Adult college students....

[tonilea]

I noticed they have DS's school supply list posted and realized I will probably need some supplies for school this fall myself. I am going to be a first time /full-time college student.

What kind of supplys to you recommend? Do I need a back pack or a wheeled backpack?

Any tips? I hate that I am so ignorant!

 

[Mandychelle79]

This is what I get for classes

a spiral notebook for each class ( if class has a lab have a separate one for class and lab)
a folder for each class
a three ring binder for each class, after the test I transfer from the folder to the binder
calculator if taking math class
pens
highlighters
pencils
pencil sharpeners
Jump (thumb) drive
lots of paper to print on


For the book bag, how many classes are you taking and how are the classes lined up? If I can get away with it I use a normal backpack, but there are times that I have to use my wheeled one. It just depends on how many books I need that day. BTW Im a nursing student and sometimes need textbooks for one class on a given day.

I also suggest a lap top if you dont have one, so you can hide and do homework.

 

[Sparx]

I use a 5 subject divided notebook. You can get them at walmart. One section for each class I take. And pens. A lot of people have backpacks but I tend to not need to bring my books to class so I don't usually carry one. My notebook will fit down in my purse.

If you're taking math classes I suggest a TI85/9 calculator. They're expensive (about 100$) but its an excellent calculator that you'll use for YEARS.

 

[minkydog]

Go over and spend a few hours hanging around the student union building or other student gathering place. You'll find out pretty quick what other students use or don't use. I took a college Spanish class last fall and I have to tell you. I never saw a backpack in use, not even once. I was really surprised. But i guess I shouldn't have been. I haven't seen DD17 use a backpack since she was in 8th grade.

 

[NikiM20]

I have a binder with a divider for each subject. I also buy alot of index cards and looseleaf paper. Pens, pencils, sharpies, erasers, and highlighters. I also use a regular backpack.

 

[Evita_W]

Defiantly suggest a rolling backpack but it does depend on how good your back is and how many classes you have during the day....If your schedule is light, just buy a messenger bag to hold your class notebook and materials needed.

I guess it also depends on if you need all your books during class. Many of my professors just assign reading or such and do not even need their book during the class. So why take it if you are not going to use it right?

I would also have a folder for each subject to keep organized for assignments and stuff.

Just remember to HAVE FUN! And congrats on going back to school! (I went back to school this last semester...after about 7 years!)

I wish I had better recomendations...but I am still learning myself!

 

[autumnpalm]

I couldn't live without my laptop! If you don't already have one it's kind of an investment but you can get a refurbished Macbook for a pretty good price, which is what I did and I haven't had a problem!

I use highlighters like crazy in my textbooks, a good graphing calculator (not sure if you're taking any math or science courses) and these:

Oh, and a good agenda or day planner to keep track of all your assignments, exams, etc. in. I have a small white board on my desk that I write all my important dates on just so they're always in front of my and it's harder to procrastinate.

 

[tonilea]

I have noticed several people with wheeled backpacks. I had back surgery a few years ago, so I try to be extra kind to my back. lol

I do have a lap top and we are thinking about getting a new one and handing this one off to DS.

Calculators - I am taking Algebra I this year and then I will have to take Numbers System for Teachers I and II. I don't even know what those classes are about! eep!

Thanks to everyone for their input!

I am taking:
* Algebra I (I hope and pray) I am taking a summer class to hone my math skills in hopes of avoiding Intermediate Algebra.
* American Government
* Personal Health & Safety
* Intro to Sociology
* English Comp I

8-4 on Monday and Wednesday and 8 to noon on Friday. I do have several pretty good gaps of time in my schedule, but it is too far to go home - so I plan to use it as study time.

 

[tonilea]

Just remember to HAVE FUN! And congrats on going back to school! (I went back to school this last semester...after about 7 years!)

I wish I had better recomendations...but I am still learning myself!

I haven't been to school in 22 years!

 

[RitaZ.]

I use mechanical pencils to take notes and sometimes my laptop. Depends on my mood. For some classes where the lectures are long and not that stimulating, I take handwritten notes to keep me alert. Some students use their laptops to take notes. I use a messenger bag to carry my notebooks, books and supplies. On days where I don't need to take my books or carry a lot, I put my spiral notebook in my purse. A lot of students use backpacks. Others, like me, have messenger bags. It all comes down to preference.

If you carry a lot supplies with you, be prepared for classmates to ask to "borrow" some of yours. Definitely get a flash drive to save any written assignments or projects. If you'll be taking math courses immediately, invest money in a graphing calculator. You can wait until you go to class to find out the one that your professor will be using or recommends for your specific class.

Good luck! I'm sure you're going to love it.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

I agree that a 5 subject notebook (I favor 5 star because they are so sturdy) is the way to go. I love having all of my class syllabi together so when I am in one class I can see what else I have going on.
It also helps if you have multiple classes in your major because a lot of the core information will be helpful in multiple classes.
I try to keep all paperwork in one binder but if it gets too big then I keep a binder for each class (typically a 1 inch binder for each).

