Key Takeaway
Wondering what school supplies you’ll need for college? Check out our recommendations for the following must-have items:
- Pencils/Mechanical Pencils
- Pens (Various Colors)
- Highlighters
- Pencil Case
- Note Cards
- Folders
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Paperclips
- Correction Pens (Whiteout)
- Planner/Agenda
- Backpack
- Printer
- Sticky Tack/Poster Strips
- Scissors
- Binder Clips
- Personal Safety Alarm
- Power Strip
- Stapler
- Portable Charger
- Dry Erase Board/Cork Board
- Headphones
- Calculator
- Wireless Mouse
- Blue Light Glasses
25 College School Supplies Every Student Needs
With back-to-school around the corner, now is the time to stock up on all the college school supplies you’ll need to be prepared and organized for the year ahead. We’ve rounded up 25 must-have school supplies that you’ll want to add to cart.
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Your Full List of College School Supplies
1. Pencils/Mechanical Pencils
There is still something practical about writing notes by hand: you can erase mistakes, sketch out a design, and avoid the treacherous ink smudge. Just don’t forget to buy a sharpener or additional lead.
- Ticonderoga Yellow #2 Pre-Sharpened Pencils (30 count)
- BIC Velocity Original Mechanical Pencil, Medium Point (0.7mm), 4-Count
2. Pens (Various Colors)
For a smoother, quicker, bolder note-taking experience, go with pens. Science also says that using various colors to write notes will improve your memory. Can’t argue with science!
- BIC Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen (36 count)
- Zebra Pen Z-Grip Retractable Pen – Assorted Colors (24 count)
- Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens (24 count)
3. Highlighters
Highlighters are a lifesaver when studying! In most cases, you can mark up your textbooks as much as you want—even if you plan to sell them back. Odds are, the next student who orders a used book will thank you for the helpful highlights.
- Sharpie Pocket Highlighters – Assorted Colors (12 count)
- Avery Hi-Liter – Fluorescent Yellow (12 count)
- Sharpie Highlighter Clear View (12 Count)
4. Pencil Case
Rather than digging for pencils or pens at the bottom of your bag, neatly organize all your writing supplies in one convenient place.
5. Note Cards
These are a college must-have. They are perfect for creating flashcards to memorize facts, dates, vocabulary, or people. If you really want to step it up and study on the go, punch a hole through the cards and feed a clip ring through.
- Chell Ruled Index Cards (200 count)
- Oxford Neon Index Cards (300 count)
- Debra Dale Designs Color Bar Single Punched Index Cards (350 count)
6. Folders
Not everything is digital—even now. Many professors still hand out physical copies of the syllabus and class project assignments, or hand back your printed papers with their feedback written on them. You can keep all these loose-leaf materials in one folder dedicated to the class. Being organized makes it much easier to stay on top of everything.
7. Notebooks
While some students prefer taking notes on their laptops, science has once again proved that taking notes by hand is better for memorization and understanding the material. Grab one notebook for each class, or get one of the multi-subject notebooks and keep up to three classes in one. You can always type up your notes later for legibility.
- Oxford 1-Subject Spiral Notebooks – Assorted Colors (6 Pack)
- Mead Spiral Notebooks – Assorted Colors (6 Pack)
- Yansanido Spiral Notebook Thick Hardcover (4 Pack)
8. Binders
Some classes may require three-ring binders to keep class materials in. Most of the time, your papers will come pre-punched, but if not, you might also want to invest in a three-hole punch.
9. Paperclips
These are perfect for keeping papers together—whether it’s class notes, handouts, or even mail that sits on your desk in your dorm. These are a must-have school supply for staying organized.
10. Correction Pens (Whiteout)
Mistakes happen! If you notice a small typo or error right before handing in a paper or research project, you’re going to want some correction pens handy for a quick fix. They’re available in liquid or tape form for ultimate convenience. With a multi-pack, you can keep one in your desk at your dorm and one in your pencil pouch.
11. Planner/Agenda
College can get busy, so keep it all organized in a handy-dandy planner. As soon as you’re given an assignment or paper, you can jot down the due date in your agenda and get a head start. All your due dates will be in one place and be super easy to read. With this tool, you’ll never miss a deadline again!
