Essential School Supplies List: From Kindergarten to College

Notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, geometry supplies, art supplies….oh my god! There are so many things that the kids need to bring to school. If you are a parent or a student looking for a proper School Supplies List and getting a little bit confused, let me help you! 

In this article, I will guide you to find all the essential school and college supplies so that you never miss a necessary thing to bring to class. However, make sure to recheck if your school provided any list, as it may vary on a school-by-school basis.

Why Is Having a School Supplies List Essential?

Having a proper School Supplies List ensures that you are equipped with all the necessary learning tools and promotes preparedness for the entire school year. It improves a positive learning experience and encourages organisation among the kids. 

Here’s how a supplies list for school can improve your educational experience: 

  • Ensure Preparedness: School supply lists help parents and learners know what materials and tools to carry into the coming year. It allows adequate academic preparation and avoids last-minute hurry. 
  • Enable Active Learning: Having all the necessary supplies in your backpack allows students to actively participate in class activities. With the correct tools and equipment, you can engage in projects and complete assignments better. 
  • Boost Confidence: Being well-prepared with the correct things instantly boosts confidence. It develops independence and responsibility in education. 
  • Minimise Disruption: When you have a list of all the necessary supplies, you are less likely to get distracted and borrow items from others. This means you can focus on the class and learning properly. 

Now let’s follow the School Supplies List so that you can buy them whenever there is a sale or get prepared without facing a last-minute scramble. 

Kindergarten School Supplies

After the kids have taken their first day of school photos, it is time to send them to begin their learning journey. These supplies will help you to prepare the kids to start on the right foot. Maybe it is wise to buy an extra pair of everything, as they tend to lose things quicker: 

  • Pencil box
  • Pencils 
  • Erasers
  • Pencil sharpener 
  • Pencil grips
  • Crayons
  • Colour pencils 
  • Glue stick 
  • Washable markers
  • Plastic folders
  • Blunt-tipped scissors
  • Non-transparent bags
  • Wide-ruled notebook
  • Assorted construction paper 
  • Tissues 
  • Backpack 
  • Lunch box

Elementary School Supplies 

Though the kindergarten school supplies might look cute, the elementary school supplies should be taken care of in a business setting. This is the stage where the little learners become young scholars. Let’s take a look at the list and save for your next school supplies shopping: 

Grade 1 to 3

  • Pencil box
  • Pencils
  • Erasers
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Colour box
  • Crayons
  • Pencil grips
  • No. 2 pencils
  • Index cards
  • Glue stick 
  • Plastic folders
  • Blunt-tipped scissors
  • Notepad
  • Ruler 
  • Tissues 
  • Wide-ruled notebook
  • Assorted construction paper
  • Backpack 
  • Lunchbox 

Grade 4 to 5

  • Pencil pouch 
  • No. 2 pencil
  • Erasers 
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Highlighters 
  • Washable markers 
  • Black and blue ball pens 
  • Three-hole punch 
  • Three-ring binder 
  • Plastic folders
  • Glue stick
  • Loose-leaf paper 
  • Spiral notebooks
  • Calculator 
  • Scissors 
  • Book socks
  • Index cards
  • Ruler
  • Subject dividers
  • Backpack 
  • Lunchbox

Middle School and High School Supplies List 

Getting into middle school is a huge step! Students change classes and have their own lockers. It might be difficult for them to carry all the necessary tools every day, and forgetting one piece of equipment can be a hassle. 

The high schoolers certainly need a refresher on notebooks. Following the School Supplies List for middle and high school will make sure that you are not missing anything necessary:

  • Non-transparent pencil pouch 
  • No. 2 pencils
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Erasers 
  • Blue and black ball pens
  • Highlighter 
  • Washable markers 
  • Permanent markers
  • Calendar 
  • Personal organisers
  • Three-hole punch 
  • Loose-leaf paper 
  • Spiral notebooks 
  • Ruler
  • Graph paper 
  • Graphing calculator 
  • White-out
  • Protractor 
  • Scissors 
  • Book socks
  • Combination lock
  • Glue stick 
  • Subject divider
  • Index cards
  • Post its
  • Plastic folders 
  • Backpack
  • Lunchbox 

College Supplies List 

When you get to college, the need for college supplies is more than can fit in a backpack. If you are boarding, it is paramount to bring everything you need to live on your own. Here is a detailed list of the most important supplies you should bring with you: 

Academic Supplies 

  • Blue and black ball pens 
  • Personal organiser 
  • Calendar 
  • Three-hole punch 
  • Spiral notebooks
  • Tree-ring binder
  • Subject divider 
  • Plastic folders 
  • Index cards
  • Highlighter 
  • Permanent markers 
  • Mechanical pencils 
  • Scissors 
  • Stapler 
  • Tape 
  • White-out 
  • Erasers
  • No. 2 pencils 
  • Computer paper
  • Graph calculator 
  • Post-its
  • Printer
  • Inlcartridges 
  • Non-transparent pouch 

Dorm Supplies 

  • Mattress cover
  • Pillow and pillow case
  • Closer organiser 
  • Alarm clock 
  • Portable storage 
  • Mirror 
  • Extension cords
  • Trashcan 
  • Towel
  • Flip flops
  • Toiletries 
  • Hangers
  • Duck tape
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Travel mug 
  • Utensils
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste 

Cleaning Supplies 

  • Laundry bag
  • Detergent 
  • Fabric softener
  • Stain remover 
  • Air freshener
  • Trash bags
  • Swiffer
  • Disinfectant wipes 

Bottom Lines 

We all have companions in school who have our backs covered, but being prepared with all the necessary equipment is a bonus. Hope the above School Supplies List can be a help to make sure you do not miss anything. With all the tools and learning materials, you can focus on active learning. 

Share your opinion on this guide, and you can also share if you need further guidance on any other topic through the comment box below. Till then, happy learning!

About Sarah Jay

Hello! I’m Sarah Jay. I am passionate about exploring, trying and researching new products and share my personal opinion with my dearest readers. I guide you to find your best suit, choose perfect gifts for your beloved and make the most out of each purchase.

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