In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the essential items to include on your college supplies list. Plus, some helpful tips for selecting and organizing your supplies.
Going to college is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Between adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people, and getting used to college-level coursework, there’s a lot to take in.
One thing that can help make the transition a bit easier is having the right college supplies. While the exact list of supplies you’ll need will depend on your particular course of study and living situation, there are some basic items that most college students will find useful.
From textbooks and notebooks to bedding and kitchenware, having the right college supplies can help you feel prepared and organized as you embark on this new chapter of your life. Some of these make perfect gifts for college students, if you want more ideas check out my other article!
When To Purchase
Whether you should wait until after moving in to purchase certain supplies or buy everything in advance depends on your circumstances and preferences. Here are some factors to consider.
If you’re attending a college far from your hometown, it may be difficult to purchase supplies once you’ve moved in. In this case, it may be best to buy everything you need in advance and bring it with you.
Short on time and have a busy schedule? It may be more convenient to purchase everything you need in advance rather than waiting until after you move in.
Contrastingly, if you’re moving into a small dorm room, you may not have a lot of space to store extra supplies. In this case, it may be best to wait until after you move in to purchase particular items that you don’t have room for.
Lastly, if you plan to have a roommate, it may be best to wait until after you move in to purchase college supplies so that you can coordinate with your roommate and avoid buying duplicates.
In general, it’s a good idea to make a list of the essential items you’ll need for college and purchase them in advance. However, you may want to wait until after you move in to buy certain things you’re not sure you’ll need or don’t have room for.
Essential Items To Have
Preparing for college can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. One of the most crucial steps in preparing for college is creating a list of essential items that you will need to make your college life more comfortable and productive.
You will need writing supplies like pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, and markers to take notes, complete assignments, and organize your work. Get some notebooks to jot down ideas for assignments and take notes in class.
Depending on your major, you may need various textbooks for your courses. It is essential to purchase or rent the required textbooks before classes begin.
Find a backpack or bag to carry your textbooks, notebooks, and other essential items around campus. Ensure your backpack or bag is comfortable and can accommodate all your college essentials.
Don’t forget some basic cleaning supplies like a broom, dustpan, and cleaning wipes to keep your room clean and tidy. Plus, a desk lamp to study at night, especially if you have a roommate who likes to sleep early.
Bedding is essential. This includes sheets, blankets, pillows, and a comforter. Make sure to get bedding that fits the size of your dorm bed.
You will also need a shower caddy to carry your toiletries to and from the communal bathroom. Put all your essentials inside so you can have them anytime you shower.
Lastly, a power strip is essential for any college student with so many electronics to charge. You do not want to get stuck only having one outlet and rotating your devices to charge them all.
These are just a few of the most essential items you’ll want to include on your college supplies list. Remember that everyone has individual needs and preferences, so you may need to add additional items to your list.
Technology And Gadgets
There are several types of technology and gadgets that can be particularly useful for college students. Having these can be beneficial to both your day-to-day life and towards your studies.
A laptop or tablet is essential for college students as it allows you to complete assignments, research, and communicate with professors and classmates. It is also portable and convenient, making it easy to take notes during lectures.
Some students may choose to have iPads or Tablets instead in order to write down their notes online with smart pens. You can also attach a separate keyboard to type notes.
E-readers like the Kindle or Nook are perfect for college students who need to read a lot of books for their courses. They are lightweight, portable, and can hold thousands of books, which makes it easy to access your required reading materials.
A smartphone can be handy for college students, as it allows you to stay connected with friends, family, and classmates, and access important information on the go.
Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver for college students who need to study in noisy environments. They can block out background noise and help you focus on your work.
With so many devices to charge, a portable charger can be incredibly useful for college students who are always on the go. It allows you to charge your devices even when you cannot access a power outlet.
If you want to go the extra mile, check out Magsafe portable chargers, which require no cable. They make such a difference when it comes to charging your phone.
Smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch can be helpful for college students who want to stay organized and keep track of their schedules, assignments, and deadlines.
Making Room
Purchasing all the items on your college supplies list is the easy part. The hard part is ensuring you have enough storage space in your dorm room for all of your college supplies. Keep the following in mind when purchasing college supplies.
Utilize your vertical space by installing shelves or bookcases on the walls. This will allow you to store items off the ground and free up floor space.
Storage containers can help you keep your items organized and make the most of your available space. Consider storing items under bed storage containers, ottomans, or hanging closet organizers.
Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as a bed with drawers underneath or a desk with shelves. This will help you maximize your space while keeping your items easily accessible.
Think outside the box and use unconventional storage solutions. For example, you can use a shoe organizer to store toiletries or a shower caddy to store desk supplies.
Regularly declutter your dorm room to ensure you’re not holding onto items you don’t need. Get rid of anything you haven’t used in a while or no longer serves a purpose.
By using these tips, you can make sure that you have enough storage space in your dorm room for all of your college supplies. Remember to be creative, and don’t be afraid to try different storage solutions until you find what works best for you.
Shopping On A Budget
Shopping for college supplies on a budget can be challenging, but with careful planning and savvy shopping strategies, you can save money and still get everything you need.
Start by making a list of the items you’ll need for college. This will help you stay organized and avoid purchasing items you don’t need.
Before making any purchases, shop around to compare prices and find the best deals. Check out different stores and online retailers to see where you can get the best prices.
Consider buying used textbooks or purchasing second-hand items like furniture, appliances, or electronics. You can often find these items at a much lower cost than buying new ones.
Many retailers offer discounts to college students, so be sure to take advantage of these offers. Look for student discounts or special promotions that can help you save money.
Before making any online purchases, search for coupons or promo codes that can help you save money. You can find these codes on coupon websites or through social media.
Many retailers have back-to-school sales or clearance events, so consider waiting to make purchases until these sales happen. This can help you save money on items you need.
Check out browser extensions like Honey, which can save you money through coupons and give you cash back!
Finally, focus on purchasing only the essentials. Don’t be tempted to buy unnecessary items or splurge on expensive items you don’t really need. Stick to your list and your budget to avoid overspending.
By following these tips, you can shop for college supplies on a budget and save money without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, creating a college supplies list is crucial in preparing for a successful academic year. It helps students stay organized, saves time and money, and ensures they have all the necessary class materials.
From textbooks and notebooks to laptops and backpacks, a well-planned college supplies list can significantly impact a student’s academic experience.
By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, students can create a comprehensive and personalized college supplies list that meets their individual needs and preferences.
So, if you’re a college student, don’t underestimate the power of a well-thought-out college supplies list in setting yourself up for success!
