10 Must Have Back To School Items For High School Students

It's almost time to head back to school. Have you stocked up on everything you need to get through the day? Check off all the must-have items for high school on our list, and you're guaranteed to start off the school year on good footing.  1.
Kimberly Lau
Updated August 18, 2015

It's almost time to head back to school. Have you stocked up on everything you need to get through the day? Check off all the must-have items for high school on our list, and you're guaranteed to start off the school year on good footing. 

1. Get A Graphing Calculator

If you're taking any math classes higher than algebra, a graphing calculator is an indispensable tool. Without it, you're doomed to working out your quadratic equations by hand on paper, and that's no way to live. The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire available on Amazon.com has a touchpad, a QWERTY keyboard, and the ability to see multiple representations of a single problem - algebraic, numeric, graphical, etc. 

2. Use Highlighter Tape Instead Of Markers

If your textbooks need to be returned to your school in the same condition you got it in, but you're dependent on highlighting for studying, there's hope for you. Get highlighter tape from Discount School Supply instead of markers. They're reusable, come with a matte finish that you can write on in pen or pencil, and will remove easily from most surfaces. Save 10% on your Discount School Supply order with promo code SAVE4BTS.

3. You Can Never Have Enough Sharpie Markers

Sharpies are very versatile - use them to take notes, for your school projects, make flash cards, and more. Buy them in bulk at Discount School Supply to get the full rainbow of colors. 

4. Score A New Backpack

Let's face it - the backpack you used last year is probably worn, frayed, and out of style. Use the excuse of a new school year to get a fresh start and get a backpack you love. We adore this mustache and glasses backpack from Amazon.com. You can get them in a variety of colors, including sky blue, red, black, and beige. 

 

5. Ace Your SATs With The New Oxford American Dictionary

Does the phrase "SAT word" send shudders into your heart? Quell those fears with the New Oxford American Dictionary from Amazon.com, and impress your honors English teacher with your vocabulary on your essays. 

6. Do Your Homework More Comfortably With A LapDesk

You don't want to be stuck all afternoon in your room. Bring a MyDesk LapDesk from the Academic Superstore with you downstairs to the living room, to the backyard, and do your homework the way you want to. You can use it in conjunction with your laptop, or use it for studying your textbooks, alongside snacking and writing. The microbead lap pads will ensure a comfortable fit. Get $5 off purchases of $50 or more at the Academic Superstore with promo code 5OFF50BTSACS

 

7. Take Copious Notes In Your Composition Books 

You'll be going through a lot of paper throughout the year, and the best way to keep them in one place is to make your notes in composition books for each subject. Get a 12 pack of the classic composition books at Amazon.com

8. A Good Binder Will Help You Stay Organized

Get yourself a good, durable binder, and you'll be able to juggle your notes for your various classes, your after-school activities, and plans with friends all in one place. We like this Case-It large capacity binder from Amazon.com. 

9. Take Neater Notes With Mechanical Pencils

Taking notes in pen may be satisfying until you make a mistake and you can't find your white-out. Mechanical pencils give you better control, and you can erase your mistakes easily. Grab a 32 count box of Bic Matic Grip mechanical pencils, and relax for the year. 

10. Get A Cute Docking Station For Your iPod Or iPhone

Who says all your back-to-school items have to be school-related? It can't be all work with no play. This pig docking station from Academic Superstore is compatible with most iOS devices, and you can also connect it other audio devices such as your TV or gaming console. You can listen to music while you study, or while you hang out with friends. Use promo code 5OFF50BTSACS to save $5 on purchases of $50 or more from Academic Superstore.