Never underestimate the impact that good stationery can have on your academic career. From helping you be more productive to making it easier to remember things, the right stationary can not only make your college career easier, but it may make it more enjoyable as well. Here are some essential stationery items you should make part of your college routine today.

1 – A Sturdy Notebook

First and foremost, you’ll need a reliable notebook to jot down all those lecture notes, ideas, and to-do lists. There are many types of notebooks out there; look for one with a durable cover and strong binding, as it’s going to be your constant companion throughout the semester. You may also want to opt for lined, dotted, or grid paper, depending on your preference.

2 – A Collection of Pens

Next up, you’ll need a variety of pens to suit different writing needs. While a standard black or blue ballpoint pen is a must, don’t forget to include some colored pens for highlighting, underlining, and color-coding your notes. This will help you quickly locate important information when you’re reviewing for exams. Additionally, a smooth and comfortable pen can make the note-taking process more enjoyable and less of a chore.

3 – Colorful Highlighters

It’s hard to overstate just how useful highlighters can be. These colorful markers are essential for emphasizing key points in your notes, textbooks, and study materials. Consider getting highlighters in various colors, so you can create a color-coding system that works for you. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to review your notes later on.

4 – A Trusty Pencil (or Two)

Pencils are the unsung heroes of the stationery world, perfect for sketching diagrams, drafting outlines, or simply doodling during a particularly dull lecture. Make sure you have a couple of quality pencils on hand, along with a sharpener and eraser, for those times when you need to make changes or corrections to your work.

5 – A Dependable Eraser

Speaking of erasers, you’ll want to invest in a good one that effectively removes pencil marks without smudging or tearing your paper. A high-quality eraser is crucial for keeping your notes clean and legible, especially when you’re working on math problems or sketching out ideas.

6 – A Ruler for Staying in Line

A ruler might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of college stationery, but trust us, it’s an essential tool to have in your arsenal. Not only does a ruler help with drawing straight lines and creating neat diagrams, but it can also be used for measuring and scaling when you’re working on lab reports, art projects, or other assignments that require precision.

7 – Sticky Notes for Quick Reminders

Sticky notes are a college student’s best friend when it comes to quick reminders, bookmarks, or even adding additional notes to your textbook or notebook pages. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, allowing you to create a personalized organization system that suits your needs. Plus, they’re easily removable, so you won’t have to worry about leaving a permanent mark on your books.

It can be useful to match the size of your sticky notes to the size of your notebook. As this notebook size chart showcases, there are plenty of options to choose from, and a sticky note that is too big may be hard to fit among your other notes.

8 – A Durable Folder or Binder

Organization is key to academic success, which is why you’ll need a sturdy folder or binder to store your class materials. Opt for one with multiple pockets or dividers, so you can easily separate and organize your notes, handouts, and assignments by subject. This will make it a breeze to find what you need when you need it.

9 – A Handy Stapler

You may not think of a stapler as an essential stationery item, but trust us, you’ll be glad you have one when it’s time to submit your assignments. A small, portable stapler can save you from frantically searching for one in the library or borrowing from a classmate. Having your own stapler ensures that you can keep your papers neatly organized and ready for submission at a moment’s notice.

10 – A Versatile Set of Index Cards

Last but certainly not least, index cards are a must-have for any college student. These small, durable cards are perfect for creating flashcards to help you study, jotting down important points from lectures, or even organizing your thoughts for a presentation or paper. They’re easy to carry with you, making them ideal for quick study sessions between classes or during your daily commute.

Remember, staying organized and well-prepared is crucial to your academic success, so make sure you’re stocked up on these essentials. And don’t be afraid to personalize your stationery with colors, patterns, or designs that make you happy – after all, a little inspiration can go a long way in making your college journey enjoyable and successful.