20 Common & Useful College School Supplies (2024)

The modern college class of today is much more different than those of previous times because of the growth and development of academics over the years. With modern ways of study focused on technology-driven methods and using virtual aids as a means to study and exchange lectures, a student in the 80s cannot compare a typical day of college with that of today. Moreover, as the pandemic hit and online classes took a toll, today's study methods operate much more differently and are dependent on technology in many ways. While this happens to be a blessing where one is free from heavy backpacks and extensive stationery lists, it also deprives students of basic college supplies.

The importance of college school supplies is huge as a college school supplies list helps students learn better and grasp learning concepts more vividly. They also make students a fast and hard learner, and taking notes and writing down lectures is a proven way to understand concepts in depth. But the problem arises when you have to pick the best school supplies for college students and rule out the ones that are not so helpful for you.

This is because you don’t want to overspend on college supplies and should not clutter up your desk with too many accessories as it will impact your efficiency and creativity negatively. The same is the case with office accessories, where employees need just the right boundary when purchasing office supplies. But how can one pick the best college school supplies, and what are the things that you don’t need.

Top 20 Common College School Supplies

Starting college can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With so many things to consider, it's easy to overlook some necessities. That's why we've compiled a list of 20 essential college supplies to help you stay organized and on top of your studies. We've covered you, from classic items like notebooks and pens to tech-savvy gadgets like noise-canceling headphones.

So, whether you're a first-year student or a seasoned pro, read on for our recommendations on the must-have college school supplies.

Study Furniture

When furnishing your dorm room or even your bedroom, you must have a separate study corner. Even if you aren't just attending classes and studying the rest of the time, your bed shouldn't be the place where you complete your homework or cram for those tests. A study set up or even a tiny study corner is highly essential for students to feel creative and learn when they are trying to. Though study stations might cost a bit, all you need is an ergonomic mesh office chair (if you are an adult who complains about your back) and an ergonomic desk.

For little kids, it is also equally important to buy ergonomic chairs to keep their growing bodies from being uncomfortable and hence damaged. You can search from a variety of desks for students and pick comfortable school chairs paired with an elementary school desk to bring a proper study vibe at home.

Highlighters

You were probably prohibited from writing in your textbooks all through high school. However, marking up books is a way of life in college. While some students choose to highlight key portions and make handwritten notes, highlighters are an excellent method to draw attention to key ideas and unfamiliar words.

Paper Clips or Stapler

Remember to bring fasteners. You don't want to waste time looking for a stapler when it's time to turn in your term paper. And when you are prepping for an exam, who would like to meet with a mess of piles of papers and go through each line to find the relevant chapter. A little organization can go a long way.

Calculator

Before making a purchase, ask your math or science lecturer about the best models to use and the necessary operations. The cost of graphing calculators should be considered. Even if you are a history major, you should probably have a simple calculator on hand for simple calculations like checking your checkbook or planning a birthday party for your best buddy in college.

Storage Options

Some desks for students come with built-in storage options for your little stationery items that need to be in proximity but not right in your face. You can find built-in options in the form of drawers, cabinets, and even an open shelf space. But for decks that don't offer storage solutions, it is vital to have some portable ones with you. You can take a desk organizer, a removable drawer, or a few baskets that can hold your essential supplies and prevent your desk from becoming messy. A filing cabinet is also one of the foolproof storage options for those who work with many papers and documents.

Notebooks

Even if we are majorly digital, the importance of physically noting down lectures or key points in the class can never be ignored. Notebooks or notepads are a great way to memorize complex things and keep your mind active in the classroom. While some students like to keep everything organized in a binder or five-subject notebook, others prefer to designate a notebook or folder for each class. Papers can be kept in notebooks neatly and without any missing pages.

Make sure your notebook's pages come out easily if you need to turn in handwritten assignments or keep some loose-leaf paper on hand for those times. Don't forget to buy some printer paper as well.

Computer

If we had said this a few decades ago, we would have gotten a glare or two. But the truth is computers are a necessity of today's world whether we talk about offices or schools. Without a computer, you can find it hard to catch up on your study schedule and also waste considerable time connecting the dots in the class.

Pencils

Yes, some of us still write in this old-fashioned style. Writing down notes on paper with a pencil has many advantages, including the opportunity to make corrections and draw out a design. Just be sure to purchase a sharpening or extra lead.

Colorful Pens

This is one of the important college school supplies for every student. Consider using pens for a note-taking experience that is easier, quicker, and bolder. Additionally, according to science, writing down notes in a variety of colors will help you remember them. And wouldn't you love having colorful notes to look at when you are not in the mood to study, but the colors are there to excite you? Pro tip? Write down important points in red ink so you can have a summary of points to go through before a quick test.

