What You Need for Class: Freshman Year College Supply Guide. Do you have your college supply list ready yet?
If not, you’re not alone! Unlike in grade school, universities and community colleges don’t typically provide an official list of supplies to bring.
This often leaves incoming freshmen asking: What school supplies do I actually need for college?
Transitioning from high school to college comes with its fair share of uncertainties, and this is definitely one of them. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
In this post, I’ll outline all the essential supplies you’ll need for class and provide a handy, printable freshman college supply list. With this guide, you can start your first semester of college feeling organized and prepared!
What Supplies Do I Need for College?
Starting college can feel like stepping into a whole new world. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain, don’t worry—that’s totally normal!
Many freshmen share common fears about this big transition, and one of the biggest is not being prepared enough.
As a current college student myself, I know how hectic the weeks leading up to college can be. With everything on your plate, it’s easy to forget about the supplies you need to thrive academically.
But don’t stress—you’ve landed here for a reason! This guide will ease some of your worries and help you check off one of the most important things on your to-do list: getting prepared for class.
Below, I’ll break down 17 essential school supplies every college freshman needs, along with some top recommendations to help you stay organized and ready to tackle your studies!
School Supplies for College List
PENCILS AND ERASERS
Pencils and erasers are number ONE on my college supply list because you’ll use them daily—whether you’re jotting down notes or filling out forms.
While pens might be your go-to writing tool, you’ll definitely need at least one pencil for things like filling out scantrons and multiple-choice tests.
As for the type of pencil, it doesn’t really matter if you choose mechanical or traditional—it’s all about what feels most comfortable for you. Just make sure you have extra lead if you opt for mechanical pencils!
And let’s face it: Mistakes happen. That’s where erasers come in. You’ll definitely want a reliable one for those inevitable missteps!
BLACK/BLUE AND RED INK PENS
Red and black pens may seem like basic supplies, but trust me—they’ve come through for me more times than I can count!
From peer editing to jotting quick notes, they’re versatile tools you’ll find yourself reaching for often.
At my college, professors prefer assignments to be written in black ink, though this may vary depending on your school. It’s always a good idea to check any specific preferences your professors have.
While many students take notes on their laptops, research has shown that writing by hand can help with memory retention. Something to consider when deciding how to organize your notes—handwriting could give you the edge!
HIGHLIGHTERS OR MILDLINERS
It’s no surprise that highlighters (or Mildliners, if you’re into the pastel, aesthetic vibe) make the list of must-haves for college.
With all the reading and homework you’ll be tackling, these tools will quickly become your best friends. They’re perfect for marking key points in textbooks, highlighting important details in notes, or simply making study sessions more organized.
Trust me, when it’s crunch time and you need to quickly review, you’ll be so glad you have them! I know I always am.
FOLDERS
Honestly, you’re going to get so many handouts in college—it can be overwhelming trying to keep track of them all!
To stay organized, grab a couple of folders. I recommend opting for plastic folders, as they’re more durable than paper ones and can withstand spills or wear and tear. A good plastic folder can last you throughout your entire college career!
A tip: Clearly label each folder on the front with the class name or subject. This simple step will save you time when you’re digging through your backpack looking for a specific paper.
For even more organization, consider color coordinating your notebooks, binder, and folders for each class. It’s an easy way to keep things in order and make sure you’re never caught off guard when you need a particular handout!
BINDER/S OR ACCORDION
Another essential for your college supply list is a binder or accordion folder—both are fantastic ways to keep track of and organize all the papers you’ll accumulate throughout the semester.
Some students prefer having a separate binder or folder for each class, while others like to keep everything in one place. It really depends on what works best for you, but I’d suggest starting with less rather than more.
You can always buy more after the semester starts if you need them, and it’s a lot easier to avoid unnecessary clutter in the meantime. Keeping things simple and organized will save you time and stress when you’re searching for that one assignment or syllabus!
PAPER AND BINDER
You’ve got to have a way to control all that loose leaf paper, right? That’s where binder clips come in.
I use them all the time to keep important papers organized, like homework assignments I’ve started or the instructions I need to refer to. They’re perfect for keeping everything neatly together and preventing any loose sheets from getting lost in the shuffle.
And when it’s time to turn in a big project or a stack of papers, binder clips are a lifesaver. They help you present your work neatly and keep everything intact—definitely a must-have for staying organized!
STICKY NOTES
Next up on the school supplies for college list are sticky notes—a must-have for anyone who might be a little forgetful (guilty over here!).
I use sticky notes as colorful reminders for tasks, assignments, or things I need to follow up on. They’re also great for jotting quick notes or highlighting important points in textbooks without actually writing in them.
Flag sticky notes are especially helpful for marking your place in a book or emphasizing key information you’ll need to revisit later. They make organizing and studying so much easier! Plus, they add a little pop of color to your study materials.
SCOTCH TAPE AND SCISSORS
As a college student, tape and scissors will come in handy more often than you might think!
Whether you’re working on projects, need to fix a torn paper, or just find yourself in a situation where something needs to be cut or taped down, having these supplies on hand will save you time and hassle.
