From One Student to Another: College Essentials

Whether you are an incoming freshman or an outgoing senior, it is important to always be prepared – well…as prepared as a broke college student can be. The beauty of this article is that I’m going to lay out all of the basics for you.

As a senior, myself, I have experienced my fair share of budgeting, overspending, and the compulsion to buy anything and everything in Target. However, throughout my college career I have observed and developed an array of resources that are sure to provide students with the basic necessities to survive college.

My philosophy when gathering college essentials is simple: quality over quantity. It is important to keep in mind that while cheaper products are definitely an easier decision, they are not long-term products. In fact, the more expensive, but long-term products that I will be discussing in this article will not only last you an extended amount of time, but also in the grand scheme of things, will save you more money.  Trust me, as a college student, it is important to think long-term, especially financially. You never know when five dollars and a late-night trip to McDonald’s will do you good. 

 First things first, a book bag, back-pack, or whatever you’d like to call it is the epitome of a necessary resource. This object will literally act as the carrier of your acquired college arsenal. There are two major things to remember when searching for the perfect back-pack: capacity and material. Basically, how much can you fit in the back-pack, and will it hold up substantially? For me, there are only two brands that seem to stack up against the odds: North Face and JanSport. 

Both brands have a well-established and respectable history with students. Personally, I have owned an equal amount of both brands throughout my entire educational career. Though North Face can be more expensive than JanSport, the sections of pockets are almost overwhelming, and the material is sturdy. JanSport, however, is not the lesser brand; it’s just the cheaper option. And though their book bags may not have as many options for pockets, the material seems to be almost impenetrable for the average student. 

Tech is next – laptops, tablets, and watches. This almost seems vital when discussing college essentials, because at the end of the day, not only does technology allow quick access with endless options for organization, but it also helps in saving paper (something I strongly support). I have personally used the Lenovo Thinkpad touch-screen laptop, as well as the MacBook Air. Personally, both computers are fantastic; however it is true that there is a pretty penny in financial difference. Remember when I said quality over quantity? This is one of those instances. While the Lenovo is absolutely capable, paying more for a MacBook allowed me greater access to more professional software. Again, this is my experience.

Additionally, I like to call myself a tree-hugger, promising to protect the massive plants from deforestation. Though my effort to use less paper may be minimal in comparison to others, I feel as though I am playing my part appropriately. Therefore, I decided to splurge some of my finances on the Seventh Generation iPad and Apple Pencil. Using this tablet allows me the same, if not more, opportunity to organize my class notes, homework, and planner while never even wasting a piece of paper. Ten out of 10, I definitely would recommend. Also, get yourself a watch. Literally, any watch that can tell time will work. Don’t question me…you will thank me later!

Stationary and office supplies are a must in college, too. Though I hate to waste paper and do my very best not to, some professors still require hand-written work. Therefore, I would advise using one five-subject Five Star brand notebook. This notebook, though a little more expensive than others, is durable and well organized. I used one of the five-subject notebooks for an entire year’s worth of classes! Also, grab one binder or filing pouch to appropriately maintain any hand-outs or print-offs that your professors provide you. Again, I recommend the Five Star brand. I have been using this brand for years and have never had any problems. Plus, they have a variety of colors and designs to choose from. Who wouldn’t want a bright yellow notebook with fun designs?

Furthermore, Zebra highlighters, Paper Mate’s Ink Joy and/or Pilot’s G-2 pens are an absolute essential. These pens are smooth, do not bleed through paper, and are comfortable to grip. Quality over quantity is once again a reminder. Also, when working with pens, it is important to also keep White-out and Post-it notes on hand!.

Finally, I have just a few extra items that I like to call “life-liners.” Life-liners consist of water bottles, a lunchbox, pepper spray, lip balm, and a miniature first-aid kit. So, I recommend life-liners like the Hydro Flask water bottles and lunchboxes, as well as your average pepper spray, Carmex chapstick, and any first-aid kit with the appropriate tools.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I once again find it appropriate to keep in mind my “quality over quantity” motto. I try to buy items only once with a great amount of time between purchasing items for a second time. This means I spend more money at first, but end up saving myself a lump some of money later. I hope you will find that these items do the same for you. I wish you good luck!