Post Its

Do you feel like forgetting everything when you are preparing for a test or, worse, for your final exam? It happens so, but the truth is sometimes our brain tricks us into thinking negatively and makes us feel forgetful. This anxiety and panic can seriously impact your learning ability and the chances of continuing to cover the course in said time. Post-its are a wonderful way to draw a learning map and memorize things quickly. They also help in forming a connection between lectures; hence you can look at them later on and revise in a matter of few minutes.

Erasers

We all make mistakes and try to correct them. Erasers are a great help to clean up the mistakes we make in school. A high-quality eraser is important to ensure that the pencil marks are not smudged around the page and the page remains original.

Pink erasers are mostly recommended since they work on all surfaces and can thoroughly clean pencils from notes, diagram charts, and even tables.

Pencil Case/Box

To store all that we have discussed above, including pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, and more, requires a pencil case. If you want to go on the fancier side, you may opt for a Maydear Bamboo Pen Holder that can be perched on your desk.

However, in most cases, a multi-compartment pencil case is a great option to store all your stationary in one place. Get a case accommodating multiple pens, pencils, and other accessories. Also, make sure that the case is washable and cleanable.

Folders

Folders are significant if you need to carry important documents and worksheets around. A folder for each course subject is a great way to organize things and ensure that not a single sheet gets lost.

The Graphic Image Carlo Bonded Leather File Folder is perfect if you are looking for a folder that works for an entire semester or school year. It is available in various colors that work best if you have multiple courses.

Binders and Portfolios

We are all required to present reports and projects during school and college. Apart from that, organizing homework and important papers is also important. Binders and portfolios are a great way to simplify storage.

The Graphic Image Hugo Bonded Leather Portfolio lets you store your copies and reports with a pen. Organize your important stuff with style.

Book Tabs

Every student goes through the nightmare of final night exam preparations when learning relevant concepts related to a topic becomes challenging. Book tabs are the best college supplies that allow you to flag important pages in your notebooks and textbooks.

The best part about them is that they are removable, which keeps your books unharmed. Different colored tabs can help you organize stuff according to subjects or important topics.

Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is crucial if you will spend much time in your school or college. According to a solid study by Buxton Water, staying hydrated has been associated with better concentration and enhanced short-term memory.

Moreover, a classy water bottle also makes you look cool among your peers. We would recommend DYLN Alkaline Water Bottle here, and it is a double-walled vacuum-insulated water bottle that lasts for years to come.

The best part about this bottle is that it keeps water hot or cold for up to 24 hours and can hold around 40 ounces of liquid! If you are a parent, ensure your kid drinks enough water throughout the day, which is important for better functioning.

Backpack

Did you ever go to school without a backpack? We don't think so. Backpacks are essential for students, whether in school or college, and they allow you to carry all your belongings effortlessly.

Additionally, backpacks are of great importance in higher classes when you are required to carry heavy textbooks and laptops. An ergonomic backpack allows you to store all items of importance and be comfortable carrying easily.

It is important to make sure that the designed in such a way that it doesn't put much load on your shoulders. Also, a waterproof bag is recommended, which saves your items from rain.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Didn’t expect this item on the list? Well, here is why we included it.

As we all know, classroom whiteboards are on the verge of decline. Most of the professors conduct their classes on smart projectors and screens. Prolonged exposure to these screens can lead to eyesight problems and strain.

Investing in a blue light-blocking glass is a great way to reduce eye strain and headaches caused by blue light exposure. These glasses allow you to focus more effectively and make you look cool.

Noise-Cancellation Headphones

We discussed this in the introduction, right? Well, noise-cancellation headphones are perfect for focusing in a noisy classroom or corridor. Whether listening to an important lecture or giving an online presentation, these headphones help you eliminate the outside voice and focus on the task at hand.

These noise-cancellation headphones are installed with sensitive microphones that also allow you to talk through them.

Computer Accessories

Lastly, we wanted to discuss computer accessories such as a mouse, USB, and power extensions. You may need all these computer accessories, especially if you carry a laptop. A wireless mouse is great for improving functionality when using your laptop. They come in different styles and colors, which you can choose according to your taste.

Moreover, USB drives are essential for carrying around presentations and important files you might need during class.

Conclusion

As you embark on your college journey, having the right tools and supplies can make all the difference in your academic success. Investing in the best school supplies for college allows you to stay organized, focused, and prepared for anything that comes your way.

So, whether you prefer traditional pen-and-paper or cutting-edge technology, stock up on these college school supplies for 2023. Good luck with your studies, and thanks for reading!