Finding school supplies is one of the more exciting moments of returning to school. Shops display back-to-school stations that tempt us every time we walk through. However, college is a bit different than high school regarding necessary supplies. Some new supplies include laptops, notebooks, pens or pencils, a planner, folders, a stapler, and a printer. This article will help you shop for the things you need that last throughout your college experience.

Electronics

A laptop is one of the most important things you will need in college. Looking around any lecture room, you can see nearly every student taking notes on their laptop. Therefore, it is important to invest in a laptop that is going to last you throughout your undergrad. Do not go for a laptop that has low storage and is cheap. If you splurge on anything for college, it should be a decent laptop. If finances prevent you from getting a laptop, reach out to the student resource office. Some schools have extra funds for this purpose or may have a laptop you can use for the academic year. Never hesitate to reach out to campus offices for tech expenses. Universities prepare for this and are prepared to help students in need.

In college, you'll use your laptop to take notes, write papers, and edit videos (if your degree requires it). You might also want to invest in a good case with your laptop. This device might be slung around in your backpack often, and it often rains on campus. Keeping your laptop safe should be a high priority.

Organization

Let's say you are a little bit old school on the topic of notes. There is no shame in that! However, this might mean you need to invest in more things besides a computer—notebooks! Generally, I recommend getting one for each class, even if you plan to take notes with your laptop.

Believe it or not, some professors do not allow electronics in their lectures, and you will have to pick up a notebook anyways. There are plenty of cheap ones for a dollar or less. You will need some decent pens and pencils along with your new notebooks. Depending on the professor, most college students use pens instead of pencils. With either option, writing down your notes helps to assure that you are processing important information that might be on a future exam.

Assignments can be challenging to remember, especially due dates. Therefore, it is best to pick up a planner or agenda. Of course, you can always use a digital calendar, but as we discussed with writing your notes, you are more likely to remember stuff you write down. Not only can you write your assignment's due dates, but you can schedule out times to work on those assignments and any extracurricular commitments you may have. Remember to consistently check whatever calendar or planner you use so you do not miss important dates or deadlines.

Another key to staying organized is to buy multiple folders to put important papers. This goes for any documents, even if they are not college related. If you need to budget in college, folders might also be necessary. You may think you will never receive physical papers, but some professors can be old-fashioned. They might hand you paper study guides for your big test next Friday. You will want to hold that study guide, even after the exam is over, for your final exam at the end of the semester.

Essential Offices Supplies

You will likely receive many loose papers during your semesters. You will need a stapler if you have to bring a physical copy of an assignment to class. I had professors who would take off points if you did not staple your assignment. You might also use a stapler to stay organized and not lose one page of an essay. Staplers can also help hang decorations, but you must check your dorm/apartment policies first.

Finally, we have been talking a lot about papers. So, how exactly are we going to get these physical copies? I would suggest investing in a printer. It does not seem like a necessity on the surface. Everything is online, right? Not exactly. Getting your printer, setting it up with your computer, and printing from home is better. Sure, your university might have free printing in the library, but there is no guarantee that it will be up and running. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the type of ink your printer takes and keep some printer paper stocked.

Getting school supplies for college in your first year can be challenging. You know college is not like high school, and you will need different supplies. With the supplies mentioned above, you should be able to complete at least a year of college. There are more items I might lightly suggest, like colored pencils, glue, loose leaf notebook, etc., just in case, but they are not necessary. Believe it or not, you need minimal supplies to be successful in college.