The Essential School Supplies Online Students Need to Succeed
Written By: Jennifer King Logan
Published: 4/5/2022
Distance learning offers several unique benefits 鈥� such as flexible schedules and more programs to select from without relocating 鈥� making it the perfect choice for both undergraduate and graduate students who prefer a nontraditional approach to higher education. If you've decided to enroll in an online degree program or simply plan to take a number of online classes, this list of online college school supplies will help you set yourself up for success in the distance education environment. Be sure to check with your instructors or refer to the class syllabus before making any major purchases to ensure you're buying exactly what you'll need for your courses.
Written By: Jennifer King Logan
Published: 4/5/2022
Distance learning offers several unique benefits 鈥� such as flexible schedules and more programs to select from without relocating 鈥� making it the perfect choice for both undergraduate and graduate students who prefer a nontraditional approach to higher education. If you've decided to enroll in an online degree program or simply plan to take a number of online classes, this list of online college school supplies will help you set yourself up for success in the distance education environment. Be sure to check with your instructors or refer to the class syllabus before making any major purchases to ensure you're buying exactly what you'll need for your courses.
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Given that distance-learning students conduct the majority of their educational activities online, it's only natural for them to need a number of technology items — even more so than students attending traditional schools. The tools and services listed below make online learning easier, and they may even alleviate some of the stress that can come from technology glitches. All of these supplies for online college can be purchased through a variety of in-store and online retailers, and some directly from the manufacturer's website. (Note that we independently researched these items and price ranges were accurate as of the publication of this article.)
Computer or Laptop
The most essential online school supply is a reliable computer, and it's important to have one that meets your school's specifications so that you can easily use whichever online learning management system is provided. Whether you prefer a desktop or laptop computer, many options are available from Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, and others. Prices vary widely depending on each computer's capabilities, but an average range is $400-$1,000. It's best to choose a model with a built-in webcam, but if your computer doesn't have one, you can buy an economical webcam for $30-$40.
Keyboard and mouse
Regardless of whether you choose a desktop or laptop computer, an external keyboard and mouse are smart buys. These items prevent fatigue and strain on your body when you're working at your computer for long periods of time. Some are included with the purchase of a computer, but if not, many models are readily available and affordable. Keyboards start at about $35, and a basic mouse runs $10-$15.
External monitor
If you're working on a laptop, you may want to purchase an additional monitor. Laptop screens can be quite small, making it difficult to shift between documents or browsers as you work. Depending on size and other characteristics, monitors typically cost $120-$300.
High-speed internet access.
Online learners living in remote areas may find it challenging to access broadband internet, but if it's at all possible, you should upgrade to ensure a quality online learning experience. Nationwide, the — even more so than students attending traditional schools. The tools and services listed below make online learning easier, and they may even alleviate some of the stress that can come from technology glitches. All of these supplies for online college can be purchased through a variety of in-store and online retailers, and some directly from the manufacturer's website. (Note that we independently researched these items and price ranges were accurate as of the publication of this article.)
Computer or Laptop
The most essential online school supply is a reliable computer, and it's important to have one that meets your school's specifications so that you can easily use whichever online learning management system is provided. Whether you prefer a desktop or laptop computer, many options are available from Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, and others. Prices vary widely depending on each computer's capabilities, but an average range is $400-$1,000. It's best to choose a model with a built-in webcam, but if your computer doesn't have one, you can buy an economical webcam for $30-$40.
Keyboard and mouse
Regardless of whether you choose a desktop or laptop computer, an external keyboard and mouse are smart buys. These items prevent fatigue and strain on your body when you're working at your computer for long periods of time. Some are included with the purchase of a computer, but if not, many models are readily available and affordable. Keyboards start at about $35, and a basic mouse runs $10-$15.
External monitor
If you're working on a laptop, you may want to purchase an additional monitor. Laptop screens can be quite small, making it difficult to shift between documents or browsers as you work. Depending on size and other characteristics, monitors typically cost $120-$300.
High-speed internet access.
Online learners living in remote areas may find it challenging to access broadband internet, but if it's at all possible, you should upgrade to ensure a quality online learning experience. Nationwide, the that supports you and your efforts. The following supplies for online school should help promote physical wellbeing and effective study habits.
Adjustable desk chair
As an online student, you're going to be spending more time seated at your desk than usual, so you owe it to yourself to invest in a quality desk chair that will support you physically. Look for models that offer back and arm support that you can adjust to fit your body. Also check to make sure the office chair you purchase is designed for five to eight hours of daily use. For quality at this level, most recommended brands fall in the $150-$300 range.
Laptop stand
If you've opted for a laptop and you spend a lot of time reading or writing on your computer, a laptop stand raises your screen to the appropriate height to avoid straining your neck and shoulders. Many adjustable or stationary models are available for $20-$35 from office supply stores and other retailers.
