The Ultimate Back to School Checklist for Students

Starting a new school year can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Will you have everything you need? Are you properly prepared?

Don't worry – we've got your back. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from basic stationery to tech essentials, helping students of all ages feel confident and ready.

Whether you're starting Year 7 or heading into your A Levels, being prepared makes all the difference.

Why a Back-to-School Checklist Matters

Starting the school year prepared equals less stress and more confidence. There's nothing worse than realising you've forgotten something important on your first day.

A solid school supplies list takes the stress out of a new year (opens in a new tab). It helps you start organised and stay focused on what matters most – your learning.

A checklist also saves time, money, and those last-minute scrambles to find supplies.

This guide works for students of all ages – from Year 3 right through to Year 13. Simply pick the sections that apply to you.

School Supplies and Stationery Essentials

Let's start with the basics that every student needs.

Core Items for All Students

These are the non-negotiables that belong in every school bag:

Writing essentials:

• Black and blue ballpoint pens (pack of 10 each)

• Pencils (2B for general writing, H for technical drawing)

• Pencil sharpener and erasers

• Ruler (30cm clear plastic works best)

• Glue sticks

Organisation:

• Exercise books (lined and squared)

• Subject dividers or folders

• A4 ring binder

• Hole punch for loose papers

• Post-it notes for marking pages

Maths and science:

• Calculator (scientific for GCSE and A Level students)

• Compass and protractor set

• Graph paper

UK stationery retailers like Staples offer comprehensive back-to-school checklists (opens in a new tab) covering all the essential supplies for primary and secondary school students. Other great pages to explore include Ryman (opens in a new tab) and Explore Learning (opens in a new tab).

Extras for GCSEs and A Level Students

If you're taking exams, you'll need some additional supplies:

Advanced stationery:

• Highlighters in multiple colours

• Fine-tip pens for detailed work

• A4 refill pads (lined and plain)

• Index cards for revision

• Correction fluid or tape

Revision tools:

• Sticky notes in various sizes

• Coloured pens for mind maps

• Flashcards

• A3 paper for larger diagrams

Tech Tools and Devices

Technology plays a huge role in modern education. Here's what you might need:

Essential tech gadgets for students include laptops, smartphones, noise-cancelling headphones, tablets, portable chargers, and external storage (opens in a new tab).

Basic tech essentials:

• Calculator (as mentioned above)

• USB flash drive (at least 16GB)

• Phone with good camera for photographing notes

• Earphones or headphones

For GCSE and A Level students:

• Laptop or tablet for research and coursework

• Portable phone charger

• Document wallet for printed materials

The UK government provides guidance on meeting digital standards in schools (opens in a new tab), helping students understand what tech tools they might need.

Uniform and Clothing

Getting your uniform sorted reduces morning stress significantly.

Uniform basics:

• School shirts/blouses (at least 3)

• School trousers/skirts (2-3 pairs)

• School jumper or cardigan

• School tie (if required)

• Black school shoes

PE kit:

• Sports shirts and shorts

• Tracksuit for outdoor sports

• Trainers (check school colour requirements)

• Sports socks

Weather essentials:

• Waterproof school coat

• Umbrella

• Winter scarf and gloves (school colours if required)

Organisation and Time Management

Staying organised is key to academic success.

Planning tools:

• Academic diary or planner

• Wall calendar for your room

• Desk organiser for pens and supplies

• Storage boxes for keeping subjects separate

Daily essentials:

• School bag (check size requirements)

• Pencil case with compartments

• Water bottle

• Lunch box (if not buying school meals)

Health and Wellbeing

Looking after yourself is just as important as academic preparation.

Health essentials:

• Hand sanitiser

• Tissues

• Basic first aid supplies (plasters, pain relief)

• Any prescription medications

Wellbeing tools:

• Stress ball for exam anxiety

• Healthy snacks for energy

• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

• Comfortable study cushion

Optional Extras (That Can Make a Big Difference)

These aren't essential, but they can really help your school experience.

Study enhancers:

• Blue light glasses for screen use

• Noise-cancelling headphones for concentration

• Study timer or Pomodoro app

• Desk lamp with good lighting

Motivation tools:

• Motivational quote cards for your locker

• Wall art for your study space

• Mindfulness or gratitude journal

• Reward stickers for completed tasks

Tips for Getting Ready Before the First Day

The night before school starts, do these final checks:

Essential preparations:

• Label all personal items with your name

• Organise your backpack with everything you need

• Test out any new tech and charge all devices

• Check term dates and print your timetable

Study space setup:

• Create a dedicated study area at home

• Organise supplies in easy-to-reach places

• Remove distractions from your workspace

• Set up good lighting and comfortable seating

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start back-to-school shopping?

Start shopping about 2–3 weeks before the term begins. This gives you time to find everything without the last-minute rush, and you'll often find better deals.

What's the most important thing to have on the first day?

Your planner and basic writing materials. Everything else can be sorted over the first week, but you'll need to write things down from day one.

How can I stay organised throughout the term?

Use your planner daily, tidy your bag each evening, and have a dedicated place for everything at home. Small habits make a big difference.

Do I need a laptop for school?

It depends on your school and year group. Check with your teachers about requirements. Many GCSE and A Level students find laptops helpful for coursework and research.

Final Thoughts

Use this checklist as your guide, but remember to personalise it based on your specific school requirements and subjects.

Feeling prepared helps you feel more in control and confident. Take the time to get properly organised – your future self will thank you.

The goal isn't to have absolutely everything on day one. It's about having the essentials ready so you can focus on learning and enjoying the new school year.

Start with the basics, then add extras as you discover what works best for your learning style and subjects.

References

1. School Supplies List​ | Guide for 2025 | Classpop! (opens in a new tab)

2. Back to School - (opens in a new tab)Staples.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

3. The Ultimate Back to School Checklist: Stationery & Essentials Every Student Needs | 2025 (opens in a new tab)

4. Your back to school checklist | Explore Learning (opens in a new tab)

5. Essential Tech Gadgets To Take To College | NSHSS | National Society of High School Scholars (opens in a new tab)

6. Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges - Laptop, desktop and tablet standards - Guidance - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)