It’s back to school time! So for my first blog post for my Back to School series, I wanted to share my favourite back to school essentials & everything I use for class. I will have a back to school blog post every Sunday throughout August. You can see ALL of my school posts: here.
Bback to school essentials:
Erin Condren Academic Planner
I highly recommend the EC Academic Planner for students. There is a daily to do list in the weekly pages, 4 note pages per month, & my favourite part of the planner: the Project & Exams section! This year’s planner is the best Academic Planner yet from EC because it is dated and tabbed with a watercolour theme!
MacBook
I use all Apple Products (iMac, MacBook, iPad, iPhone) & I love how everything syncs easily. I can start a Power Point on my iMac & then still work on it on my iPad while working on presentation. I can also look at or send text messages on my MacBook in class. I have the newest MacBook Pro & I LOVE it, but just having a laptop in general class is important! Most professors (if not all) allow you to use your laptop in class and it’s good to have a laptop if you take online courses so that you can work on assignments anywhere!
iPad
A lot of my textbooks are only available in e-text form & I prefer reading my textbooks or required books from class on my iPad. I can work on assignments on my iMac or MacBook and can easily read my textbook (just like having a regular textbook to read). It’s also compact so I can read everything easily and study anywhere or in bed. Using an iPad is also nice to use
Planner Folio
The EC Planner Folio is PERFECT for keeping everything together. I use the Large 10.5″ x 13″ Planner Folio as a laptop case because it can hold everything I need, my MacBook Pro, iPad, Notebook, chargers, well-kept tech wipes, & adapters! I also like to use the Leather Folio to my Academic Planner in my bag so nothing happens to the pages. The Planner Folio is perfect to keep your academic planner in, pens, sticky notes, & everything you need to take with you to class!
Tumbler
Every college student needs coffee. Have a tumbler to keep your coffee warm & easily take it with to you class!
Planner Tote
I have the Black Leather Planner Tote that I use for work & school. I LOVE all of the different compartments & how much you can fit in this tote! It’s perfect for carrying everything you need to class! There’s a spot to keep your water bottle to take with you between courses, key holder, pockets to hold pens or snacks, and 2 large zipper closures that you can keep your laptop, iPad, or notebook in. It’s the perfect tote to keep everything you need!
Notebooks
I always order one per class & I love ordering the Erin Condren Notebooks because I can customize the cover to have the course name on it. I use the 8.5″ x 11″ Productivity Notebook. The functional task list on the side is great for highlighting important information and concepts! EC also has a dot grid option that is great for math courses & regular college ruled notebooks.
EC Customizable Event Stickers
This is my back to school MUST HAVE! I order these every semester to create course stickers to use in my Academic Planner or to label specific items for class like folders & binders!
Headphones
I love my AirPods. They’re light & I can use them anywhere: studying at the library, going to the gym, on the go, etc. Bluetooth headphones are also nicer when you’re working in study groups and want to be handsfree!
Flashcards
My favourite study tool! I use these to study for exams, memorize different terms, or prepare for a presentation.
Blu Light Glasses
Digital Screen Protection glasses help protect your eyes while using devices like your phone, computer or tablet. The digital screen protection lens have special filtering technology that shields your eyes and protect them from harmful blue light. I bought mine from Eye Buy Direct but there are also some on Amazon!
EC Asterisk Page Flags
I use these pages to mark different chapters of my text books so its easier to flip through! You can also use these to mark something important in your planner or notebook!
Writing Tools
I keep all of my pens, pencils, erasers, & highlighters in my Planny Pack. I love the planny pack because you can wrap it around your Planner or Notebook or throw it in your Planner Tote & you have everything you need to take notes or quickly write something down!
Printer
Even though most classes are going paperless, its nice to have a printer. For one, you never know when an instructor wants you to print something out. Personally, I like printing out my syllabus and important notes to have a tangible copy of everything! I have the Canon TS6120 & LOVE it.
Erin Condren LifePlanner
I use my academic planner to keep track of everything for school, but I use my LifePLanner to manage when I’m studying and working on assignments. I have my academic planner in my Erin Condren LifePlanner Binder to easily manage both planners & that way I can easily schedule things I need to do for class like meet up for a study project, schedule a call for a group project, or plan study/tutor times.
Essentials
