Whether you’re excited for it or not, fall is around the corner! As summer winds down, this means the first day of school is on the horizon. With this comes a time to shift gears and get prepped for the school year. We all know there is no better way to prepare for the school year than taking part in some annual back-to-school shopping. Whether you’re a parent sending off a first-grader, a high-school student taking on new classes, or a college student heading back to campus, having the correct supplies is crucial to staying prepared and organized.
In this guide, we break down what every back-to-school student needs to succeed and stay prepared. From basics like backpacks and notebooks to the best tech devices, isure has you covered! Let’s take a look at our list of the back-to-school essentials.
Back-To-School Essentials: Kindergarten
Sending your little one off to kindergarten for the first time can be a daunting experience. This becomes even worse when you’re struggling to figure out what to buy them. Luckily, most kindergarten staples are readily available. From crayons to backpacks, shopping can be fun for both your little one and you. Some kindergarten essentials include:
- Pencil Case
- Crayons
- Colored Pencils
- Washable Markers
- No.2 Pencils
- Glue Sticks
- Erasers
- Kids Safety Scissors
- Tissues
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Assorted Construction Paper
- Water bottle
Don’t forget to have fun and customize your essentials to your child’s interests! Fun-themed bags and lunchboxes can be a great way of getting them excited to return to school. If you’re confused about what to purchase or on a tighter budget, you can also reach out to the school and see if any of the above supplies are available for use at the school!
Back-To-School Essentials: Elementary School
Elementary school is where the real supplies begin to pile up. From Grades 1-8, you may see some slight changes in what to purchase for your child. As the years go on, the pencils will get sharper and you’ll have less use for things such as washable markers or safety scissors! Let’s take a look at some back-to-school essentials for elementary school students.
- Pencil Case
- No.2 Pencils
- Pencil Sharpener
- Highlighters
- Pencil Crayons
- Erasers
- Personal Organizer/Agenda
- Three-ring binder
- Glue
- Scissors
- Calculators
- Blue or black ballpoint pens
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Ruler
As your child progresses through elementary school, their responsibilities and necessities will change. Always remember to make sure they keep organized and stay on top of things to progress smoothly and make it to high school prepared!
Back-To-School Essentials: High School
By the time high school rolls around, your child will have many more responsibilities. On top of this, the items you’ll be purchasing for back-to-school will begin to change! From locker organizers to better tools for scheduling, keeping organized is key. Let’s take a look at some back-to-school essentials for high schoolers!
- Pencil Case
- Blue or Black ballpoint pens
- No.2 Pencils
- Pencil Sharpener
- Highlighter
- Permanent Markers
- Erasers
- Day Planner/Agenda
- Locker Organizers + Combination Lock
- Three-ring binders
- White-out
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Graphing Calculator
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Post-It notes
When it comes to high school, learning to organize is key to success. This will help you prepare for life and/or college or university if you or your child plans to take this step! It is also a part of any child’s life where you can express yourself through locker or agenda and binder decorating, so don’t hold back!
Back-To-School Essentials: University and College
Back-to-school shopping for college and university students is a whole different ballgame compared to grade school or high school. Though you will still need the essentials such as pencils, notebooks and binders, many college students begin to add electronics such as laptops and tablets to their daily school routines. On top of this, many are preparing to live independently for the first time. This can include both dorm and kitchen supplies. When it comes to college, it is not only about purchasing the right supplies, but setting up an environment that helps you study and enjoy an important time in any early adult’s life! It is important to note that depending on the course you’re taking, your back-to-school essentials may differ slightly.
Academic Supplies
- Personal Organizer
- Three-ring binder
- Notebooks
- Plastic Folders
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Erasers
- Tape
- Post-Its
- Blue or Black ballpoint pens
- Mechanical Pencils
- Highlighters
- White-out
- Graphing Calculator
- Backpack
- Laptop
- Printer
Dorm Supplies
Moving into a dorm can be an exciting time in any student’s life! On top of this, it can also be pretty hectic. Let’s take a look at how to furnish your dorm so that you can make it a perfect place to unwind after a long day of classes.
- Mattress cover
- Pillow
- Pillowcases and sheets
- Closet organizers
- Alarm Clock
- Full-length mirror
- Storage bins
- Trash can
- Desk and floor lamp
- Extention cords
- Fan
- Buildable shelving units
There will also be a bunch of supplies needed to make sure you are stocked up and ready to start your day, whatever the day throws at you.
Dorm Supplies
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Adhesive Hooks
- Hangers
- Batteries
- Mini Fridge
- Microwave
- Utensils
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Travel Mug
- Headphones
Not every dorm allows objects such as mini fridges and microwaves, and in some cases, they may already be provided! It is always recommended to check with your school’s dorm rules before making a big purchase!
Back-To-School Essentials: Conclusion
No matter what stage of schooling you or your child is in, being well-prepared is critical. It is the perfect way to set the tone for a successful year and helps promote concentration and productivity throughout it. Remember, the beginning of a new school year is also a great time to look over your insurance policy. If you are in the market, contact us at isure or request a quote today!








