College is around the corner! School supply sales are in full swing. There are so many products on the market that it can be overwhelming. Back in school, students would get a school supply list. In college, there is no school supply list. You just have to buy what works for you! As a college graduate, who has tried out several types of school supplies, here is a list of items that are actually useful and are worth buying!
Notebooks
For notebooks, I prefer spiral wide ruled notebooks that have multiple sections. This way I can use them for many classes, lowering the load I have to carry in my bag. I prefer the 3 subject notebooks as opposed to the 5 subject notebooks, because the 3 subject notebooks have more pages per section. I like to use brands that have good quality paper that can uphold gel pens without it bleeding through. I use two brands in particular: Exceed notebooks and Top Flight notebooks.
Exceed notebooks are sturdy, come in a variety of cute colors, and have very thick paper. Top Flight notebooks are bit more pricy. They have a poly cover and thick glossy paper. Top Flight's pages have a cleaner look than Exceed, since the lines are less dark. The glossy paper also allows for smooth writing. However, some gels pens may smudge on Top Flight's glossy pages if you run a hand over your writing before it has dried down. Other than that, these are both solid notebooks that I have used for years.
Planner
I adore physical planners. I always have to have one, each and every year. I like to keep my planner system easy. I use pen to write down my task, use a colored highlighter to cross out tasks, and I use a small binder clip to bookmark where I am in my planner. There is a huge range of planners on the market, from expensive designer planners to cheap dollar store planners. I believe that you can get a cute planner without breaking the bank. This is why I often use planners from Pen And Gear, which are available at Walmart. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. They are perfect for the academic year!
Just recently, I ordered this adorable undated planner. I am usually not a fan of undated planners, but this one has my favorite layout and my current life doesn't demand a dated planner. I am super excited to start this planner. I have many content creation and blogging ideas to plan out on it.
There are also many cute options of affordable dated planners on Amazon, such as this Floral Planner. If you want a bit of a larger option, there is this beautiful and spacious Beige Planner. Here is a very Classy Minimal Planner, if you want a more muted design. The options are endless!
Folder
When it comes to folders, I like to use a multi-pocket folder that can store handouts from all of my classes. This way, I only have to carry one folder as opposed to many. I am all about keeping a minimal load in college. There is already a lot of walking on campus, we don't want to add a tired back to the mix. Check out this 12 Pocket Folder or this cute 5 Pocket Expanding Accordion Folder.
Pens
I have experimented with several types of pens over the years. I narrowed it down to two solid options for gel pens. Both of these pens are great! They have nice pigmented ink, they write smooth, and they last a long time. My favorites are the Pentel Energel X Pens and the Pilot G2 Pens. Both, come in a variety of ink colors, from black to pastels. I have used these two pens religiously through my days in university and highly recommend them to anyone.
Highlighters
I have also experimented with a variety of highlighters. I tend to stick to pastel highlighters because they allow for more text visibility and they're just more aesthetically pleasing. I am not a huge fan of the ever popular Mildliners, because I find that the tips are too small and some colors block out the text to a good degree. I typically pick up any good pastel highlighters I can find at the store. Currently, I am using the Marvy Uchida Pastel Highlighters.
Sticky Tabs
Sticky tabs that are see-through are great for those longer readings that you want to mark up and annotate. I use the Morandi Sticky Tabs for both books and my textbook readings. They really help you mark important lines, pages, and chapters. Since they are see-through, it will not block the text. They also come in a wide assortment of colors! I love color-coordinating these with my books.
Pencil Case
I like to keep my pencils and pens in a compact and sturdy case. I am not a fan of the pouch type pencil cases because they are often slouchy and I do not enjoy rummaging through them to find my pen. I prefer a plastic slider case that keeps all the items straight and organized. It allows for an easier grab and go. I use these types of Sliding Pencil Cases.
Essentials Pouch
When you are on campus, rushing in between classes, an essentials pouch is vital! I keep a designated pouch for essentials in my bag at all times. The pouch will contain items such as painkillers, feminine hygiene products, bandaids, travel size cosmetics and skincare, a comb, a compact mirror, and so forth. This little emergency pouch comes in handy often when you are away from home! I use basic Zip Up Pouches.
Stapler & Scotch Tape
Finally, in college you will find yourself constantly stapling stacks of papers and using tape to stick up little notes and reminders in your study area. These two items are essential. I have used these two items far more than glue and scissors in college. You can grab any Simple Stapler and any simple Scotch Tape, it'll do the trick.
School Supply Wrap Up!
That is my full list of the most used school supplies for college! I have used these items nearly every year consistently. I like to keep my stationery useful, practical, and cute. It is very easy to stock up on stationary, that will later collect dust and not get used. Trust me, I've done it. That was until I realized what supplies really work and what don't. What are your essentials for the school year?
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