Stationary and School Supplies You Will Need College

With all of the low cost options for buying textbooks used or renting them, college bookstores are selling more notebooks, stationary, and t-shirts than anything else. As convenient as it may be to purchase your stationary from the college bookstore, it is hardly cost effective. It would be in your best interest to instead purchase your stationary for college in advance. Now, there will surely be teachers that have specific requirements, but the following items will be needed regardless.

Pens: Purchase a large pack of basic pens for college. If you are like I was, there is a specific type of pen that you like and they are more expensive than others. If you really, really love them, go ahead and get a handful and mark them in some way (such as string, or rubber band) so someone else doesn't mistake it for them.

Pencils: You will need pencils for your math classes, get a dozen pencils with a sharpener or mechanical pencils.

Erasers: Purchase a couple large white erasers as they clean the markings off the paper better.

Datebook planner: Get one with each page for one day so you don't have to cram in your information. You can use and electronic planner, but it may be smart to keep a paper version in case something happens to your smart phone.

Notebooks: My preference is to purchase a pile of one subject composition notebooks. They way you don't have to carry a heavy binder or five subject notebook with you to every class, plus you can get them for .50 cents to $1.00 with in many neat colors and designs. Don't worry about having paper to hand to your teacher as they usually provide test booklets for exams and quizzes. If for any reason you do need to rip out a page, you can use a metal edge ruler to rip it out neatly. Another option is to purchase a case of ten for a dollar spiral notebooks (available at back to school sales).

Three ring binder, divider, and paper: The occasional teacher will demand you use a three ring binder, so it is helpful to have one on hand. An inexpensive one will do. If you don't need it for class, you can use it to hold personal information or your finished term papers.

Metal edged ruler: Can be used to tear out pages as mentioned above, to draw lines, and to make measurements.

Glue sticks: Can be used to put notes , handbooks, and syllabuses in your notebook. Will also be of use in art classes.

Push pins: Use to hang notes and photos in the dorm room.

Paper portfolio folders with prongs: These can be used to make study guides that you can keep up with you during finals weeks. They can also be used to hold personal papers and important college information. Use these with clear sheet protectors so you can use them over and over.

Post It Notes: Post It Notes and sticky tabs can be used for personal reminders and to mark important pages to study, especially in rented textbooks that you don't want to mark up.

Tape: Scotch tape, masking tape, painters or artist tape, and duct tape may all be needed if not immediately, then during your college career. It will not be a waste to purchase a roll or two of each.

Markers: Markers can be used to label items, and for different assignments.

Highlighters: Highlighters can be used in some textbooks and should also be used to underline notes, especially when a professor repeats himself. This information is usually on the exam.

Index cards: Index card can be used to make notes for exams and can carried with you to study whenever you have a free moment. You can bind them with rubber bands or purchase a box or mini binder for your index cards.

Stapler: I have heard students say that teachers deduct 10 points from a paper or assignment because it is not stapled.

Report covers: Get a 4 pack for $1.00 at the school supplies store because they will cost several dollars at the school bookstore. They may look prettier, but you can purchase a meal for the cost of a report cover.

Printer paper: Whether you bring a printer or not, you should have your own printer paper in case you don't have time to wait for campus computers to be filled or in case your go over your paper quota at school.

Note cards and envelopes: Even in this age of instant messaging and email, it is important to write hand-written notes. It will ingratiate you to your teachers, mentors, roommates and other important people you meet along the way.