Heading off to college can be one of the most exciting journeys in life, and whether you’re moving in for the first time as a freshman or returning to campus as a senior student, a successful school year starts with a fresh set of school supplies.
Depending on your college major, you’ll want to tailor your list of essential school supplies to your own needs. Knowing what your classes require will go a long way toward narrowing things down. Also, take into consideration your notetaking and study habits and how you like to learn. Are you a student who uses a tablet and stylus pen to write down problems in class? Do you enjoy making flashcards to drill yourself before an exam? If you’re a freshman, consider what your study habits were in high school and go with what you know your learning style is.
Below we’ve rounded up a full list of college school supplies for the requirements of most majors, from economics classes to engineering. You’ll find just what you need to make the most of your studies this semester.
School Supplies Needed for College
iPad (10th Generation)
The iPad can be an all-in-one companion for notetaking in class, studying for quizzes and saving important files for later. Many students can use it as an easier-to-carry alternative to taking their laptop to classes and the library. The 10-generation Apple iPad has a 10.9-inch screen and an all-day battery life, and it comes in an array of fun colors.
Apple Pencil (USB-C)
A great note taking pencil is one that pairs with your iPad. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible with the iPad, iPad Pro and iPad mini. As the name implies, it charges via a USB-C connection to your iPad, so you never have to worry about it dying on you in the middle of a study session. Plus, it attaches magnetically to the side of your iPad when it’s not in use.
JanSport Cool Backpack with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve
JanSport’s Cool Backpack is ideal for students who need plenty of room to carry their laptop with them around campus. It fits up to 17-inch laptops and has compartments for other essentials like notebooks and water bottles. Thanks to the classic leather bottom and ultra-padded straps, it should be durable and comfortable enough for several semesters.
EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case
From pencils to highlighters to calculators and whiteout, Easthill’s Big Capacity pencil case can hold it all. The canvas pouch comes with several compartments to keep your items organized, and it’s all wrapped in an elevated and aesthetic design.
Miady 2-Pack 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger
Charge your phone and any other small device when you’re in class or at the library with Miady’s pack of USB chargers. They connect via USB-C ports and are compatible with Apple, Android and other devices.
Five Star 3-Subject Spiral Notebooks, Pack of 2
A set of notebooks from Five Star will help you write down study notes from all of your classes. Each spiral notebook has plastic covers for durability and three sections with enough pages to last the entire school year.
Five Star Flex Refillable Notebook
If you need to customize your notebooks, Five Star’s refillable notebook allows you to add or take out as many sheets of paper as you need; it can handle 200 sheets at full capacity. Plus, you can add in plastic subject dividers or insert handouts from class.
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
Math and science classes call for a graphing calculator, and the TI-84 Plus is up to the job. THis calculator has a full-color, high-resolution display that’s backlit and features a split-screen option. It also has a rechargeable battery that should last until graduation and beyond.
Blue Sky 2024-2025 Academic Year Weekly and Monthly Planner
Marking out your calendar can be an essential way to keep your peace of mind with a busy school and life schedule. This 2024-2025 year planner has weekly and monthly tabs along with a tracker for appointments, to-do lists and general reminders. It’s a must-have for a hectic student schedule.
BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils, 40 Count
BIC Xtra-Smooth mechanical pencils are a top-selling choice for those who prefer pencils but hate sharpening them. This pack of 40 pencils should last the entire school year — even if you’ve let several friends “borrow” a few.
Post-it Super Sticky Notes, Assorted Sizes
From your dorm room desk to folders for class, Post-it sticky notes will give you the peace of mind of not having to remember every little thing. This pack of assorted sticky notes contains lots of colorful pads in varying sizes.
Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Engineering/Scientific Calculator
If you need a calculator for a math or science class and graphing calculators aren’t allowed, this scientific calculator is ideal. The TI-36X Pro has a very user-friendly display with a bright, clear screen and a good battery life.
Bostitch Office Heavy Duty Stapler
Sometimes you need to staple together a class project to hand it in, or maybe you’ve made a bulletin board in your dorm and like to staple helpful notes to it. Whatever your use case, the Bostitch heavy-duty stapler can staple up to 40 sheets together and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Amazon Basics Ruled Lined Index Note Cards, 500 Count
Taking it old school with handmade flashcards can be one of the best ways to study. These lined index cards from Amazon Basics come in a five-pack of 100 sheets each, which should last the whole school year.
Zebra Pen Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pens, 24 Count
Color coding your notes with pens can simplify your studies and highlight important bits of information. This pack of 24 pens comes in eight different colors and features rubber grips so the pens won’t slip out of your hand.
BiC White-Out Brand EZ Correct Correction Tape
Correct mistakes or erase unimportant pieces of information with BiC’s WiteOut Correction Tape. The tape is mess-free and tear resistant, and it’s easy to take with you on the go.
Small Dry Erase Whiteboard, 8.5 x 11 Inches
Working out math problems can require a lot of paper. Fortunately, this standard paper-sized dry erase board can help you save sheets of paper (and money). Whether you take it with you to class or keep it at your desk in the dorm, it’s a great study solution.
Pentel® Hi-Polymer Erasers, Pack Of 4
These latex-free erasers from Pentel make erasing mistakes much easier. They come in a pack of four and do a great job of getting rid of even the darkest pencil marks, with no smudges or residue left behind.
Vinaco Colorful Paper Clips
A great item to have at your desk, this 400-piece jar of paper clips comes in multiple colors and makes it simple to combine different class handouts and assignments.
TOPESEL USB Flash Drive 5 Pack 32GB USB 2.0
Got a class presentation or a really large file? Carry it on a USB flash drive without having to worry about downloading anything. This five-pack of flash drives holds 32 GB each and comes in several bright colors to help you remember which one is which.
WorkLion 3-Ring Portable Hole Punch for Binder
Easily punch holes in paper handouts while you’re still in class with this WorkLion three-ring hole puncher. Its compact size means it takes up almost no room in your bag, and you don’t have to wait until you get back to your dorm to organize papers in your binder.
PILOT FriXion Erasable, Refillable & Retractable Gel Ink Pens
Gel ink pens are a school supply staple, and what makes these pens even better is the erasable ink. Plus, they can be refilled if the ink ever runs out.
