The Only School Supplies You Need
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As the school year approaches, students everywhere face the annual challenge of buying school supplies. But with so many options available, it’s easy to go overboard and end up with a backpack full of items you’ll barely use. This used to be me as well. This year, why not streamline your school supplies and focus on the essentials that will help you succeed?
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the only school supplies you truly need. This minimalist approach saves you money and ensures you carry exactly what you need to excel academically.
I’m also going to share a few reasons why I think each item is essential and give you a few recommendations to make your decision easier. Let’s get into it!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links
1. Laptop or tablet with a Stylus
In today’s digital age, a reliable laptop or tablet is arguably the most crucial tool for any student. Whether you’re attending classes in person or online, your device will be your primary resource for research, assignments, and note-taking.
- Why It’s Essential: A laptop or tablet allows you to access online resources, type essays, and stay organized with digital calendars and apps. With the addition of a stylus, a tablet becomes even more versatile, enabling you to take handwritten notes directly on the screen or annotate PDFs—perfect for students who prefer the tactile experience of writing.
- Choosing the Right Device: When selecting a device, consider your needs. A laptop is ideal for tasks that require more processing power, such as programming or design work. A tablet with a stylus, however, is lightweight and portable, making it excellent for taking quick notes or sketching out ideas during class.
My Recommendations
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- Lenovo Idea Pad 1 laptop
- MacBook Air 2022
- iPad Air 11 inch with Apple pen
2. Highlighters
While a lot of your work might be digital, there’s something irreplaceable about physically highlighting important information. Highlighters are an essential tool for students who want to emphasize key concepts in textbooks or notes.
- Why It’s Essential: Highlighters help you visually separate important information from the rest of your text, making it easier to review later. They are particularly useful when studying for exams, as they allow you to quickly locate and focus on the most important details.
- How to Use Them Effectively: Instead of highlighting entire sections, try to highlight only the most crucial parts of a sentence—keywords, phrases, or dates. This not only saves ink but also ensures that your highlighted sections are truly meaningful.
My Recommendations
3. Mechanical Pencils
Mechanical pencils are a staple for any student. They offer the convenience of never needing to be sharpened and provide consistent, fine lines for writing and drawing.
- Why It’s Essential: Mechanical pencils are perfect for everything from jotting down notes to sketching graphs or solving math problems. The precision they offer is superior to regular pencils, and because they’re refillable, they’re also more environmentally friendly.
- Tips for Usage: Invest in a high-quality mechanical pencil that feels comfortable in your hand. Keep extra lead refills handy, so you’re never caught without a working pencil during class.
My Recommendations
4. Calculator
Whether you’re taking basic math or advanced calculus, a calculator is a must-have. Even if your phone has a calculator app, having a dedicated device can be more reliable and efficient, especially during exams.
- Why It’s Essential: Calculators are essential for quick, accurate calculations that you might not be able to do in your head. For students in math-intensive courses, a scientific or graphing calculator is particularly important.
- Choosing the Right Calculator: If you’re in high school or college, make sure you have a calculator that meets the requirements of your courses. A basic calculator might suffice for simple math, but for more advanced courses, a graphing calculator might be necessary.
My Recommendations
5. Notebooks
Even in a digital world, notebooks remain a key school supply. They’re perfect for jotting down thoughts, organizing ideas, or working out problems on paper.
- Why It’s Essential: Writing by hand can help reinforce learning, as the act of writing engages your brain in ways that typing might not. Notebooks are also great for classes where laptops or tablets might not be allowed, or when you need to quickly jot down notes without the distraction of technology.
- Notebook Options: Depending on your needs, you might opt for a traditional spiral notebook, a composition book, or even a bullet journal. Choose one that suits your style of note-taking and is easy to carry around.
My Recommendations
6. Sticky Notes
Sticky notes are more than just a way to mark pages—they’re a versatile tool for organizing your thoughts, brainstorming, and setting reminders.
- Why It’s Essential: Sticky notes allow you to jot down quick ideas or reminders and place them in visible locations, whether in a textbook, on your desk, or your laptop. They’re particularly useful for creating to-do lists, highlighting important sections in books, or even for group work where you need to quickly organize ideas.
- How to Use Them: Keep a pack of sticky notes in your backpack or desk whenever inspiration strikes. Use different colors to categorize tasks or subjects, making it easier to organize your thoughts.
My Recommendations
7. Power Bank
In a world where we rely heavily on electronic devices, a power bank is a lifesaver. Running out of battery during a critical moment—like when you’re taking notes in class or submitting an assignment—can be disastrous.
- Why It’s Essential: A power bank ensures that your devices stay charged throughout the day, regardless of whether you have access to an outlet. This is especially important for students who spend long hours on campus or those who use their devices heavily during the day.
- Selecting the Right Power Bank: Choose a power bank with enough capacity to fully charge your device at least once. Look for one that is lightweight and portable, so it’s easy to carry with you wherever you go.
My Recommendations
8. Noise-Cancellation Headphones
Studying in a noisy environment can be challenging, but noise-cancellation headphones can help you create a focused study space anywhere.
- Why It’s Essential: These headphones are perfect for blocking out distractions in a busy library, cafe, or even at home. They allow you to immerse yourself in your work, whether you’re listening to a lecture, participating in a study group online, or simply needing some quiet time to focus.
- Finding the Right Pair: Look for headphones that are comfortable for long periods and have a good battery life. While they can be an investment, the increase in productivity they offer makes them well worth it.
My Recommendations
9. USB Stick
Despite the prevalence of cloud storage, a USB stick remains a handy tool for students. It offers a quick and reliable way to transfer files between computers, especially when you don’t have access to the internet.
- Why It’s Essential: A USB stick is essential for storing important documents, presentations, or projects that you might need to print or share quickly. It’s also a great backup in case your internet goes down or you encounter issues with cloud storage.
- Choosing a USB Stick: Look for one with sufficient storage space (at least 16GB) and a durable design. Keep it in your backpack or attached to your keychain so it’s always accessible when you need it.
My Recommendations
Final thoughts on The Only 9 School Supplies You Need
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did while writing this.
Simplify your back-to-school shopping with these versatile essentials that keep you organized and focused on your education. Remember, less is often more. What’s your must-have school supply? Share in the comments below!
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