By eHow Education Editor
Buy all the basic supplies: pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, a calculator, spiral notebooks or loose-leaf binders, computer disks and a backpack. Splurge on a packet of no. 2 pencils, which you'll need for those pesky scantron tests.
Select ink pens that are easy to write with (ballpoint pens can be messy) and keep at least two writing implements in your backpack. You don't want to be empty-handed if one should break or run out of ink.
Look for notebooks that include folder pockets for storing handouts or buy binders to hold handouts and spare paper for notes.
Select a calculator that doesn't have too many functions. Chances are you won't need to use graphs or charts unless you are a science, math or engineering major. You want to be able to recognize the function buttons quickly.
eHow Education Editor
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Even if you aren't a math or science major, you usually need a graphing calculator. These are useful in algebra, calculus, and trigonometry.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I'd say that a scientific calculator with multi-line display is absolutely necessary for students in grade 7 or higher. Also, be sure to buy a good supply of lined paper, especially since stores tend to sell paper and other basic supplies cheaper around school time. If you buy mechanical pencils (as opposed to the regular kind), be sure to buy spare lead and an eraser! Using the supplied eraser will make refilling the pencil difficult later. Other items that are often overlooked but important are: reinforcements, post it notes, dividers (especially for high school and post secondary students), and highlighters.
Anonymous said
on 2/25/2006 Whenever possible, always ask for a supply list. They may not always be 100% accurate, but it's better to have more of something than to not have it at all.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 you should always have an extra notebook or some pages just in case you forget a notebook!
Anonymous said
on 12/23/2005 Try to buy things in bulk at Costco or the dollar store. Avoid WalMart during the school shopping season, since it raises it's prices around this time. Buy no name brands instead of the regular brands. It's cheaper and usually the same. Don't cheap out on erasers! Cheap erasers cause marks.