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After spending the summer in relaxation mode, the back to school season can be overwhelming for parents, students, and teachers alike.
An easy way to make the transition less hectic? Creating (and consulting) a good old fashioned checklist. By simply noting down everything you’ll need for the upcoming academic year, you can get organized, reduce stress levels, and ensure nothing gets forgotten.
Plus, creating a comprehensive and structured list is an excellent way to shift your mindset into academic mode. It requires just the right amount of focus without being too mentally strenuous. And luckily, we’re making it even easier for you by providing all the inspiration you need for a comprehensive back to school checklist below! From essential academic supplies to confidence-boosting self-care tools, we’ve got you covered.
The Only Back To School Checklist You Need
Your school might provide its own list of recommended supplies, but is it really covering all the bases of a student’s needs? Academics are crucial, of course, but school isn’t just about studying. It’s also a place for socialization and personal growth, which means you’ll need more than just pens and notebooks. Consult the following checklist to make sure you’ve got the right supplies for every facet of academic life.
1. Academic Essentials
First and foremost, ensure you have everything you need to be prepared – and excel – in class.
- Stationary & supplies: notebooks, sketchpads, binders, folders, loose leaf paper, planners, pens, pencils (regular and possibly drawing/sketching), highlighters, erasers, sharpeners, calculators, and stationary cases to contain them all
- Backpacks & organizers: classic backpacks or totes with enough compartments to comfortably store your everyday essentials.
- Tech tools: laptops, chargers, tablets, headphones or earphones, and any necessary cases
- Books: you might need to purchase certain books of your own, like dictionaries/thesauruses or subject-specific books
2. Lunch Break Necessities
School doesn’t just involve studying. Stay fueled throughout the day with food and beverage containers that make healthy eating easier.
- Lunch boxes or bags
- Bento boxes
- Reusable sandwich bags
- Reusable water bottles
- Soup/hot meal thermos
- Hot beverage tumbler or travel mug
3. Clothing & Personal Style Upgrades
Growing kids are likely in need of a back to school wardrobe refresh. Check what’s missing in their wardrobe, and fill the gaps accordingly.
- Autumn layers like sweaters and cardigans
- Outerwear that takes them from fall to winter (denim jackets, bomber jackets, raincoats, puffer jackets)
- Basics and wardrobe staples like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and denim
- Activewear for gym class and/or workouts
4. Self-Care & Morning Routine Boosters
Make sure they’re starting their day right, and taking care of themselves well in between classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities. Establishing a proper hygiene and self-care routine early will set them up well for life.
- Skincare essentials: cleanser, moisturizer, SPF
- High-speed hair dryers for faster styling routines and healthier hair
- Electric toothbrushes for easy yet comprehensive cleans
- Wellness supplements and vitamins to support health and boost energy
- Quality sleep essentials: pillow spray, sleep mask, sunrise alarm clock, weighted blanket, or blackout curtains to promote better sleep
- Aromatherapy treats to prevent stress: candles, essential oil diffuser, or reed diffuser
5. Locker Accessories
If they want to personalize their locker, you can get them a few fun extras.
- Mini magnets
- Mini whiteboard
- Magnetic mirror
- Magnetic shelf
6. Dorm Room Staples
New university student? Make their dorm room feel more like home with these cozy staples.
- Bedding set (sheets, pillows + pillowcases, mattress protector)
- Decorative cushions
- Ergonomic desk chair
- Desk organizers
- Storage containers
- Shelves
- Hangers
- Mini lamp
- Laundry hamper
Tips For A Smooth Back To School Transition
Getting all your necessary supplies is just the first step. The next, and arguably more difficult one, is getting mentally prepared for a new academic year.
Use the last few weeks of summer to gradually introduce more structure into your routine. You can do this by starting to adjust sleep schedules early – even 10 or 15 minute increments each day will help you comfortably get back to an early morning wakeup time.
And it’s not just about the morning – you can also use the evening to your advantage. Start to instill the practice of evening preparation to make mornings smoother and easier. This can include prepping lunches and lunch boxes at night, laying out the next day’s outfit, and making sure all your school essentials are ready to go in your backpack.
During the day, you can ease yourself into a learning mindset by doing light reading or another academic activity, like spending time on a language learning app. Stick to subjects and themes that you (or the students in your life) enjoy to make it more fun.
Finally, take advantage of the last few weeks of vacation to complete any final summer bucket list items or favorite activities. While starting to think of school is helpful, you’re still allowed to enjoy your time off with beach days, barbecues, and day trips.
Oh, and don’t forget to keep this checklist handy for next year! Bookmark this page or print it off so you’ll be set every September.
Final Thoughts – Back To School Checklist
The back to school season can feel hectic, but it doesn’t have to be. There are always ways to get more organized so that things run smoother, and one of the best places to start is with a checklist. By listing out everything the students in your life will need for the upcoming school year and strategically buying them, they’ll be all set for the months ahead.
Remember that the school year isn’t just about academics – it’s also about the mornings that set the tone for the day ahead, the lunch breaks, the after school activities, and the nights that provide much-needed rest. Look beyond the basic tech and stationary supplies to ensure your loved ones are fully supported for their academic pursuits, whether they’re just starting out in elementary school or are heading off to college or university. The checklist above is a fantastic place to start!
