Top 10 Essential Back-to-School Supplies for College Students

Back to school supplies for college bound students are far different than the supplies of the past. Sure, there are always the basics, pens, paper, pencils, binder and so much more that can be seen in my article Top 10 Essential Back-to-School Supplies for Highschoolers School supplies for college students who are flying the coup, there are many other supplies that help them on their first "living on their own" experience.

School Supplies for College Students #1

A Green Dot Visa card. There are many loadable, throw away pre-paid visa cards out there. The problem is, there are many places that will not accept them. If using for bill paying, buying needed supplies on line and many other essentials, these throw away cards are no good. Their main use is for groceries, eating out, etc. However, the Green Dot Visa is actually in the student's name and has their address, and because of this is accepted everywhere for everything. There is a minimal fee of $5.00 per month, but it is definitely worth it. You can load as much or as little as your college school student needs.

School Supplies for College Students #2

If they don't already have a cell phone, or if the bills are outrageous every month and you want them to live within their means, a good idea would be a pre-paid cell phone. while the charges for these used to be outrageous, there are now plans that are actually better than traditional contract phones. A really good one is Metro PCS. This phone is only $40.00 a month for the top plan, which everything is unlimited and included. Texting, calls, long distance, Internet and more. There is no watching time, and at $40.00 a month, this is a steal. How many times have you opened your traditional contract cell phone bill to find overages and charges you have no idea about? Far too many. This again, allows them to be responsible and live within their means. They may not have the hottest newest phones, (although there is a good selection of up to date, nice looking phones you would never know is pre-paid) but they won't ever have to worry about their phone being shut off.

School Supplies for College Students #3

Their own "back to school" bank account. Have your child start saving freshman year, and match what they put into that account every year. This is not a tuition savings account. This will be a living expenses account. Explain to them that when your child enters college, you will split that account into the amount of years they will be in school. The account will be in their name, and they will have control of it. This will again, teach them to live within their means, and since he/she worked hard at saving at least half that money, they will most likely be more careful with the cash withdraws. This also will build their credit.

School Supplies for College Students #4

A good reliable laptop. This doesn't have to be top of the line or the newest fad. This laptop
should be efficient and have enough memory to keep their notes and upload programs they will need when back at school.

School Supplies for College Students #5

To be sure to have the basic essential college school supplies, have them check every class for their needs and gather them. Before going back to school, find a place together that's assessable both to you and them. This can be an on line store or a store with outlets at both their home and school locations. This way, if there is an "emergency" need for a school supply that ran out or they forgot, either they can get it with their living expenses money, or if need be, or if you want to make sure that money isn't going to the communal keg, you can go to the outlet and have those supplies shipped.

School Supplies for College Students #6

A small safe. Make sure this is not easily broken into and fire resistant. This safe should be small enough to be able to be hidden away from everyone, and your college student should never reveal to anyone, not even their BFF about it.

School Supplies for College Students #7

A copy of any and all important documents they may need during their stay away. This includes social security card, birth certificate, tax return papers if necessary for their loans and aid. Any other documents you may think even the slightest chance may be needed, make a copy and put into the safe you bought them. These are very important and sensitive, and you don't want to send these through the mail if they need them suddenly. This is a far better option than traveling all the way to their college.

School Supplies for College Students #8

If your back to school college student is not bringing a car with them, do a little research on line about the local public transportation system. Many will have the option to buy trans passes by the week or month and do so on line. By purchasing them a trans pass every month, or going in half with them, it gives them a little more breathing room and no worrying about getting from place to place.

School Supplies for College Students #9

Fantastic bedding is an essential college school supply. Not that back to school, particularly college brings on an atmosphere where they're getting their nice little eight hours of sleep a night, but you can do your best to make their sleeping arrangements as comfortable and "homey" as possible. They just might get the rest they need to do well on those tests.

School Supplies for College Students #10

A voice activated recorder. If God forbid something were to happen during some silly back to school pranks, and they hurt their hand or arm, they don't have to miss those notes or run out to buy this. Even without an injury, these are excellent to have as sometimes in school the best of notes aren't always taken. By recording every class, they can always refertothe tape for the day if they can't understand their notes.

Personal experience