12 Items Every Student Needs For College Classes
- 6 Min Read
- We created a list of essential class supplies that students need for college.
- Every item on the list includes a need vs. want rating score, product recommendations, and helpful student commentary.
- Class essentials are indicated by a checkmark and you can click on any item to jump to our review.
College Class
Essentials
Backpack
Need vs. Want Rating
Products We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
Most students purchase a new backpack for college, but there’s nothing wrong with using an older one. The ideal college backpack offers laptop protection, adequate storage space, durability, and visual appeal.
Laptop & Office 365
Need vs. Want Rating
Products We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
Laptops play an integral role in daily college life, so we highly recommend buying a laptop before classes start. You also need to review your major’s department policies to find out if there are minimum computer requirements. Most students should be fine, but some science, engineering, and computer programming majors use software that isn’t compatible with Macbook’s operating system.
USB Drive & Calculator
Need vs. Want Rating
Products We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
Every student should have a USB flash drive for college coursework. The most common uses are extra electronic storage space, transporting presentations for speeches in class, and transferring files to desktop computers. You can find plenty of 16GB USB’s online for under $10 or save money by using one already lying around your house. If you decide later on that you need a USB, most college bookstores have them for sale at a slightly higher price.
Headphones
Need vs. Want Rating
Products We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s hard to find a college student who doesn’t own a pair of headphones, especially those who enjoy listening to music while doing homework or studying. Even if you don’t love music, having a pair of headphones helps block out noise distractions in the library, on-campus, and in your dorm room.
Notebooks, Binders,
& Folders
Need vs. Want Rating
Products We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
Most students prefer taking notes on their laptops, but some professors may have no laptop policies or require loose-leaf paper for in-class assignments and exams. A basic pack of 3-5 college-ruled notebooks should last you an entire semester.
Class Planner
Need vs. Want Rating
Products We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
Planners and calendars help students stay on top of their assignments and avoid being blindsided by upcoming deadlines. Procrastination is a recipe for disaster, and studies have shown that students who wait until the last minute receive lower grades. Being successful in college requires you to dedicate time throughout the week to sit down and get your assignments completed.
Writing Utensils
Need vs. Want Rating
Products We Recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend using mechanical pencils since sharpeners aren’t always in classrooms. It’s also smart to keep a few in your backpack as a backup.