30 Essential Back to School Supplies Every Student Needs

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The start of the new school year means it’s time to stock up on supplies. Whether you’re a sixth grader or a beginning college, preparing for the new school year requires compiling a well-thought-out list of back to school supplies. I’ve compiled a thorough list of 30 must-have goods in this post to ensure you’re prepared for a successful year. These items range from helpful equipment to stylish accessories and will unquestionably prepare you for the fascinating path of study and growth. Let’s start now!

30 Back to School Supplies

1. Book Bag

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Every student needs a book bag to carry their stuff in. This book bag might be the one that you need. It is a reliable, water-repellent backpack.

2. Ink Pens

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Older students need ink pens. These ink pens have a medium point. They come in multiple packs. I used to lose pens a lot when I was in school.

3. Notebook Paper

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Next on the school supplies list is notebook paper. Students will use a lot of notebook paper during the school year.

4. Pencils

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Students should make sure they have their No. 2 pencils. A box of 96 should last you the whole school year. As you lose or lend pencils out during the year, you’ll be happy that you grabbed that amount.

5. Binders

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Students need binders for different classes. You can never go wrong with a classic three-ring binder. Here is a set that has different colors.

6. Art Supply Set

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Art supply sets can feature colored pencils, paintbrushes, sketch pads, and other items. This item would probably be on a back to school supplies list for elementary or middle schoolers. Art supplies can be expensive, so see if you can find this item during a back-to-school sale.

7. Calculator

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Every student needs a calculator. You can’t go wrong by purchasing a Texas Instrument. These calculators are helpful, especially when you get into more advanced classes.

8. Crayons

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Younger students will need crayons. Crayola has a 24-count box that should fill your needs. If you need more, they have 48-count and 96-count crayon boxes as well. It just depends on what you need.

9. Lunch Box

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You will need a lunch box if you bring your lunch to school. The is nice, simple, and very affordable. Make sure that your lunch box has enough space for your food.

10. Index Cards

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Students need index cards to write down notes. Walgreens and other stores have them in packs of 100. You can also purchase them online.

11. Wite-Out

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Wite-out is next on the school supplies list. If you make an error when writing with an ink pen, it comes in the clutch.

12. Scissors

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The next item that is on the list is a pair of scissors. They come in handy if you have different projects.

13. Folders

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Students will need separate folders for each class. Office Max, Walmart, and Amazon have some suitable varieties.

14. Subject Dividers

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Subject dividers come in handy if you want to separate your notes in your notebook. You can grab a pack and get organized for the semester.

15. Planner

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I’ve been using planners since middle school. They come in handy. They will help you remember things. The planner below lets you plan something for up to 18 months. If you want to get organized, a planner is a must-have, especially if you are a high school or college student.

16. Combination Lock

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If you’re in middle or high school, you will need a combination lock for your locker. Masterlock is the industry leader. They have combo locks and key locks if you prefer that one.

17. Pencil Sharpener

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A pencil sharpener will be needed if you use pencils more than pens. This is for younger students on their school supply list.

18. Laptop

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A reliable laptop is essential for back-to-school success, providing students with a versatile tool for taking notes, conducting research, and completing assignments. Choose a model with a long battery life and sufficient processing power to handle various academic tasks efficiently.

19. Printer

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A high-quality printer is a must-have for back-to-school, ensuring students can quickly and easily produce assignments, projects, and study materials at home.

20. Ink

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What good is having a printer without any ink? Ink can be expensive, but there are deals out there. You can also check eBay and Amazon.

21. Stapler

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Next up on the school supplies list is a stapler. As you become an older student, you may need a stapler. It would be best to staple the pages together when it’s time to turn in papers or other assignments. It’s better to have one than not.

22. Color Pencils

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Color pencils are handy for art class and special projects. Many people like colored pencils instead of crayons.

23. Paper Clips

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Paper clips are indispensable for keeping notes, handouts, and assignments neatly organized and easily accessible

24. Post-it notes

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Students use Post-it notes all the time, especially in college. You will use them for notes and more. This may be a must-have item on the school supplies list.

25. Highlighters

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Highlighters are good for students middle school age and older. You can use them to take notes and write things in your textbooks if you choose to.

26. Hole Puncher

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A sturdy hole puncher is essential for maintaining organized binders, allowing students to effortlessly add loose papers to their class notes.

27. Flash Drive

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For students to easily back up and transfer their work, a trustworthy flash drive is essential for safely storing and transferring critical school files.

28. Dictionary

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You will use a dictionary when you’re in high school and college. It will help you when you’re working on those late-night papers.

29. Hand Sanitizer

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Hand sanitizer is a back-to-school necessity, helping students maintain good hygiene and reduce the spread of germs throughout the school day.

30. Notebook

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It doesn’t matter if you are in grade school, private school, or college; you will need a notebook. There are different kinds to choose from, including spiral notebooks and composition notebooks. Find one that you like and purchase it before school starts back.

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Jason Butler is the owner of My Money Chronicles, a website where he discusses personal finance, side hustles, travel, and more. Jason is from Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah State University with his BA in Marketing. Jason has been featured in Forbes, Discover, and Investopedia.