College can be tough, and having the right supplies can make things easier and your life more manageable.
In this article, I've put together a list of essential items that are the best school supplies for college, that every student should have to help them achieve academic success.
I've got everything from tech to basic stationery covered, so you don't have to worry about a thing!
This post is all about the best school supplies for college.
Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash
BEST SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
The best school supplies for university vary based on personal preferences and the type of courses being taken. However, some essential items include a reliable laptop, notebook, or planner for keeping track of assignments and deadlines, a comfortable and durable backpack, writing utensils, and a scientific calculator for math and science courses.
Students may also want to consider investing in noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for studying in noisy environments, and a printer or scanner for printing out assignments or making copies of important documents.
Ultimately, the best school supplies for college are those that meet the individual needs of the student and help them stay organised and focused throughout their academic journey.
Let's take a look at the school supply list that you'll need.
Stationery or Writing Supplies
Stationery supplies are essential for taking notes, completing assignments, and studying for exams. The following items are must-haves for every college or uni student:
- Ballpoint Pens (various colors like black, red, and blue pens)
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Highlighters (set of retractable highlighters)
- Erasers
- Permanent markers
- Sticky notes or post it notes
- Paper clips or binder clips
I recommend EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case as the perfect solution for storing all your stationery supplies. This case can hold up to 50 pens or 90 pencils, as well as small items like erasers, and it comes in a variety of colours including black, pink, cyan, and yellow.
Electronics
Online classes and learning has become so huge that almost everyone is online. Electronics have become an integral part of universrity education. I recommend the following:
- Laptop or tablet
- Charger
- Headphones (preferably noise-cancelling ones like Apple AirPods)
- Portable power bank
- Printer (optional, but can be useful for printing assignments or readings)
- Storage device like USB flash drive or external hard drive
- Plug extension with USB ports
- Online Cloud storage
- Software (Microsoft office)
When it comes to laptops, I recommend choosing a model with at least 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, and a battery life of at least 8 hours.
Choose reliable brands that offers affordable laptop in your price range and have good customer support.
Organisational Supplies
- Binder/s or accordion folder/s
- Notebooks
- Spiral Notebook
- Notebook paper
- Loose-Leaf Paper
- Note cards
- Planner
- Academic calendar
- Sticky notes or page flags
- Three-hole punch
- Scotch tape
- Desk organizer or caddy (for storing pens, paper clips, and other small items).
Other Essential Supplies
- Textbooks and course materials
- Desktop computer or Monitor
- Laptop backpacks
- Comfortable backpack or messenger bag
- Power bank or charger for electronic devices
- Desk lamp or light source for late-night studying
- Reusable Water bottle
- Snacks
- Mechanical pencils
- Whiteboard or bulletin board for organizing and brainstorming
Clothing
University and college students need a variety of clothing options for different occasions, seasons, and weather conditions. I recommend the following items:
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Sweatshirts
- Sneakers
- Dress shoes
- Formal attire (suit, tie, dress, skirt)
- Outerwear (jacket, coat, rain gear)
I recommend you buy clothing that is comfortable, versatile, and appropriate for different settings. Dark colors and basic designs are often the best choices as they can be worn multiple times without being noticed.
Check out my articles on How Much Clothes Should I Bring to College? A Packing Guide and What To Wear To A University Interview: Dress to Impress for ideas on what clothing to pack for college or university.
Health and Safety
University students need to prioritise their health and safety to avoid illnesses and injuries. I recommend the following items, these came in very handy when I was at uni:
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medication
- Over-the-counter medication (pain relievers, cold and flu medicine)
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks
Dorm Room Essentials
For uni/ college students living in dorms, the following items are essential for a comfortable and productive living environment:
- Bedding (sheets, pillowcases, comforter)
- Blanket
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner)
- Storage solutions (under-bed storage boxes, shoe organizers, hangers)
- Lighting (desk lamp, floor lamp)
- Mini fridge
- Microwave
- Television
- Standing Fan (shoots both hot and cold air)
When choosing bedding, I recommend looking for materials that are comfortable, durable, and easy to wash. Cotton and microfiber are popular choices for university/ college students.
It's a good idea to check out the Roshel Recommended section of my site for items and services that I personally used and swear by. These will help you in your studies and everyday life.
Tips for Using the College Supply List
Photo Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
I suggest that you take the time to print out this list and keep it handy as a useful tool to cross-check your college supplies checklist. Doing so will help to ensure that you remain organised throughout your shopping experience and avoid any mishaps in leaving out any critical items.
On top of the supplies I’ve already isted for you, you may also want to buy a few other things that will improve your academic journey. These may include a desk lamp, a cosy and comfortable desk chairs, and noise-cancelling headphones, which can all aid in creating an optimal environment for focused and productive study sessions.
Of course, the specific supplies you'll need will depend on your individual preferences and course requirements. However, these items should provide a good starting point for anyone preparing for college or uni.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Final thoughts on the best school supplies for college or uni...
By following this checklist, students can ensure that they have all the necessary supplies and equipment to succeed in their studies. I hope this article will be helpful for all university and college students and that they will have a productive and successful academic year.
If you feel like you need any more help, then have a look at the Student support section of my blog, it's packed with articles that will help you have a fun and stress-free uni/ college experience.
Happy Packing!
