What you actually need as a post-secondary student

Very little is needed for success

A season many dread: back to school. It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be costly. Many of us believe that to be prepared, we’ll need plenty of new stuff. Textbooks, headphones, backpacks, laptops, *takes a heavy breath* notebooks, a whole new desk setup, a new water bottle, a slew of dorm living products, organizers, a portable hard drive. The list goes on.

The truth is, you don’t need to spend all the money you’ve earned over the summer, nor do you need everything suggested to you by Staples. In reality, you’ll only need a few select supplies to accomplish the important tasks school will inevitably throw at you.

Using the school’s resources

A narrow aisle between tall, crowded bookshelves in a dimly lit library leads to a wall of colorful and worn books. — *Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash.*

Getting your student ID knocks out half of your back-to-school shopping list. Your ID provides you with student discounts, full library access, a free gym membership, mental and physical health experts and different levels of tutoring, among others.

No need to buy office supplies either. Your student card comes with $25 for printing that refreshes every academic year. The library and multi-function areas around campus also provide anything else you’ll need. Staplers, tape, three-hole punchers and hand sanitizers, all readily accessible. Some professors understand that these are no longer household items and offer them in class as well.

Get organized

Hermes from Futurama taking notes. — *Via GIPHY*

Avoid buying any textbooks until your professor says it’s necessary. There are countless recommendations at the start of the semester that teachers love to throw up on Blackboard. Sometimes, they’re just that, suggestions. Professors typically ensure that textbooks are available at the Humber library, eCampusOntario or any of the GTA libraries if you still want to read them, free of charge.

The same goes for specific materials for your program. Buying anything preemptively is a recipe for disaster. Our anxiety can take over sometimes, so it’s best to confirm everything with your professor. You’ll be surprised by what you’ll actually need. Your professor will give you ample time to get everything too. Odds are you won’t need it until much later in the program anyway.

Something you can’t do without, though, is a planner. It’s the backbone of student life and it doesn’t change when you walk through post-secondary doors. Prevent yourself from spending money on an overly complicated, lavish calendar or digital apps locked behind a paywall. Dollar store planners will do, and there are free digital options as well. Google Calendar, TickTick, or even a shared calendar like Cozi for big-brain organization.

Dorm life, home life

An unhygienic cat is working hard in a messy room on a cluttered desk. — *Via GIPHY*

Trust me, everyone needs a welcoming space to work. A desk and a laptop are all you’ll need. Even then, these aren’t necessary. Libraries and most classrooms have free computers and workspaces. If you do end up buying a laptop with your newfound student discount, but still don’t have a workspace at home or just prefer a cozier atmosphere, then head over to a local coffee shop.

You can even head to the IGNITE Zen Zone for a quiet, cozy study space.

If you’re a homebody, make sure your space is as comfortable as possible. Stay on the lookout for those money-grubbing, trendy items calling your name. You’ll most likely have limited space to work with, but rest assured, there isn’t much you’ll need to be comfy. Make your space your own. Blankets, lamps, knick-knacks, plants and other decor can turn a drab workroom into a place that motivates and inspires creativity. Nobody wants to be in an environment they’re uncomfortable in.

Just wait

A penguin with an afro lifting sunglasses with dollar signs poping out their eyes. — *Via GIPHY*

Thinking of buying a new flashy item that promises to make post-secondary life easy? Pump the brakes there. Personalizing your school life is awesome, but think it over before clicking ‘Buy now’. Those products will be around long after the overwhelming ‘Buy it now’ attitude of back-to-school sales ends. Sure, you might not save $5 on a product you’ll want three months from now, but you also won’t have a $30 Hello Kitty collapsible lunch bag collecting dust since you prefer to eat at home.

Just like everything else in life, only stock up on the things you’ll need after a hectic party-driven summer. Replacing worn clothes, backpacks, lunchboxes and using student prices to top up on your coveted PRESTO monthly pass is essential for surviving school. Use student discounts and back-to-school sales to your advantage. This isn’t an excuse to go on a shopping spree for a whole new wardrobe, but shoes without holes in them can perk up spirits.

Investing in tech for your commute, like a portable power bank, earbuds or noise-cancelling headphones, is helpful as well, especially on a noisy bus, but it’s not vital. Black Friday and holiday sales are coming up, so if expensive tech is out of your budget, it’s worth the wait.

Be smart!

Three women with one arm up looking over a sunny city. — *Image by Simon Maage via Unsplash.*

Don’t let a back-to-school sticker on a product or a TikTok lifehack fool you. Students don’t need much to succeed. The attitude and the minimalism lifestyle are more important than having every school product for every need and want. As the school year goes on, products to make post-secondary life easier will always be there once you’re sure they fit with your newfound routine.

With the money you’ve saved, you can go enjoy your favourite hobby, put it towards your tuition or get a head start on paying off the books and materials for your specific program. The less you have, the more organized and blissful your experience as a student will be.

Feature image courtesy of Matt Ragland via Unsplash.

Whatever you’re buying, make the smart purchase. Stop spending money out of stress or boredom.