Planning for School

The new school year is just around the corner. Whether you're heading off to college for the first time or entering your junior year of high school, it's a good idea to start planning now!

School Supplies
What you'll need and how much of it will depend on your course load and teachers' requirements. But there are must-have items you'll want to have on hand before the year begins.

— Pens
— #2 pencils
— Notebooks
— Notepad
— Folders
— Binders
— Highlighters
— Post-its
— Index cards
— Pencil case
— Stapler
— Ruler
— Calculator
— Scissors
— Dictionary/thesaurus


On Budgets?
Remember, these items don't all need to be new! Before you go shopping for school supplies, look through your old supplies and see what's still in good condition. Go through old notebooks and see if there are any unused pages. If so, rip out the old notes, so the rest of the notebook has blank pages. You can also reuse folders and binders.

Don't worry about old doodles or those cheesy portraits of your old crush — jazz them up with pictures of friends or a collage of your favorite celebrities.

There's no need to spend money on penholders or desk organizers when you can make them yourself! Save aluminum soup cans after you use them. You can use them as is or decorate them — either way, you're saving the environment.


Packing List for College
So, you're going off to college. With the change of scenery, the new independence, and the responsibility headed your way, packing might be the last thing on your mind. Figuring what (and what not) to bring to school can save you a lot of stress when moving-in day comes closer. Bring this checklist with you before you gather your things or head to the store.

FOOD: A Girl's Gotta Eat!
— Snacks
— Water bottles
— Cups
— Dishes
— Utensils
— Mini refrigerator
— Coffeemaker*
— Microwave*
— Toaster*
— Tupperware
— Ziploc bags
— Paper towels
— Dish soap
— Dishrag
* Make sure your school allows these items.

BATH: So Fresh and So Clean
— Shampoo and conditioner
— Toothbrush and paste
— Towels and bathrobe
— Shower tote
— Soap
— Razor
— Makeup
— Lotion
— Hairbrush
— Contact solution
— Hairspray/gel
— Face wash
— Deodorant
— Laundry basket
— Detergent
— Dryer sheets
— Tissues
— Air freshener
— Febreze
— Flip-flops

BED: Be a Sleeping Beauty
— Sheets (your school will tell you what size; generally it's an extra-long twin)
— Pillow(s) and Case(s)
— Comforter
— Extra blanket
— Bedside fan
— Reading light
— Bedside storage
— Bed risers
— Mirror that can be hung
— Posters
— Over-the-door hooks

CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES: What to Wear?
— Underwear (20)
— Socks (20)
— Pants (6)
— Shorts (2)
— Shirts (12)
— Pajamas
— Gym clothes
— Formal outfit (2)
— Formal shoes
— Sneakers (gym and casual)
— Sandals
— Slippers
— Clothing organizer
— Shoe organizer
— Hangers
— Lint brush
— Umbrella
— Backpack
— Purses
— Jewelry
If applicable:
— Winter coat
— Sweaters (5)
— Gloves/hat/scarf
— Snow boots
— Rain boots


TECHNOLOGY: It's Electric!
— CD/MP3 player
— Phone
— Computer
— Printer
— Computer paper
— Flash drive
— Radio/alarm clock
— Alarm clock
— Hair dryer/straightner
— Extension cord
— Batteries
— Ethernet cord
— Lightbulbs
Coordinate these with your roommate:
— TV
— DVD player
— Speakers


DESK: Get to Work!
— Bulletin board
— Dry Erase Board
— Extension cord
— Lamp
— Pens
— #2 pencils
— Notebooks
— Notepad
— Folders
— Binders
— Highlighters
— Post-its
— Index cards
— Pencil case
— Stapler
— Ruler
— Calculator
— Scissors
— Tape
— Glue
— Sticky tack (to hang pictures/posters on the wall)
— Staples
— Wite-Out
— Dictionary/thesaurus
— Permanent markers
— Wastebasket
— Small rug
— Flashlight
— Batteries
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