Starting a new year of high school can be both exciting and daunting, whether you’re a rising freshman or even a senior! As summer break comes to an end, it’s a time for new beginnings, fresh challenges, and, of course, a whole new set of school supplies. With countless options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what you actually need.
In this article, I will provide a comprehensive and easy-to-navigate guide to the essential school supplies that will help you stay organized and prepared! Plus, I will highlight some items you can skip to save money and avoid clutter.
1. Backpack
This might seem obvious, but a sturdy backpack is a must-have for carrying all your essentials. While nowadays, it's common to see people carrying tote bags or purses to school, a backpack is the most practical and safe option! Look for one with padded straps and multiple compartments to help distribute the weight and keep your items organized. Waterproof or water-resistant materials are a plus to protect your supplies from the elements!
Features to Consider:
- Padded straps and back panel for comfort.
- Multiple compartments to separate books, stationery, and personal items.
- Water-resistant material to protect your belongings.
- Laptop sleeve if you need to carry a laptop or tablet (super crucial!)
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2. Binders and Folders
Keeping your papers organized is crucial and you can invest in a few sturdy binders and folders to separate your subjects. Color coding with binder dividers can help you quickly grab the right materials for each class!
Tips:
- 1-inch binders are usually sufficient for each subject.
- Pocket folders are great for handouts and assignments.
- Binder dividers to separate topics within a subject.
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3. Notebooks
Notebooks are essential for taking notes in class. Spiral notebooks or composition books are both good options, depending on your preference (or your teachers!) Using one notebook per subject to stay organized is a good rule of thumb. However, 3-subject or even 5-subject notebooks are great for keeping everything all in one place!
Recommendations:
- College-ruled notebooks for more writing space. Wide-ruled can be harder to write, and it may look a bit weird when you write longer essays!
- Durable covers to withstand wear and tear.
- Spiral paged notebooks for easy removal if needed!
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4. Pens and Pencils
You’ll need a good supply of pens and pencils for note-taking, assignments, and tests. Mechanical pencils and gel pens are popular choices among most high school students! And in my opinion, mechanical pencils are super convenient to use, and they come in such a wide variety to choose from. However, if you are taking standardized tests, like the SAT, ACT, or any AP exams, you will need #2 HB pencils (the yellow sharpened ones!), so it’s safe to have those at home as well!
Suggestions:
- Mechanical pencils with refillable lead.
- Gel pens in black, blue, and red for different purposes.
- High-quality erasers for clean corrections.
- Pen erasers can be useful for those who take notes or complete assignments in pen!
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5. Highlighters and Markers
Highlighters are great for emphasizing important information in your notes and textbooks. Additionally, a set of colored markers can also be useful for projects and presentations!
Ideal Features:
- Multiple colors for color-coding notes.
- Chisel tip for versatile highlighting.
- Smear-proof ink to keep notes tidy!
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6. Planner or Agenda
As we all know how busy a high schooler’s schedule can get, a planner is essential for keeping track of assignments, tests, and even extracurricular activities! Digital planners or apps can also be effective if you prefer using your smartphone. For digital methods, I recommend apps as simple as your “Notes” app on an iPhone, or websites like “Todoist” and “Google Calendar!”
Benefits:
- Monthly and weekly views for better planning.
- Space for to-do lists and reminders.
- Portable size to carry with you (for tangible planners)
- And… you most likely won’t forget about your homework assignments or tests anymore!
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7. Calculator
For math and science classes, a reliable calculator is a must. Especially for those of you going into a Calculus course, or even pre-calculus and statistics, a graphing calculator will be required for advanced courses like these. It’s also nice and may be beneficial to have a handy basic scientific calculator for general use, but remember not to over-purchase on any items you may not need!
Recommendations:
- Graphing calculator for higher-level math (e.g., TI-84 or TI-83).
- Scientific calculator for standard calculations (this will be useful for classes like biology, chemistry, and general math classes).
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8. Laptop or Tablet
While not always required, having a laptop or tablet can be incredibly useful for completing assignments, conducting research, and organizing your study materials. I use a MacBook Air for school, and it has been incredibly helpful. Not only is it lightweight and a perfect size, it has so many amazing functions and is super convenient for students at any grade level!
Considerations:
- Lightweight and portable models for easy transport.
- Adequate storage and battery life for all-day use.
- Protective case to prevent damage. Computers like the MacBook Air are pretty fragile, and if you drop it a lot (like I do), a case will save you lots of money with repair costs!
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9. Sticky Notes and Index Cards
Sticky notes are perfect for quick reminders and bookmarks, while index cards are great for making study flashcards and notes for speeches/presentations. If you’re like me, who’s always scared to forget my script during class presentations, I love bringing index cards up with me for reassurance.
Uses:
- Color-coded sticky notes for organization and little notes for yourself.
- Lined index cards for clear, concise notes and presentations!
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Non-Essentials
1. Locker Decorations
While it can be fun to personalize your locker, elaborate decorations can be unnecessary and take up valuable space. Stick to a simple mirror or a small organizer if needed! However, it’s important to ensure your locker isn’t messy or cluttered either!
2. Fancy Stationery
Designer notebooks, glitter pens, and other fancy stationery items can be tempting but aren't necessary for success. Stick to basic, functional supplies to save money!
3. Excessive Back-to-School Clothing
It’s nice to start the year with some new clothes, but a whole new wardrobe definitely isn't necessary. Focus on a few versatile pieces that you can mix and match!
4. Expensive Backpacks
While a good backpack is essential, you don't need the latest trendy or high-end brand. Look for durability and functionality over fashion! I have a backpack from “Kipling,” and it has lasted in a great condition for several years!
Conclusion
Starting high school is a big step, and having the right supplies can make a significant difference in your organization and preparedness. By focusing on the essentials and avoiding unnecessary items, you can streamline your school experience and stay ready for any challenge that comes your way! Keep this guide handy as you prepare for the new school year, coming up in less than a month, and you’ll be set for success. Good luck this school year!
- Based on personal use, the TI-84 calculator has been much easier to navigate and use in my AP Calculus courses compared to the TI-83! However, they both function perfectly fine, as long as you familiarize yourself with all the calculator functions.
