The ultimate back-to-school checklist for students

Summer break is coming to an end, and it's time to get back into school mode.

After the break, this can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but a little planning can make all the difference, so we've created the ultimate back-to-school checklist to help you feel ready to crush the new school year.

So, let's get started.

• Pens and pencils
  Blue or black pens and a #2 pencil or two will cover all your writing needs
• Colored pens and highlighters
  Make your notes pop and highlight key info ready to review when exams roll around
• Eraser, White-Out, and correction tape
  Everyone makes mistakes, but these will help you keep everything neat and tidy
• Pencil sharpener and ruler
  These two are there to keep everything looking sharp and neat
• Calculator and compass/protractor set
  A scientific calculator covers most classes, but if you're heading into Algebra II, Pre-Calc, or beyond, a graphing calculator (the TI-84 Plus is the classroom and SAT/ACT standard) is worth the investment
• Notebooks and loose-leaf paper
  You'll need somewhere to test out those pens, pencils, and highlighters after all
• Three-ring binders and folders
  Keep your work safe and easy to find when you need it
• Planner
  Never miss a deadline, and keep track of all your extracurricular activities
• Water bottle and lunchbox
  Stay hydrated and keep those snacks safely away from the mysterious crumbs that gather at the bottom of every backpack. An insulated tumbler (think Stanley or Owala) is also having a moment if you want to stay on trend
• Handy extras
  A dictionary, thesaurus, or even a whiteboard with a marker can be useful if you have space
• Backpack
  You're going to need somewhere to put all this stuff - look for one with a padded laptop sleeve if you're carrying a device to school

In today's digital world, gadgets and tech are a must-have for school success:

• Laptop/Tablet
  A lightweight, portable device is essential for coursework and online research (check whether your school issues a Chromebook or iPad, since that may cover some of this for you)
• Headphones or wireless earbuds
  Ideal for listening to lectures or studying in a quiet environment, or blocking out noisy roommates or siblings
• Portable charger
  Never again find yourself watching those last few percent of battery drain away during class or while you're on the go
• USB flash drive
  Save your hard work and securely store those all-important files, though cloud storage like Google Drive is worth setting up too in case a drive gets lost

When winter rolls around again, you'll want to be toasty warm and dry:

• Waterproof jacket
  Essential for cold, wet days. A warm, waterproof coat will keep you comfortable, cozy, and dry
• Umbrella
  A compact one can be your best friend when a sudden downpour strikes
• Warm layers
  Think sweaters, gloves, hats, scarves, and some extra thick socks. Your head, hands, and toes will thank you
• Comfortable footwear
  Waterproof boots or shoes keep your feet dry and warm, no matter how slushy the weather outside