Back to school: Shopping and lists

Back to school shopping can easily be one of the highlights of late summer.  The first 'back to school' shopping venture I remember was in preparation for the 1st grade.  I got a 64 pack of crayon, rather than the 24 they recommended, along with folders, pencils, erasers all with Barbie on the front.  All of this went along fabulously with my super trendy, matching Barbie lunch bag. I was in six year old, child of the 90's heaven.  A few years later Barbie changed into Britney, yes, that Britney, along with a mix of Lisa Frank!  Then quirky teen animations and quotes (I shake my head with you as I write this).  These days I prefer to keep things more subtle and not display my love on pieces stationary and supplies; which I find is probably best going into law school and all, haha.  Although, I am transitioning into a more professional setting, I still get too excited about writing supplies and colors of notebooks.  That is why I have conjured up a list that hopefully will help in finalizing your back to school needs.

My Back-to-School List:

-planner

Probably my most important necessity! I got myself a larger sized one at Target, but this Lilly Pulitzer one and this one from Etsy are both cute and efficient.  Free calendar apps on your phone or tablet would work wonderfully too.  I just much prefer the classic pen and paper version.

-folders 

I have about 6 folders designated for school.  I don't always end up using them for this purpose, but they end up being great for receipt storage, bills, or other important documents.

-binders 

I have learned to like binders. Before I found them clunky and just a pain to keep up with, but I have realized that a well organized binder can make a huge difference in studying and feeling organized  and on to of my studies.

-pens 

Although pens may seem fairly boring, I love trying out new ones and finding a favorite (weird, I know...but does anyone else do this??)  I have discovered these in a recent Target trip, and absolutely love using them to fill out my planner, especially since they do not bleed through the pages.

-pencils

I don't use pencils as much for notes anymore, but for any scantron exam or jotting a note in a book they are great.  I prefer mechanical ones, but any no. 2's are good to have around.

-highlighters

From my understanding these are a must for graduate school, and that is why I ended up with a Costco pack!  I didn't need highlighter quite as much in my undergrad studies, but I will try to keep a tally of how quickly they will go in the following year.

-notebooks 

This year I have decided to get 2 three-subject notebooks, and several one subject ones.  I figure that I will be using my laptop more often, but I do like to rewrite notes, or jot down main ideas when it comes time for studying.

-paper

I love having loose leaf paper! I think it is a brilliant invention! There are no coils that imprint on you hand; if your professor adds another slide that you weren't expecting you just switch the pages; your doodles consumed your note taking space, just remove your canvas, BRILLIANT! I know it sounds crazy but I think having loose leaf in your school supplies is a must.

-printer

I find that this has become a neccessity.  Of course you can use the library's printer, but it is so nice and convenient to be able to sit on your couch or at your desk and have your paper appear, without having to rummage through other people's papers or the recycling bin.

-printer paper and cartridges

Clearly, if you have a printer, you will be in need of both of these items.  Yes, cartridges are pricey but I have realized the older we get the more everything costs.  I like to get mine either through Amazon, or when Costco has a coupon for them.

-laptop

Another necessity.  We are living in a world where I don't think there is any way to go around this one...especially when it comes to school.  I have a feeling I will be using my laptop more than any other supply (well, except for maybe my books and highlighters)

-tabs

These are those sticky little foils that help you mark important info or save a chapter.  I loved these in undergrad, and I think I will get even more use out of them in the upcoming year.

-dividers

These help with the organization process of my binders, I love having my courses color coded with in sync notebooks and dividers.

-staples

No one wants to be the person who brings there paper in with a staple and then is asking everyone if they carry around a stapler.

-notecards

I have lost my love for notecards while in undergrad, but I think it is always good to have them around just in case.

I haven't listed the quantities of my supplies because I have always found that school supplies are different for everyone, and truly dependent on the educational environment you're in.  For instance, this year I know I will be using my computer over paper and pen for note taking, however I have seen computers go awry, so I still will have an ample supply of notebooks.