Back to School Essentials: What Every Student Needs

Published

28 August 2025

Contents

Is the start of a new term or year looming over you? If so, you’re not alone. The first day back at school can stir up a mix of emotions – from the excitement of a fresh start to apprehension about what’s in store.

Whether you're leaving primary school or completing your A Levels, having all the essentials will leave you feeling prepared and, as a result, confident.

This article will guide you through what you really need to make your return to school as smooth as possible.

What Counts as a 'Back to School Essential'?

Essentials won’t be the same for every student; they vary according to age, subjects, and personal needs. An A Level student, for instance, will have a different set of essentials to a primary school pupil.

A true school essential is anything that actively supports your organisation, productivity, and wellbeing. The essentials therefore cover a wide range of objects, including study supplies, tech tools and personal items.

Stationery and Study Supplies

Must-Have Stationery for All Students

So that you’re not left without them in lessons (or, worse still, exams!), pack plenty of the following:

Pencils – HB works for most subjects
A rubber – one that erases without smudging
Colouring pencils
A sharpener
Pens – blue and black ballpoint and gel pens
A ruler – 30cm is fine for most measuring tasks, and can be used to underline headings
Highlighters – they can help you spot key information quickly, though research on their effectiveness (opens in a new tab) is mixed. Use them wisely!
A pencil case – use a sturdy, practical one with multiple compartments to separate and organise your stationery
Notebooks or exercise books – one for each subject that lies flat when open and contains lined paper
Folders – one for each subject to store worksheets and assignments

Extras for Secondary and Sixth Form Students

Secondary school subjects often require more specialised equipment. A scientific calculator is essential for maths and science subjects, and Casio (opens in a new tab) makes reliable, long-lasting models.

Another maths essential is a geometry set with a compass, protractor, and set squares. The Helix set (opens in a new tab) is especially popular and includes a storage tin, pencil and sharpener.

Flashcards are brilliant for memorising key facts, terms, and formulas. You can use them alone or, better still, with others – many of my students get me, their friends or their family members to quiz them! You can buy ready-made ones or create your own using index cards.

Make your notes more engaging using coloured pens. Colour-coding (opens in a new tab) is an excellent revision technique!

Tech Essentials for Students

Technology plays a huge role in modern education, so having the right digital tools is crucial. High-quality earphones or headphones will not only help you to focus, but will also stop you from disturbing others when learning online. There is also evidence (opens in a new tab) to suggest that listening to music can help you while working and studying. In my experience, this is definitely true – nothing helps me concentrate more than a peaceful video game soundtrack!

Cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive keeps your work safe and accessible from any device. Many schools provide free access to these services.

Some schools require or even provide laptops or tablets for independent learning. If you have access to them, educational apps can be very useful. Duolingo, for example, is great for learning foreign languages.

You can use many free websites and YouTube channels to complement your learning. John D Clare’s website (opens in a new tab) offers excellent, comprehensive information on various History topics, and Mr Bruff’s videos (opens in a new tab) are very popular with English students.

Save My Exams provides structured revision materials, study tools and practice questions, helping you to make clear and steady progress in a range of subjects.

Organisation and Planning Tools

Staying organised separates successful students from those who constantly feel behind. Some students prefer physical organisational tools to digital ones, while others use a combination. The key is to use whatever works best for you.

An academic planner or homework diary helps you track assignments, deadlines, and other important dates.

A wall calendar in your study space gives you a visual overview of upcoming tests, projects, and events.

A timetable is vital for preventing confusion and late arrivals. I used to print out my school timetable and glue it to the back of my planner, so I always knew where I was meant to be and when. You can also use apps like Google Calendar (opens in a new tab) to get reminders on your phone.

Sticky notes and page tabs are perfect for marking important sections in textbooks and revision guides, as well as separating topics and subtopics. In sixth form, I put colour-coded tab dividers in my A Level ring binder folders. This not only made my revision more efficient, but also made me feel less overwhelmed by the vast amount of content I was studying!

Personal Items

Your school bag is your mobile office, so invest in one with enough space for books, lunch, and personal items. A backpack with thick straps will help you to distribute the weight more evenly than a cross-shoulder bag, and your back will thank you for it!

Bring a reusable water bottle to school every day. This will help you to avoid dehydration and maintain your concentration and energy levels.

If you bring food from home, pack it in a lunchbox. Insulated ones keep food at safe temperatures and often include separate compartments for different items.

Hand sanitiser and tissues are essential, everyday hygiene products.

If your school has lockers, a decent padlock will protect your belongings. Choose a combination lock rather than keys – you can't lose a combination!

Wellbeing Essentials

School can be stressful, so tools to support your wellbeing are just as important as academic supplies. Journaling (opens in a new tab) is a highly effective self-care practice that can help improve both your physical and mental health.

Healthy snacks like berries and nuts will help you to maintain stable energy levels between meals. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for dark chocolate to avoid sugar crashes.

Stress balls and other fidget toys can help stressed students of all ages stay mindful and focused. Many teachers now understand that these tools support learning rather than distract from it.

Optional Extras That Can Make a Difference

While these items aren't essential for everyone, in certain cases, they can significantly improve your school experience:

Blue light glasses (opens in a new tab) can reduce eye strain if you spend long periods of time looking at screens (as many of us do!)
Noise-reducing earwear (opens in a new tab) can help you to focus in loud environments, such as busy households or shared spaces
Inspirational quote cards or motivational wall decor can boost your mood and inspire you to stay on track in challenging times

Eco-Friendly and Budget Tips for Back to School Essentials

You don't need to buy everything new each year. Check last year's supplies first – many items like rulers, calculators, and bags last for multiple years with proper care.

Second-hand shops and online marketplaces often have barely used school supplies at a fraction of retail prices. School uniform exchanges, community groups and swapping with friends can be helpful too.

Refillable pens and sustainable stationery brands like Paperchase reduce waste and often work out cheaper long-term.

Planning ahead prevents expensive last-minute shopping trips. Make your list early and look out for back-to-school sales in July and August.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I really need on the first day of school?

Keep it simple for day one. Bring basic writing materials (pens, pencils and a rubber), a notebook, your timetable (if you already have it), and any specific items your teachers asked you to bring. You can add more supplies as you settle into your routine.

Do I need a laptop for secondary school?

It depends on your school's policy and your family's budget. Many schools provide computer access when needed. Check with your school about their technology requirements before buying a laptop that you might not need!

What's the best planner for students?

This is down to the individual. Try out different types to see which one you’ll use most consistently and effectively.

Final Thoughts

True school essentials are those which genuinely support your learning and wellbeing. You don't need every trendy item or the most expensive brands to succeed, and the tool alone will not guarantee success; it’s all about how (and whether!) you use it.

Start with the basics and add items as you discover what works best for your learning style, subjects, and revision techniques. To begin with, focus on what you need to feel prepared, and your confidence will soon increase.

Getting organised might feel overwhelming at first, but the right essentials will set you up for success. If you take each day as it comes, you’ll find you settle into your new term, year or school quicker than you think!

References

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