Buy school supplies before or after term starts?

Do both, in two steps. Before term, buy only the basics you are sure to use: a few notebooks, pens and a charger. After the first week, buy the rest once you know what each class asks for.

Why waiting works

Teachers often hand out a supply list on day one or two, and it can be very specific. A certain type of notebook, a graph pad, a calculator model. If you bought a big stationery set early, you may own half of it twice.

What to buy early

• Two or three notebooks or one binder with dividers
• A pack of pens and a pencil
• A basic bag you will use daily (see how to choose a backpack for college)
• A charger for your device

That is enough for week one in almost any class.

What to wait for

• Calculators, because the exam rules can name a model
• Textbooks, because you may be able to rent or borrow them (see buy vs rent vs borrow textbooks)
• Art or lab supplies
• Anything a teacher calls "required"

The exception

If you will be far from shops, or items sell out at term start, buy the list items early. Check the school website for dates.

A useful habit

Keep a running note on your phone called "to buy". Add things as classes ask, then buy in one trip. For the order of purchases across the term, the back-to-school shopping list by week lays it out.

A note on sales

Early sales on school supplies can look tempting. A sale is only a saving if the thing was on your list. If it is not, skip it. You can always buy the item later, and often at a similar price.

Skip this term

A giant pre-packed stationery set. You will use a fraction of it.