College is a time of self-discovery and personal growth. It's also a time to accumulate all the necessary items needed for school, dorm life, and fun activities off campus. Having the right school supply during your university stay is crucial to being productive in your studies. You are not in grade school any more, and school shopping may or may not be done by your parents when you attend a university. In grade school, a teacher would give school supplies to the students, through the use of the teachers own money. However, I have gone through both my undergrad and went through grad school so I know what are some of the essential items that every student should have. I think these fifteen essential items will give you some ideas that you may need from the store. It will also save you time while you brose on the stock products being offered. Hopefully when you do shop, you will be able to find exclusive offers or find new products that will ease your stay during your academic endeavors.
1) Laptop
In today’s world, laptops have become as common as textbooks and is an essential school supply. A laptop will help students stay connected with their friends from home or those they meet on campus while being able to do homework without having to go into the library. A laptop is also helpful when it comes to finding information online about any given topic that might pertain specifically to your studies or career interests.
A laptop has become a an essential part of school supplies and life. You can't use pen and paper to take notes anymore or even turn in assignments on time; everything is done online. This means that if you don't have a laptop, you're going to be at a disadvantage to those who do. It's important because school is no longer like school used to be- you need the right tools for the job so you don't fall behind. What is great about a laptop is that you can take it anywhere from the office, to the classroom, to the dorm room, and back to the office. Moreover, it saves space compared to a regular desktop, and saves on vast amount of papers that students in the past use to stack.
Furthermore, as long as you don't forget your laptop, you can always turn in your papers on the class site. There is no more "My dog ate my homework excuse". You can store all of your assignments or papers on your laptop.
2) Backpack
A backpack is a must-have for any student going back to college. If students choose backpacks with wheels, they should make sure these backpacks have a strong wheel system that won't break or malfunction during the school year. Backpacks without wheels are recommended for those who will be taking long walks from campus buildings to class, across campus fields, back to their residence hall, back to class, and the list goes on.
There are also heavy duty backpacks that have protective paddings to store your laptop. These are not the tradition backpacks that your parents use to use. These are more like briefcases, messenger bags, or even military style backpacks with many compartments. You can find these school supplies with or without school logos stitched on the backpacks.
Backpacks have become a school supply essential for school and life for students of all age groups globally. It's hassle free to carry around a backpack in comparison to a laptop case. Some school supply stores have school logo backpacks that can be personalized to school colors.
3) Calculator
Whether students need it for Math, Science, or Accounting classes, a calculator is something that all college students should have. Some professors will allow the use of smartphones to substitute as calculators in class, but other professors may view smartphones as a distraction and therefore may not permit their use. There are various calculators that students can have, but I personally suggest buying the TI-Nspire CX II CAS Color Graphing Calculator.
4) Pens
Pens are a necessity for college. Be it to take notes, write down assignments, or to even do homework problems, pens will be used often among students. I recommend stashing away various types of different colored pens in order to avoid mixing up which color pen has been misplaced. There are numerous brands of pens and styles. But my personal preference comes to the fine tips due to my penmanship of writing and the courses I take. I am a firm believe that if you are taking any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses you should have different color pens. My favorite brands and pens include the Uni-ball 207 0.5MM Or 0.38 MM Gel Pen and the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3MM Line. Trust me when I say that if you take any math class or Organic Chemistry class, these pens are a game changer!
5) Notebooks
Students will need back-ups of back-ups for their notebooks. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to find a notebook when you need it most. For this reason, students should always have back-ups ready and waiting for them before they run out of paper or put their notebooks into storage for the semester break. I suggest getting a notebook with a hard back in order to avoid ripping the back when students remove it from backpacks. Some individuals like loose-leaf paper and placing them in a 3-ringed binder, while other students like using notebooks with a hard cover. However, you like your notebook, I always suggest getting the right notebook for the right class. For example, math and chemistry students might like notebooks with grid paper compared to English and history students who might like Office Legal pads.
6) Portable Power Bank
A portable power bank is one of those items that can have a bit more versatility, but can come in handy back-up power for your devices. Students usually bring their laptops back to the dorms after classes and use them until late night hours or late into the morning studying for finals or completing homework. For this reason, students will need back-up power for their devices. I personally use the Mophie Powerstation - XL External Battery to charge my laptop back-up battery back-up, or if you are staying out all night long and don't want to carry your back pack on your back all night long, then MyCharge Razor Max is a great option.
7) Bottles for Water, Coffee, or Tea
Do you like to pack yourself breakfast before class? If so, then you should invest in a thermos. Thermoses can be very simple design, but they usually come with cups that attach together. I am an avid coffee and water drinker and I carry two different Thermos with me at all times. I have a Stanley Classic Vacuum insulated Wide Mouth Bottle that holds up to 2 Qt of water. I also carry a Thermos Stainless King Vacuum 40 ounce that is filled with delicious black coffee.
8) Whiteboard
Most, if not all, students have seen a whiteboard before and know what it is for. What I like about whiteboards is that they do not have to be huge and take up a wall for them to be affective. Many students carry around whiteboards that can be placed on their laps. These are good to have during study group sessions. In my experience, I have used Board Geeks Dry Erase Lapboards that work really well. However, if you are in a dorm room or want a whiteboard in your house, I do recommend using a magnetic dry erase board. Amazon Basics makes good ones, unless you want a heavy duty one with wheels, then I would go for a Viz-Pro.
