Supplies Needed to Return to School

by Vesna Cemas

I’m considering applying to a new program at my local city college. There are application fees and tuition to consider, obviously. But there’s also all the supplies I’ll need to become a student again. A list:

New notebooks/binders: I can’t decide between the two, so I have to get a few of those Five-Star note-binder things. They are perfection. Also, they’re 13 bucks a pop. Times five for the first semester classes. $65

New pens: A new year is a new me. I need entirely new pens. The point can’t be too fine since I write with a heavy hand. It also can’t spill ink drops all over the place. I’m talking about you, Pentel RSVPs. $10

Coloured pens: For underlining and assigning various importance to points and sentences, obviously. Pens in a minimum of 5 different colours other than black: $15

Highlighters: Must match the small post-it flags for use in notebooks and textbooks. $10

Post-it flags: Mandatory. Must match highlighters, so a chapter in a textbook will have flags and highlighted passages in the same colour. This is very, very important. $12

It now appears I have a lot of things to hold. Need a fancy new pencil case. Canvas. hard-case box takes up too much room. Preferably a cute floral pattern. $7

New laptop: Current one has a sticky keyboard and nail polish stains. Not as fast as it used to be. Get one on clearance. $500

Wait, laptop still works fine. Maybe get a netbook for taking to school? $200

No, Sims 4 comes out next fall. Will definitely need new laptop for the RAM bomb that Sims 4 will inevitably be. $500 + $65 for Sims 4

I’ll need a planner to keep up on my glorious new academic and studious life style. I like leather and leather-like materials. Week-at-a-glance is enough, I’m not Ahhhhhndrea from Beverly Hills: 90210… or am I? $20

A new lifestyle means new clothes. $100

I’m kidding myself. New clothes: $200

Plus new comfy shoes for commuting. $75

I am going to be on the subway or train a lot. Maybe an E-Reader is in order? It would practically pay for itself in all the late fees I wouldn’t have to pay at the library. $100

I’ll need a new totem for this new part of my life. I’ll be That Girl with the Awesome Necklace. I shall be known across campus for my cool necklace and bright teal tights. I suspect Etsy will be involved. $50

So, without including tuition, textbooks or public transit passes, supplies will cost me: about $1,129, plus tax. Sounds reasonable! Bring it on.

Vesna Cemas lives in Canada.

Support The Billfold

The Billfold continues to exist thanks to support from our readers. Help us continue to do our work by making a monthly pledge on Patreon or a one-time-only contribution through PayPal.