The School and Desk Supplies You Need to Get Back to Campus

Fall semester will be here before you know it, so it’s time to get serious about back-to-school shopping. Before you do, try to put together a school supplies list and overall college packing list. These will help you organize and prioritize your shopping trips—both online and offline.

You will definitely want to try to get an array of desk supplies that will help you complete coursework more efficiently. Here are key items you can put on your college packing list to get you ready for the year.

Notebooks.

You'll want to start with notebooks. Try to get a variety of colors to keep you organized. Once you color-coordinate your notebooks, you might want to arrange them in a pile on your desk, to make it easy for you to quickly pack your book-bag in the morning before class.

Folders and paper clips.

You can have at least one folder for each course you’re taking—and possibly more if you have different types of papers to organize. Always try to keep paper clips handy and in your student desk, just in case. For some courses, three-ring binders may be useful for sorting and organizing documents by topic. (And don’t forget a stapler for easily attaching sheets of paper together!)

Pens, pencils and highlighters.

These are of course basic essentials, but try to make sure you get ones you’re comfortable using day in and day out. Ballpoint pens can make for great everyday pens and have a long lifespan, but rollerball pens may make for a smoother writing experience for intense note-taking. You can keep your writing tools in a jar on your desk.

Desk Calendar.

A desk calendar or other scheduling book, such as a day planner, will help keep you organized. You can map out due dates of course assignments. Calendars and academic planners come in various sizes and formats, so try to think ahead about what type will be most functional and useful to you based on your studying and organizational style.

Calculator.

Some courses may require calculators, but it can be handy to have one regardless. A scientific calculator can do more sophisticated calculations and may be a must-have for certain courses.

Scissors, tape and glue.

These may seem like supplies you’re unlikely to need at college, but you never know when you’ll need them—and don’t want to be running out to find them at 2 a.m. You can keep these in your desk for the convenience.

Computer accessories.

Beyond your laptop or desktop computer, you’ll want to have the right accessories. This may include a wireless mouse that makes browsing the internet fast, a wireless keyboard and an external hard drive for extra storage. Also consider getting headphones, wireless or not, for listening to music or just blocking out disruptive noises while you study.

Desk decor.

You’ll probably be spending a lot of time at your desk, so you can think about how you can add some personality and decor so you feel comfortable sitting at it. This might include framed pictures of your family and friends and other small mementos.

It’s a good idea to buy what you need for college before fall arrives. That way, you can focus on making the most of your academic and social life rather than scrambling to shop for supplies.