MagFrame
Student or parent, that back-to-school rush comes quick—and strong. One minute you're basking in the final whiffs of summer sun, and the next minute, you're racing against the clock to have everything prepared for the first day of school.
Which is why MagStuff has put together a handy, at-the-last-minute checklist with all the essentials school supplies you'll need to hit the ground running.
Because let's face it: the sooner we have to ready up, the more likely we are to forget something essential. And with more schools using a mix of old-school paper-based and new-school digital tools, being ready day one has never been more important.
Beginning secondary school, or perhaps a quick primer for the new school year?
These timeless essentials should be in every backpack:
- Grid and lined notebooks – Great for taking notes and doing math problems.
- Pens – Blue, black, and red are generally a good choice.
- Pencils and eraser – Suitable for drawing, diagrams, or corrections.
- Protractor or set square – Necessary for math and geometry.
- Pencil case – Keep everything in one place.
- Highlighters – Suitable for marking significant notes or main points in textbooks.
- Book covers and labels – Maintain textbooks in good condition and easy to find.
- Dictionaries – Easily forgotten, but still useful for language courses.
- Calculator – Make sure to check which model your school approves.
- Planner or diary – Keep track of assignments, exams, and due dates.
- Binders – Keep loose papers, handouts, and coursework organized.
- Document folders (fasteners) – Keep your notes tidy and takeable.
Being organized is not only about the right gear—it's also about planning wisely. Some students learn in different ways, and some tools will make a huge difference in the effectiveness with which you manage your time and assignments.
Pro tip: Invest in a magnetic whiteboard for your study space.
Here's how to make the most of it:
Mind maps – Visually dissect complex topics.
Brain dumps – Put down everything you need to do and clear your head.
Weekly study schedules – Stay on track with a simple overview.
Project planning (Scrum-style) – Organize large tasks in visual columns of work.
Accessories to level-up your whiteboard game
Whiteboard pens & magnetic holders – So they're always at hand.
Striping tape – Useful for creating clean sections without smudging your layout.
Planning strips – Use for headers such as "To Do", "In Progress", and "Done."
Letter and number stickers – Great for dates, deadlines, and organization.
Magnetic memo bars & magnets – Stick up notes, reminders, or inspirational quotes.
Magnetic erasers – Convenient to use and not so easy to lose.
Magnetic tape – Attach your paper notes directly to the board.
Magnetic windows – Keep your class schedule organized and readable.
New school year bonus tips & tricks
A few simple tricks are a lifesaver:
- Make your set square or calculator magnetic using magnet tape so they won't disappear in your desk drawer.
- Put an envelope in your planner to store your set square—tape the edges so it won't pop out.
- Reinforce your book covers with washi tape on the corners to prevent tearing. Make sure they’re snug to avoid rips when pulling books from your bag.
- Bring your own whiteboard marker so you’re always ready to use classroom boards.
- Buy two notebooks per subject—one to start, one as backup. Add a couple extras just in case.
- Go through second-hand book websites such as bookmatch.nl before purchasing brand new. Always cross-check the ISBN number to obtain the correct edition.
Going back to school doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and a little planning, you’ll feel confident and ready from day one. Whether you’re heading into high school, vocational training, or college life, Magstuff has your back with the supplies and tips to make this your most organized and successful year yet.
Good luck this school year—you’ve got this!