12. Backpack
You might still have your old high school backpack, but you’re going to want to upgrade to something more comfortable. Odds are you’ll be hauling materials from one end of campus to the other. Having a backpack that distributes weight evenly and doesn’t hurt your shoulders or back is necessary.
13. Printer
Most colleges will have printers readily available and give students an allotted amount of printed pages per semester. However, if you plan to do a lot of printing (we’re looking at you, fellow English majors) or don’t want to bother trekking to a computer lab, it might be worth investing in a printer of your own. Don’t forget you’ll also need: ink, toner, and paper. You can even split the cost of the printer and its supplies with your roommates or suitemates so everyone can use it!
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 All-in-One Wireless Printer
- HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
14. Sticky Tack/Poster Strips
There are many ways to hang up posters or photos around your room, but these make it quick and easy, and they’re available just about anywhere.
15. Scissors
Good for school and tasks around the dorm room. Whether you’re snipping the tag off a new shirt or cutting up definitions and gluing them to note cards, you’ll be thankful to have scissors on hand.
16. Binder Clips
Sometimes a paperclip isn’t enough. For bigger clipping jobs, go with a binder clip. They come in multiple sizes, so there’s always one up for the task of keeping a lot of papers together.
17. Personal Safety Alarm
Studying late or walking alone on campus? Feel more confident with one of these compact personal alarms. They are easy to use—just press the button for an extra loud siren and bright, flashing lights to bring attention to yourself when help is needed.
18. Power Strip
Chances are, your dorm room won’t have many outlets—and each one only gives you two spots. So, where do you plug in your phone charger, laptop, fan, and lamp? Easy fix: power strip.
19. Stapler
Have a research paper to hand in? Staple it and it’s ready to go! It’ll be nice and neat without any corner folds. Get one for your dorm desk or a mini hand-held one for your backpack. If there are any stapling emergencies, you’ll be prepared.
20. Portable Charger
You’re not always going to be near an outlet. Between back-to-back classes and late nights at the library, you won’t always get a chance to recharge your phone. Grab a portable charger and keep your devices charged no matter where you are.
21. Dry Erase Board/Cork Board
Mount one of these above your desk and keep your schedules in check. You can use magnets or thumb-tacks to keep tickets or coupons in a noticeable place, or hang up fun pictures. You’ll have your most important reminders right in your face!
- MURIWAI Dry Erase/Magnetic Cork Board
- The Board Dudes Black Frame Cork Board
- Kosiz 24″ x 16″ Foldable White Board Dry Erase Cork Board Combo
22. Headphones
Whether you’re studying, walking to class, hitting the gym, or just blocking out roommate noise, headphones are (basically) a non-negotiable in college.
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Beats Studio Pro – Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Bensoow Wireless Earbuds
23. Calculator
Believe it or not, some classes still require a calculator. Read your syllabus beforehand to make sure you get the right one.
- Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView Scientific Calculator
- DANRONG Mechanical Switch Calculator with Big Buttons
- Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
24. Wireless Mouse
For majors that involve living on your laptop (i.e. graphic design), a wireless mouse makes technical work way easier. It’s also great for giving your wrist a break.
- Amazon Basics Computer Mouse
- VssoPlor Wireless Mouse – Black and Gold
- TECKNET Wireless Mouse – Mint Green
25. Blue Light Glasses
If you’re staring at your computer all day, do yourself a favor and protect your eyes with blue light glasses. They can help reduce eye strain and headaches after a long day of classes or even scrolling TikTok at midnight.
- FEIYOLD Blocking Computer Eye Strain Transparent Glasses – 2 Pack
- ANYLUV Blue Light Glasses
- FoxMook Blue Light Blocking Glasses Round – 3 Pack
Heading Off to College?
Here’s a full list of college school supplies that every freshman needs.
Having real school supplies will help you throughout the semester, so make sure to stock up before classes start. Being prepared will help prevent you from panicking right before midterms or finals just because you can’t find flashcards anywhere. Even if you don’t use everything in one semester, you can use all these supplies throughout your college career. Don’t forget to read your course syllabus to find which school supplies would benefit you best.
If it’s time to find the right school for you—the one that fits your goals, passions, and future—use College Raptor’s College Match tool. It can help you discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid for schools around the U.S.—for FREE!