The Ten Most Important School Supplies for College Students

It's tough to know exactly what a student will need in college before he or she gets there. As a current college student, here are my thoughts on what the top 10 must-have school supplies for college students are.

1. Laptop
It's impossible to live without a laptop or a computer in general as a college student. Between writing papers, emailing professors, and staying in touch with friends, a computer of some type is necessary in college. Many college students find laptops preferable to desktops because laptops are portable, facilitating group projects, study sessions, and travel to home during breaks. A laptop sleeve is a smart investment as well.

2. Cell Phone
A cell phone is another essential for college. Besides being useful for keeping in touch with friends, many cell phones nowadays have supplementary functions, such as being capable of playing music, having calendar and note applications, and being able to take pictures and video. A good texting plan is useful, too.

3. Backpack
A bag of some sort is necessary for getting around in college. The bag could be a backpack, a messenger bag, or a tote bag. It could be equipped to hold a laptop or not. Regardless, it should hold at least a few notebooks and writing utensils, and have space for a textbook if necessary.

4. Notebooks
Most college students that do well take notes. Unless you're planning on using your computer to take notes, you'll need to purchase some notebooks. There's no need to be fancy - some 70 page, wide-ruled, single-subject notebooks should get you through a semester. These can usually be found at places like Target and Wal-Mart for 10 cents a piece closer to the start of school. I don't recommend getting a five-subject notebook for two reasons. One, they are heavy and you will be forced to carry all of your notes with you all of the time. Two, if you loan someone your notes for a day or two, you are without all of your notes. The same situation applies if you misplace your notebook.

5. Writing Utensils
You'll need writing utensils for your notebooks to be useful. These don't need to be fancy - I prefer the Write Bros pens made by Paper Mate. They cost two or three dollars per dozen and are good pens for the price. Likewise, the world won't end if you lose one. You will probably need pencils as well, especially if you take any courses with Scantron exams. I recommend standard mechanical pencils. Along with the pencils, get a nice rubber eraser. If you so desire, you may also want to get a few Sharpies and a few highlighters.

6. Comfortable Bedding
If you want to do well in college, you need to be well-rested. Comfortable bedding, including a good mattress pad, comfortable sheets and blankets, and one or more comfortable pillows, is a must.

7. Headphones
A good pair of over-the-ear headphones can be helpful for studying in college, as they can eliminate outside noise and distractions while studying. If these are out of your price range or not your style, a pair of in-ear headphones are similarly useful.

8. Planner
In college you need to keep track of when you have class, when assignments are due, when you have extracurricular obligations (such as work or study sessions), when you have exams, and so forth. A paper organizer used regularly can help to alleviate some of that stress. A smartphone may be able to serve the same function.

9. Enough Clothing
Make sure that you have enough clothing when you go to college. Don't end up in a situation where you are forced to do laundry weekly. Have at least a couple weeks' worth of clothing available, and make sure that you have appropriate clothing for inclement weather. A winter coat with a removable liner is a nice investment, as you can wear the liner through the fall and the combination in the winter.

10. Toiletries (Including Shower Shoes)
Soap and/or bodywash, shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, razors and shaving cream, and any other toiletry you might use on a regular basis are good to stock up on before going to college. Usually the prices of these items are higher in student-dense areas. Likewise, you don't want to end up running out of any of these items and having to make an unplanned trip to the store. Bring enough from home. Finally, bring shower shoes. Athlete's foot, like a dorm shower, is gross.

You don't need a ton of supplies to survive and thrive in college, but these are the essentials. If you feel I missed anything, feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading, and good luck!