Now that I am getting my Ph.D I have continued using the 5 subject notebook, binder organization. The 5 subject notebook overlaps through multiple semesters (I can get 2 classes in one section typically) because the information from the classes overlaps so much. I keep a 1 inch binder for both classes (again when it gets too big I move to one for each class).
All the information is kept in sheet protectors (this is because the information has to last the length it takes to get me a Ph.D. aka A LONG TIME lol). Once the semester is over I put each semester in 2 inch binders still in the sheet protectors.

When reading texts I strongly recommend pens instead of highlighters. With a pen you can underline important passages, mark important points, and take notes without switching between highlighter and pen. I use colorful pens because if I have to read something I may not be interested in I at least want to be entertained by the notes in it haha
The post it note flags that someone else recommended are awesome! especially when you have library books for a paper or something.

I have a serious school supply obsession so my choice of pens tend to change depending on my mood but right now I am using Sharpie pens.

 

[pezheadmeg]

A really good planning system. I found for me a 1 inch binder with a calendar and each syllbus always did the trick.

Also if you're commuting see about lockers on campus. With my last degree it was an option for a minimal fee a semester. I did it in one night and Saturdays, so I sucked it up and carried like a pack mule.

And as for backpacks, I had a Saturday afternoon fashion business practices class. Every single "adult" student in the class relied on utilitarian backpacks. So not what was expected.

And a jump drive will be your best friend. Even if you have your laptop, you'll need the drive to print in the lab.

 

[Mandychelle79]

Note of Caution with the wheeled backpacks

They are very heavy if you try to wear it like a normal back pack. the one that I had you could do either so I would attempt to carry it through the lunch line. Soon I was leaving it at a table and going and getting my food.

 

[RitaZ.]

The post it note flags that someone else recommended are awesome! especially when you have library books for a paper or something.

ITA. Those are very useful.

I bought some page markers at B&N, shaped like an arrow, and the glue stuck to the page. Fortunately, it was a text that I was keeping. I found that the ones from 3M are better.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

ITA. Those are very useful.

I bought some page markers at B&N, shaped like an arrow, and the glue stuck to the page. Fortunately, it was a text that I was keeping. I found that the ones from 3M are better.

They also have flags that are like a post it note pad cut up to flag size. Those tend to stick less than the other type of flag that was posted. I use these in library books because they are cheaper and I can toss them before I return the books.

 

[RitaZ.]

They also have flags that are like a post it note pad cut up to flag size. Those tend to stick less than the other type of flag that was posted. I use these in library books because they are cheaper and I can toss them before I return the books.

Yes, those are that the ones from 3M. They are better quality than the arrow-shaped ones that I bought at B&N.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I am more totally OCD. So I need to get 3 inch binders for my subjects at staples.( one binder per class, to keep after organized) being I am all sciences I like to be able to take out pages and add more in. so I do not like the spiral ones. I also get the clear note covers so I can put handouts into them in my notebooks. I also set up my notebooks so they are so organized I get graded on them. I always get A's on them. And then I need Lab notebooks so I do the same but with 1 1/2 ones.

I also get large notecards, and the rings for flash cards. I have my stapler that everyone always uses! Sharpies for labeling lab samples and I use a lot of highlighters.

I also get a day planner so I can keep track of what is due and when.
Periodic table on my notebooks(lol) and I record all my classes on my ipod then download the lectures onto my macbook pro!! It is awesome for test time!!

I also use those postums from 3M to mark all my chapters
And of course my Macbook Pro!

 

[luvmyfam444]

Go over and spend a few hours hanging around the student union building or other student gathering place. You'll find out pretty quick what other students use or don't use. I took a college Spanish class last fall and I have to tell you. I never saw a backpack in use, not even once. I was really surprised. But i guess I shouldn't have been. I haven't seen DD17 use a backpack since she was in 8th grade.

Interesting - what do they use? Here all the highschoolers use them - & so do most college kids. In my classes its a mix 'cause we are only taking 1 class a day - so many don't bring a backpack -

 

[browneyes106]

I think everyone gave you some great suggestions. I'm currently taking a grad school class right now and I will be taking two grad school classes this fall. I think maybe wait on a buying a backpack until you know whether you are going to have soft cover or hard cover textbooks or if you would have time in between classes to go to your car to take back books.

I agree with the previous poster get a day planner or there day planner apps available for cellphones or iPod Touch. I use index cards often for notes but I usually use them while I'm at home.
Other supplies you might need
mini-dictionary or thesaurus
a role of scotch tape

 

[minkydog]

Interesting - what do they use? Here all the highschoolers use them - & so do most college kids. In my classes its a mix 'cause we are only taking 1 class a day - so many don't bring a backpack -

DD17 carries her books in her arms. She hasn't used a backpack for the last 5 years. When I was on the college campus last year I saw students trekking around with their books under their arms, but never in backpack, rolling or otherwise. Like the rest of the students, I just carried my notebooks and books in my arms.