The Ultimate Back-to-School Supplies List: Must-Have Items 2024
– Becky Whant
Summer’s almost over already! Time really flies, doesn’t it? As you approach the end of the vacation, it’s time to start getting ready for the next exciting year of school. This is MyStudyLife’s ultimate back to school supplies list to go back to school, confident and prepared, ready to face the new academic year.
The bare necessities:
Let’s start with the no-brainers. To survive the next year of school you’re going to need:
- Backpack
- Pens and pencils – stick them in a snazzy pencil case to stay organized
- Student Planner – absolutely key for staying on top of your schedule. Check out the MyStudyLife digital version that can be used on your laptop and phone- seamlessly syncing between devices so that you never forget a class or your homework again.
- Sharpener
- Notebook – lined ones are usually the best
- Eraser
- White-out
- Ruler
- Glue stick
- Water Bottle – remember to stay hydrated
- Calculator – check with your school if you need a simple or graphic one
- Scissors
- Binders – DO NOT OVERLOOK: folders keep your papers neatly together, instead of crumpled in your backpack
- Lunch box- be sure to pack lots of healthy brain foods to keep you mentally sharp.
- Gym bag
- Gym shoes
Why not get creative? When picking out your bare necessities, go for colors and styles that really express your personality and keep the school day positive and fun! Pro tip: some students find it particularly helpful to color code their class materials- ie using the same color of binders, notebooks and books for one class. You can match this with the color for the subject in the MyStudyLife study app as well to help you stay organized.
Important extras:
- Highlighters – who doesn’t love a splash of color?
- Sticky notes – these help you remember important bits of information on the page
- Index cards – these colorful squares of card are useful study tools. Use these cards along with reminders in your MyStudyLife app to keep your studying on track
- Padlock – depending on what kind of locker you’re given
- Lanyard – this is a plastic square to hold your school ID or swipe card, which goes around your neck, so you don’t lose it if it’s something you need every day!
- Hat, scarf, gloves, or sunblock – be prepared for the weather, whatever it is!
- Name labels – for your pencil case, calculator, and other bits and bobs
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Reusable cup – if you’re fueling your early mornings with coffee or tea, be sure to take a reusable cup with you.
- Compass and protractor – check whether you need these for math
Going digital:
- Study Planner app – Download the (free) MyStudyLife school planner app to create a digital schedule. Get to all your classes on time and do your assignments with time to spare!
- AI tools – download a few useful AI tools to help with essay writing and homework problems. Check out our guide to AI study tools here.
- Laptop – whether you’ll need one in class depends on how tech-savvy your school is. Laptops are also useful for writing assignments on the go. Looking to buy a new device but not sure which one is best? Check out our guide on the best laptops for school here. Want something a bit lighter and mostly for taking notes in class? Read this list of the best note-taking devices for school.
- Dictionary and Thesaurus app – having a dictionary and thesaurus at your fingertips will improve your essay writing skills.
- Headphones/earbuds – there’s nothing worse than trying to concentrate when others are talking too loud in the library. You’ll thank us later. Looking for some calming music and study meditation to help you get better focus, reduce stress or get ready for a big test? Check out MyStudyZen, our new student mediation app.
- USB flash drive – these are memory sticks you can plug into most computers. They’re great for transporting documents to and from school and home computers, and for backing-up your assignments (a real life-saver in case your computer breaks).
Double-check your official back to school supplies list given by your school whether you’re going to need anything else, and make sure to glance at the school rules before you buy anything too flashy (some schools only let you wear white gym shoes, for example). If you’re worried about the cost of these supplies, ask your siblings or some of the older pupils for hand-me-downs, and try to re-use as much as you already have from the last school year. Have a chat with your parent or guardian – you might be eligible for a scholarship or funding. There are also some fantastic charity foundations who help out kids with school supplies, such as Crayons to Classrooms.
Starting high school next year? Have a read of our First Day of High School essential advice article to calm those nerves and start feeling positive.
Keep your chin up – you’ve got lots to look forward to. The next school year will be filled with new friends and new memories. Discover your passions and find out what subjects you’re actually really good at. There’s a bright new year ahead!