9) Mini Fridge
If you are a student living in a dorms or living off campus, you might want to consider investing in a small fridge. The best thing about mini fridges is that they can be used for more than just drinks and snacks. I had a mini refrigerator in my dorm room that was extremely useful. I made sure that it had a freezer, a sturdy door so I can put items on the door. Also, it had to have adjustable shelves so that I can fit bigger items if need be. These can be a lifesaver because of the small space that the dorm rooms have. You are able to save space on groceries when you go to the store to shop.
10) Single Serve Coffee Maker
If you are a college student, there is nothing more frustrating than not having access to coffee when you need it. Unless your school has a Starbucks on campus or you have a buddy that can hook you up with some good K-Cups , I recommend investing in a single serving coffee maker. The reason why they are so helpful is because most dorm halls do not allow you to have microwaves and students only have communal kitchens. Therefore, if you want some coffee in the morning or late at night, then this is one of the best investments that you can own. I would recommend on have a wide selection of K-cups in your dorm room because you might tend to run out during hell week (Finals).
11) Tool Box
Unfortunately, if you are moving into a dorm room or apartment, then there might be some things that you will need to fix around the house. For these reasons, I recommend having a toolbox (with tools) or a tool kit around your dorm room. These can include: screw drivers of all sizes and shapes, pliers , adjustable wrenches, etc. Sometimes you can find some top deals when you are shopping online. Some websites and stores offer student discounts on supplies as an exclusive offer. So make sure to ask before you purchase.
12) Medical Kits
I know what you must be thinking; Why would I need a medical kit if I am going to school? Honestly, through personal experiences going though my general ED courses, undergrad, and master's degree, you will encounter an event that will require a medical kit. Let's just hope that it isn't too drastic and all you needed was a couple of band-aids and some Isopropyl Alcohol.
13) Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries can be a lifesaver. If you are always on the go and walk to class, then I recommend picking up some AA or AAA rechargeable batteries . The reason why they are so helpful is because if you have a remote control for your TV, Wii remotes , speakers, keyboard, etc. having a couple of extra batteries will really come in handy. I know from experience, as a student who has to walk long distances to class and my room, I have been caught without batteries multiple times. I also like to carry a flashlight with me, which can be good when walking to your car at night or walking though dark areas of campus. My favorite rechargeable battery is EBL because they also have the bay charger.
14) Flash drive
A flash drive is essential for any student that uses technology on a daily basis. A 16 GB flash drive can fit so many important documents, pictures, music files, PDFs, etc. These are extremely helpful when you need to get information from your school library or computer lab . Sometimes the school computers have issues with operating systems and sometimes they don't have the software that you need to access your information. Flash drives can also be used as a way of backing up documents for security purposes.
15) Surge Protector
A surge protector is something that you might not think of when shopping for back to school supplies. However, in my experience, it should be something essential in your school supplies. I have had 3 incidents where there were surges and caused damage to my devices. Even if you are living off campus, it would be necessary to have one so it can absorb common household surges.
FAQ
Q. What Devices Should A Student Have.
The most important device for a student to have is their brain. It is the only thing they will take with them when they leave school. The second most important device for a student to have is their laptop, without it there would be very little that could be done. With that being said, an iPad Mini or any other smaller tablet might be necessary as well if you are attending schools where laptops are not allowed in the classroom. I always recommend investing in some good headphones so listening to lectures on your laptop isn’t always disruptive because other students can hear everything coming out of your computer speakers v/s better headphones which does not leak sound! If you use WhatsApp, install Wi-Fi Messenger Pro so you can send messages.
Q. What is the best gadgets for online classes?
Many students have found that they need a laptop for online education. They can access their course from anywhere, and not being tethered to a desk all the time is handy. Of course, if you're new to laptops, you'll want one that is powerful enough for your multimedia needs. -Laptops have shrunk in price over the last two years, so it might be worth going with a more affordable model today while saving up so you can afford an upgrade later on. Additionally some classes require a microphone and headphones or a webcam- which of course will require some extra hardware investment as well- but if your school has audio requirements then budgeting for these items would also be wise.
Q. What are things that every student needs?
Going to college not only helps students establish themselves in the work force, it also strengthens their chances of success in life. Pursuing a degree also helps with social skills, management and leadership skills, communication skills, problem solving skills and analytical reasoning skills. The more a student pursues a degree the more entry-level opportunities become available to them due to network connection. It's always rewarding for graduates when they see that pay off from their hard work portrayed when they get their diploma from graduating from college! Keep on trying today's youth because you're shining future starts tomorrow!
Q. What are basic things college students need?
A new laptop. You don't want to bring your old, outdated computer. It's messed up enough that you're getting away from the rest of the world for four years! Buy a really nice one now and rejoice in its performance next semester! 2) Disposable income funds. If your future self was here telling you that they wanted college back then or there were no parents, then brace yourself because it's not too late to sit on some cash. There are so many expenses during college including textbooks, supplies, rent, utilities...the list goes on so being armed with an emergency f