Best College School Supplies for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: September 9th, 2024

🎒As a new school year kicks off, having the right tools can really boost your college experience. We've dug deep into various recommendations to bring you a list of 2024’s must-have items.

From high-tech gadgets to nifty organizational tools, we've got something for everyone. Here are our top picks to keep you ahead of the game this semester.

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Overall Best: Laptop

HP 15.6" Portable Laptop (Include 1 Year Microsoft 365), HD Display, Intel Quad-Core N200 Processor, 16GB RAM, 128GB Storage, Wi-Fi 6, Webcam, HDMI, Numeric Keypad, Windows 11 Home, Black

A reliable laptop is arguably the most crucial school supply for any college student. It's indispensable for note-taking, researching, writing papers, and staying connected with professors and classmates. When choosing a laptop, consider factors such as battery life, weight, and processing power to ensure it meets your academic needs. According to our research, a solid choice for 2024 is the Dell XPS 13, known for its long battery life, lightweight design, and powerful performance – ideal for college students on the go.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$275.00 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Backpack

A sturdy and comfortable backpack is essential for carrying books, laptops, and other daily necessities around campus. Look for one with multiple compartments for better organization and ergonomic features to reduce the strain on your back and shoulders. Our runner-up pick is the Matein Laptop Backpack. This backpack offers excellent weight distribution, ample storage space, and includes a built-in USB charging port, making it a convenient and versatile option for college life.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$59.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Post-it Super Sticky Notes

Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 3 in x 3 in, 5 Pads, 2x the Sticking Power, Black, Recyclable (654-5SSSC) Black Notes

Post-it Super Sticky Notes are our top budget-friendly school supply. These handy notes are perfect for jotting down quick reminders, marking important textbook pages, and organizing study materials. Their strong adhesive ensures they stay put on a variety of surfaces, and they come at an affordable price. Compact and easy to carry around, these notes will become a staple in your study routine.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$8.01 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Post-it Super Sticky Notes, Black (3x3)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What pens work best on Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-5SSSC?
Hey! So, if you’re using those black Post-it Super Sticky Notes (the 3x3 inch ones), you’ll want to make sure you have the right pens on hand. The deep black color makes regular pens pretty much invisible, so you’ll need to go for something with opaque ink. Gel pens in white or metallic colors work really well and stand out nicely against the dark surface. From what we’ve found, these pens not only make your notes readable but also give them a cool, eye-catching look. About the sticking power — they’re supposed to stick twice as well as the regular ones. Most folks seem satisfied with how well they hold up, but a few people have noticed they don't always stick great on some surfaces or might lose their grip over time. It’s also worth mentioning that these notes feel a bit thicker, more like cardstock. This can affect how flat they sit and how they adhere. If you need your notes to stay put for a long time, it might be worth testing them out a bit first, just to be sure. Oh, and a quick note on price: these black Post-its can sometimes be a bit pricier than the colored ones, so keep that in mind if you’re budget-conscious. In the end, when paired with the right pens, these black sticky notes can really jazz up your notes and to-dos. They’re both functional and add a fun flair to your workspace!
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How sticky are the Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-5SSSC?
The Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-5SSSC, especially the black version, are designed to stick better than regular sticky notes—twice as well, according to the manufacturer. They promise to hold on tight and last longer, which is highlighted in the product description. However, based on what we've found, experiences can differ a bit. A lot of folks are really happy with how these notes hold up. They stick well but can also be moved around easily without leaving any marks, which is awesome if you're someone who likes to shuffle notes or change your mind a lot. This feedback seems to line up with the manufacturer's claims about their stickiness. On the flip side, not everyone is over the moon about their sticking prowess. Some people have mentioned they can fall off certain surfaces, like computer screens, which is a bit of a hassle if you're relying on them for reminders or important info at your desk. Overall, many people find the Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-5SSSC to work really well, but not everyone has the same experience. The surface you're sticking them to and the environment they're in might affect how well they stay put. They're a good option if you want sticky notes that are both strong and easy to move around, but it's smart to consider where and how you'll be using them. Maybe give them a whirl on different surfaces to see how they work best for you.
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How thick are the Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-5SSSC?
When it comes to how thick the Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-5SSSC are, it gets a bit interesting. According to the manufacturer's description, they're made to have double the sticking power compared to regular sticky notes, which sounds great for keeping them in place wherever you need. From what we've found, there's a mix of opinions about their stickiness. Most folks really like the strong adhesive, saying it works well on different surfaces. They're especially handy as bookmarks or when used with [gel pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgel%2Bpens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) for that standout look. But talking about the actual thickness—our research suggests these notes are pretty thick, almost like construction paper. This makes them feel sturdy and noticeable, but might result in some issues sticking to very smooth surfaces, like monitors. A few people mentioned that. So, you might want to test these notes out on whatever surface you're using. If they don't stick quite right, especially on textured surfaces, a bit of extra tape could help. Overall, these notes seem great if you need something that sticks well. Just make sure they work for your specific setup!
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For Note-Taking: Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook

Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook, Letter Size 8.5x11, Black - Lined Pages, App-Connected, Erasable, Durable Cover, Ideal for School, Work, and Creative Projects 1 Black Letter

The Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook is ideal for students who love writing notes by hand but want to enjoy the benefits of digital storage. This smart notebook allows you to handwrite your notes and upload them to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox via a smartphone app. It's a sustainable and innovative option for modern students who want to keep their notes organized and easily accessible without wasting paper.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$23.26 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Rocketbook Core Notebook? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How long does the ink take to dry on Rocketbook pages?
So, if you're wondering about the ink drying time on Rocketbook pages, here's the scoop: when you use the [Pilot Frixion pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpilot%2Bfrixion%2Bpens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) (which are the recommended ones to use with these notebooks), the ink usually dries in about 10-15 seconds under normal conditions. This means you can quickly jot down notes and flip to the next page without smudges. Keep in mind that drying times might vary a bit if it's really humid or hot around you. According to our research, the standard [Frixion clicker pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bclicker%2Bpens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) work really well on these pages—they dry fast and erase clean when wiped with a damp cloth. Some folks have tried using other [Frixion products](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bhighlighters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), like [highlighters](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bhighlighters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [fineliners](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfrixion%2Bfineliners%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). While they can work, they're not always as reliable for erasing or when you're scanning notes with the Rocketbook app. There might be some smudging or a leftover ghost image, which can mess with how clear your scanned pages turn out. So, to keep things smooth, it's best to stick with the pens the manufacturer suggests. They're made to work perfectly with Rocketbook's reusable pages, letting you rewrite without hassle and organize your notes efficiently for scanning. Just remember to give the ink a few seconds to dry, and you're good to go!
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What types of pens work best with the Rocketbook Core?
If you're using the Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook, picking the right pen definitely makes a difference. This notebook is designed to be reusable, which means it works best with certain pens. According to the manufacturer, [Pilot FriXion pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpilot%2Bfrixion%2Bpens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) are the way to go. They have this neat ink that bonds to the pages but wipes off easily with a damp cloth, so you can use your notebook over and over. From what we've seen, Pilot FriXion pens aren't just good for reusability—they also help keep your handwriting clear and readable. That's super helpful when you're scanning your notes with the Rocketbook app, especially if you're using the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature to turn your handwritten notes into digital text. Just make sure the ink has dried before wiping it, or you might end up with some smudges and scanning issues. The Rocketbook app can convert your handwritten notes to text via email, but how well it works can depend a lot on how clear your handwriting is. If your script is fancy or too connected, the OCR might struggle a bit, leading to odd formatting or missing words. Writing clearly and distinctly can really help improve accuracy. If the built-in OCR isn't cutting it for you, trying out other OCR tools could be a good idea—they often handle text recognition better and could give you the results you're after. Getting comfortable with the Rocketbook might take a little practice, and checking out some user guides or tutorials could offer some helpful tips. But with the right pen and a bit of habit-building, you'll find it's a handy way to organize and digitize your notes.
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How do you erase the Rocketbook Core notebook?
Erasing your Rocketbook Core notebook is pretty straightforward, but it depends on using the right stuff. You'll need [Pilot Frixion Pens](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DPilot%2BFrixion%2BPens%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to take advantage of its erasable pages fully. These notebooks have a special coating on the pages that let you wipe away your notes with a damp cloth or by using the eraser on the pen. From what we've found, most of the time, a Pilot Frixion Pen comes with the notebook when you get it. But it's a smart move to have a few extras around. Frixion pens come in a bunch of colors, but it seems like darker ones, like black, work best both for erasing and scanning pages clearly. Lighter colors, like green, might not erase as well or scan as neatly. Just a heads-up: make sure you stick with these Frixion pens. Regular pens won't erase from the Rocketbook's pages and can leave permanent marks, which kind of ruins the whole reusable vibe. So, keeping extra Frixion pens nearby can help you avoid any accidental permanent marks. The bottom line is to use the right pens to keep enjoying the Rocketbook Core's cool features, like reusability and easy digital uploads. If you're thinking about trying out different colors or types of Frixion pens, just be mindful of how well they might erase and scan. Happy jotting!
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For Organization: Blue Sky Academic Planner

Blue Sky 2024-2025 Academic Year Weekly and Monthly Planner, 8.5" x 11", Flexible C...

Staying organized and managing your time effectively is crucial for college success. The Blue Sky Academic Planner is outstanding for its well-structured layout. It offers ample space for taking notes, along with monthly and weekly views for tracking assignments, deadlines, and personal commitments. It's the perfect tool to help you maintain a balanced and productive life, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$11.99 at Amazon

For Study Space: Amazon Basics Small Dry Erase Whiteboard

AmazonBasics Magnetic Dry Erase Board, Plastic/Aluminum Frame, 8.5" x 11"

A small dry erase whiteboard can be an excellent visual aid in any study space. The Amazon Basics Small Dry Erase Whiteboard is perfect for jotting down to-do lists, lecture notes, or for use during group brainstorming sessions. Its compact size ensures it fits comfortably in dorm rooms or small study spaces, providing a practical and versatile tool to help you stay organized and on top of your tasks.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$7.90 at Amazon
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