Trust me, you’ll be thanking yourself later when you realize you need them, and they’re not hard to pack. So, add a roll of tape and a pair of scissors to your list—you won’t regret it!
NOTEBOOKS
Notebooks are a must-have for taking notes, journaling, or brainstorming ideas.
I’m sure you already figured you’d need these for college, but it’s always reassuring to have that confirmed, right? 😊
How many notebooks you need depends on how much you prefer to write by hand, but a good rule of thumb is to get one spiral notebook per class. This keeps everything organized, and you won’t risk mixing up your notes from different subjects. Plus, having dedicated notebooks for each class makes studying a lot easier when it’s time to review!
FLASH DRIVE
If it wasn’t obvious, much of college work is done digitally these days. From assignments to presentations, you’ll often need to store and share files.
That’s why a portable flash drive is a must-have for your freshman college supply list. When it’s time to print a paper or present in class, you’ll be glad you have one to easily transport your work.
Make sure to grab one before classes start—many students forget this essential item, and it can be a lifesaver when you need to save or transfer files quickly!
ACADEMIC PLANNER
A planner should be a top priority on your college supply list. Whether you used one in high school or not, I highly recommend getting an academic planner for college.
With everything going on—classes, assignments, tests, work, and social life—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Personally, I find it impossible to keep track of everything without some help. That’s where a planner comes in handy.
I use mine to keep track of my class schedule, important due dates, upcoming test dates, work schedule, personal appointments, and more. It’s an absolute lifesaver that keeps everything organized and helps me stay on top of my busy life.
Trust me, a good planner will make your college life feel so much more put together. I can’t recommend it enough!
WITE-OUT
Let’s face it—none of us are perfect, and mistakes happen. That’s why White-Out is a college essential you’ll want to have on hand.
It’s super useful when you’re working on tests where only pen is allowed, or if you notice a spelling error in your essay just before you’re about to turn it in. White-Out can save you from those last-minute panics and help you present your work without a hitch.
Trust me, it’s one of those small supplies that’ll come in clutch more than once during your college journey!
LOOSE LEAF PAPER
This one’s definitely a no-brainer—loose leaf paper is a must-have for your college supply list! Like pencils, it’ll get daily use in almost every class.
While most notebooks come with perforated paper, some instructors prefer cleaner edges, especially when you’re turning in assignments or writing notes. To be fully prepared, it’s a good idea to get some extra loose leaf paper in addition to your notebooks.
Having this on hand ensures you’re ready for anything, whether it’s last-minute notes, assignments, or just a quick jot of an idea during class!
BACKPACK
Yes, you still need a backpack for college!
Especially if your campus is large and your classes are back-to-back, you’ll need something to carry all your books, supplies, and possibly your laptop. There are usually no lockers, and no time to run back to your car between classes, so having a sturdy backpack is essential.
If you’re bringing a laptop with you, make sure to choose a backpack that’s specifically designed for carrying one. The last thing you want is for your laptop to get damaged—replacing it is not cheap!
Look for a laptop backpack with a padded sleeve for extra protection, and consider one that’s water-resistant for that added peace of mind. You’ll be carrying it around a lot, so it’s worth investing in something that keeps your gear safe and secure!
CALCULATOR
Will you be taking any math classes or other courses that require calculations? If so, a calculator definitely needs to be on your college supply list.
Sure, you might have one on your phone, but keep in mind that phones aren’t allowed during most exams or tests, especially in math-heavy courses. Having a dedicated calculator will save you from scrambling at the last minute.
That being said, it’s a good idea to check with your instructor before purchasing one—some may have brand or model preferences. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to score a calculator from a graduating student at a great price!
Laptop
As a college student, you will basically live on your laptop.
From researching assignments, writing papers, and communicating with instructors, your laptop will become your essential tool for everything academic and beyond. It’s a must-have in today’s digital age!
Important tip: Before you buy a laptop, make sure it meets the requirements for your college courses. Some programs or majors (like engineering or graphic design) may require specific software that needs a more powerful machine, so double-check the specs to ensure it can run everything you’ll need.
Personally, the laptop I use has been amazing—it meets all my needs and even doubles as a tablet. It’s versatile and portable, which is exactly what you need for college life!
SMALL STAPLER
We may be living in a digital age, but not everything in college is submitted online. Some assignments still require the “old-fashioned” method—on actual paper.
That’s where a mini stapler comes in handy. It’s saved me more than a few times when I’ve had to submit papers or projects in person. You never know when you’ll need to staple your work together, and having one in your backpack ensures you’re always prepared.
You can easily pick one up for cheap at stores like The Dollar Store, Target, or Walmart—a small investment for big peace of mind!
CONCLUSION
Preparing for your freshman year can be overwhelming, but with the right supplies, you’ll feel more confident and ready to take on college life. From essentials like notebooks and pens to the must-have tech gear like a laptop and flash drive, having the right tools will help you stay organized, productive, and prepared for anything.
Remember, everyone’s needs are different, and you can always adjust your list as you go. But starting with these college essentials will give you a solid foundation for a successful first year.
