Back to School: The Ultimate Checklist

Even though I am a university graduate and it happened a lot time ago, I am exciting to write this post. Back to School time of the year is almost as exciting as Christmas. Why? One reason: stationery! :) Not that I didn't like going back to school after summer holidays (I actually really did!). However, shopping for new pencils and new notebooks is So.Much.Fun. Stationery is not just "stuff" you get in order to use it. It can be inspiring (!) and it can easily put you in a better mood when you colour-code in that brand new lovely notebook or get to make that sentence stand out with a spanking new funky-looking highlighter. Even your busy class schedule doesn't bother you because hey, you get to jot those hours in with your new gorgeous pens! Fellow stationery addicts, you know exactly what I am talking about! Even if you don't go back to school (HS, college, uni), these items would always feel welcome in your handbag, because: a) you might need; b) they are cute! I think B wins. 

Here's my Back to School checklist (stationery edition):

• Planner is definitely essential (at least, it was/is to me). It keeps that busy schedule of yours organised and helps you remember important dates/appointments/commitments and that upcoming holiday ;) Also, you can decorate your planner the way you want to. Sky's the limit!
• Notebooks are perfect for taking notes in class or at work. Spiral ones work the best for me because they are just more handy to use. Note to self: must learn how to start using those gorgeous notebooks that look too precious to write in them.
• Ring binders take organisation to the next level. If you get a lot of paperwork or need a way to get those bills/certificates/random papers (you name it) in order, ring binders would be a great solution.
• Subject dividers work perfectly for a) diving subjects (moment of revelation! haha) and b) serve the dividing purpose in your ring binder to separate the sections (for example, 1) home; 2) work; 3) car etc.).
• Index cards and sticky notes: I can never have enough of these (while having more than enough!). They do an amazing job at helping you to get that speech sorted, those tricky test questions learned, and sometimes the only way you remember to make that hair appointment is when you label your every room with bright post-its.
• Pencil case is a great home to those gorgeous new pens, pencils and markers you have. The variety is endless and you can go wild picking one out. I don't know how big your writing tools collection is but mine could probably cover a lifetime of 100 people scribbling away all day every day :)
• Hole puncher would come to use when you need to keep those papers secure inside your ring binder. There are many types of hole punchers: manual, electric, 4-hole, 3-hole, 2-hole and single-hole. Pick one that suits your needs the best.
• Erasers and sharpeners, scissors and cutter knives, stapler and staples are very much self-explanatory items. Small tip: I wouldn't carry a cutter knife with me (same goes for scissors and staples), to be honest. It can stay at home and serve its purpose there. 
• Highlighters and washi tape: I admit I haven't fallen on the washi tape bandwagon yet, but I hear it's a fun ride :) Though, I've seen such a wide range of them used by people, and they do look amazing. However, I love highlighting. That, and colour-coding.
• Calculator might sound like a pointless item since the majority of us have smart phones. Nevertheless, I personally prefer a nicely-designed stylish calculator that helps you get those numbers right - even if you are a Maths genius and can calculate big in your mind (I take my hat off to you, btw).
• Small notebook: why do you need it if you have a bunch of bigger ones? It's easier to carry it around and pull it out to jot down those notes or thoughts quickly. It is a fab tool for any blogger to have at all times: ideas, ideas everywhere...

Paperchase

Hope you enjoyed this post and the Back to School checklist which I made myself according to my personal needs and preferences. Paperchase images are used for inspiration only, this is not a sponsored post. I wish, right? :) What's in your Back to School checklist?  Leave a comment, follow me on Bloglovin', tweet me your thoughts and ideas.