Back to School Supplies

When going back to school, whether online or in person, there are several supplies you will find that are absolutely necessary. School these days is very different than it was 20 years ago and the supplies have moved right along with it. Instead of having a collection of encyclopedias, you’ll need access to the internet. And rather than a typewriter and a whole bunch of white out, a computer will be absolutely necessary.

A Computer

If you are attending a brick and mortar school, it might not be absolutely necessary that you own one, but it can make studying, taking notes, and completing assignments much easier if you don’t have to rely on the campus library or computer lab. If you are taking classes online it is almost essential that you have your own computer to work on. One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when buying a computer is whether you’d like a laptop vs. a desktop computer. Each has their advantages.

Laptop computers offer much more flexibility. You’re no longer tied to one location to do your studying. You can take your work with you and study on your morning bus ride or over your lunch break. You can go on vacation or visit family members and stay caught up on your studies without having to borrow someone else’s computer. Laptops are also a very affordable option as they grow in popularity with both students and professionals.

Desktop computers also have a lot going for them. They generally have a much larger storage space so you can easily save all of your assignments and even reference past assignments or courses. You’ll also be able to keep all of your files in one place without it running much slower. The larger screen will allow you to more easily work with several windows open. This is perfect for those studying in more creative fields such as graphic or video game design. The extra accessories such as a mouse or webcam are much easier to use with a desktop computer. One of the biggest advantages of a desktop computer is that it can help you get into a routine for studying since you always have to be in the same spot. You can have a study area permanently set up with the supplies you’ll need and being there will help you to stay focused on your work.

A Reliable Internet Connection

This is an absolute must have, especially if you are taking your courses online. Since these classes are online in their entirety, you must be able to access them. You’ll also be using the internet to email or chat with your professors and other students. High speed internet is highly recommended so you can watch online lectures without waiting for them to load. You’ll also be using the internet to email or “turn in” assignments. Make sure that your connection is reliable enough that you won’t be unexpectedly missing deadlines because it goes down. It is also a good idea to have a back up connection to the internet. Register at your local library to have internet privileges or find several spots around town that offer Wi-Fi if you have a laptop.

A Flash Drive

A flash drive is a small storage device that you can plug into any computer to access the documents you have saved on it. Most Flash drives are small enough that you can store them on your key ring to always have them with you. This device will be especially handy if you are using a desktop as your primary computer and often times use other computers. It is also a great place to back up your documents in case your computer crashes.

A Planner

Planners, if you use them, can be one of the best ways to help you stay on top of your course work, especially if you are juggling your schoolwork with raising a family or working full time. Get a planner and fill it with all important dates for your classes. Be sure to include dates of big tests, assignments that are due and required reading. This will help you to easily see what is coming up in a certain week without checking the syllabus of all of your courses. Use your calendar to help you prioritize your work. Remember that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

These are just a few of the essential items you’ll need to go back to college. Other supplies will vary from class to class and teacher to teacher. Check with your teacher in the beginning of each course for required or recommended supplies.

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