly, to make file transfers and backups simple, think about buying a storage device like a USB flash drive.
- PLANNER OR JOURNAL
You might not think buying a planner or journal is necessary since you can log everything on your smartphone. But, once you are out there you will see that having a hard copy on hand is so much easier. You can write down due dates, meetings, events, etc.
Staying organized will make your college life so much easier, trust me. Keeping a planner with you during your freshman year will be so helpful that you are going to get a new one for sophomore year and for the next years to come.
Students will get a curriculum from each instructor that includes information on homework deadlines and exam schedules. You should immediately write down these details! Start keeping track of your set deadlines as soon as you obtain the syllabus. When it comes to keeping up with your academics, the planner will immediately become your new best friend.
- BACKPACK
To bring your laptop and all of your books across the school, you will unquestionably need a backpack. There are many other types of bags you can select from, including a regular backpack, a messenger bag, a rucksack, a laptop bag, etc.
Carrying your books to class is a possibility, but it is undoubtedly inconvenient. On a rainy day, it's also a perfect idea to mess up your documents. Though some students favor a traditional backpack, others appreciate the style that a messenger bag gives. If you get a durable bag, it ought to last you the duration of your time in college.
- INDEX CARDS
In college, you'll need a lot of index cards. When it comes to remembering phrases and concepts, nothing can compare to these. Not to mention, flashcards are crucial for test preparation. Get a pack so you will be ready anytime.
If you are used to studying with flashcards then this is a must-have on your school supply list. Once you try studying with flashcards, you will know that these are extremely helpful!
- PRINTER PAPER
You can buy a whole rim of coupon bond paper or just a few. It depends on your budget. But, you are going to need lots of it since you will be making term papers and other projects or assignments that need to be printed off and submitted.
It is always nice to be prepared and get the school shopping done as soon as you can. Don't wait until you will be required to buy printer paper. This will save you a lot of time. However, if there is a nearby bookstore you have access to, you can buy it when you are going to need it.
- FILE CASE / FOLDER / ENVELOPE
During your college years, you are going to be making and turning in a lot of paperwork. It is only necessary that you have a safe place for you to keep your files and documents. Having a file case with you will make your papers more organized and will avoid them from getting crumpled.
As for the folder and envelope, you can have a couple just in case you will be needing them. Some instructors would prefer that you hand in your papers in a folder or an envelope. It wouldn't hurt to have a few on hand.
- SCISSORS
You probably have one already from high school or not. If you do make sure to pack it with you. You might not need this all the time during your classes but when you do, you are really going to need it. Plus, scissors are one of the most important dorm room essentials.
That's it for this list! I hope you get everything you will be needing for college. Keep in mind that college is not all stress and work, there are also a lot of fun activities and events that you will experience during your college days. Make the most out of it and enjoy every single day of college!
If you loved this best school supplies for college post, be sure to check out these other great posts:
- Get Your College Student Organized
- Laundry Cheat Sheet for College Students
- 100+ Summer Activities for Teens
Be sure to PIN this for later and SHARE on Facebook!
- Printable Easter Bunny Note to Child - March 20, 2023
- Easter Egg Filler Ideas for Adults - March 13, 2023
- Laundry Cheat Sheet for College Students - March 7, 2023
Leave a Reply