Basic school supplies
Pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, paper clips, note cards, three-ring binders 鈥� these familiar standbys still do a great job of helping you keep track of important information and notetaking. Purchased all at once, these may total up to about $35. One extra item you may find useful is a desk organizer to corral these items when not in use. A wide range of school supply options is available, most for $15-$30.
Desk lamp
Many people don't realize this, but poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches while negatively impacting your mood. For a desk lamp that allows you to adjust it to fit your needs, experts recommend brands like that supports you and your efforts. The following supplies for online school should help promote physical wellbeing and effective study habits.
Adjustable desk chair
As an online student, you're going to be spending more time seated at your desk than usual, so you owe it to yourself to invest in a quality desk chair that will support you physically. Look for models that offer back and arm support that you can adjust to fit your body. Also check to make sure the office chair you purchase is designed for five to eight hours of daily use. For quality at this level, most recommended brands fall in the $150-$300 range.
Laptop stand
If you've opted for a laptop and you spend a lot of time reading or writing on your computer, a laptop stand raises your screen to the appropriate height to avoid straining your neck and shoulders. Many adjustable or stationary models are available for $20-$35 from office supply stores and other retailers.
Basic school supplies
Pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, paper clips, note cards, three-ring binders 鈥� these familiar standbys still do a great job of helping you keep track of important information and notetaking. Purchased all at once, these may total up to about $35. One extra item you may find useful is a desk organizer to corral these items when not in use. A wide range of school supply options is available, most for $15-$30.
Desk lamp
Many people don't realize this, but poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches while negatively impacting your mood. For a desk lamp that allows you to adjust it to fit your needs, experts recommend brands like , illustration, architecture, or landscape design, you'll often need to create concept drawings and renderings for your assignments. Some instructors may want you to use traditional art materials to create these drawings, in which case you may need high-quality drawing paper, pencils, markers, drawing tools, watercolor paints, and more. Available at art and craft stores as well as online retailers, these materials can easily run $100-$200 per class. However, some instructors may allow you to use a digital drawing and painting tool, such as ProCreate, Art Studio Pro, or Photoshop Sketch. Most of these apps cost about $10, but some only run on specific devices.
Students enrolled in graphic design online programs are generally required to use industry-standard software to complete their coursework so they can start building marketable skills right from the start. The Adobe Creative Suite, which includes InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is available by subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Students can subscribe for $19.99 per month the first year and $29.99 per month after that.
Online students majoring in sciences such as chemical engineering and biology — or even students taking just one online lab science course to fulfill a general education requirement — may need to purchase materials for conducting experiments at home. Some schools allow you to purchase lab kits that contain everything you need to complete an assignment, and they cost $50-$200 each. If you anticipate taking several online lab courses, you may also want to invest in a few standard items. Useful lab equipment might include cylinders, beakers, test tubes, rubber stoppers, safety goggles, and gloves. These are easily ordered online, often available in sets starting around $60. Other items may include a hot plate or burner ($25-$65) and a microscope ($200-$350).
Students preparing for careers in the sports industry through online education may need to dress in sports attire at times, especially when fulfilling internships or taking other courses that include time in the gym or on the playing field. Personal training, exercise science, or sports education majors may need activewear and appropriate shoes for these occasions. Sold online and at sporting goods stores and other retailers, you can expect to pay $15 and up for sweatpants, $20 and up for yoga pants, $25 and up for bike shorts, and more than $100 for most athletic shoes.
As all gamers know, you need a high-end computer for gaming if you want the graphics on your screen to be visually impressive and the gameplay to be powerful and responsive. Advanced equipment is equally important if you've decided to earn an online degree in video game design or animation. If you're looking for a desktop model, experts point to computers from Apple, Microsoft, Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Cyberpower, among others, most of which fall in the $1,000-$3,000 range. For those who prefer more portable models, look into laptops from Razer, Asus, Dell, and Lenovo. These laptops are somewhat more affordable, but still run $1,000-$2,000.
If you're pursuing an online degree in the medical field, such as nursing, pharmacy, or dental hygiene, you may be expected to dress the part, especially when you're building up your clinical hours. Specifically, you may need to purchase scrubs, a lab coat, or something similar. Medical uniforms are widely available online, possibly including your school's bookstore, and they're also sold at uniform supply stores and some general retailers like Walmart and Target. Inexpensive lab coats run $20-$45, and a set of scrubs starts at about $50. Check with your school before buying anything, however, to make sure you get the right type and color. Also, some schools may require you to buy items with the school's name embroidered on them. Allow plenty of ordering time so you're ready on the first day.
Special Items for Specific Majors
While many undergraduates and grad students never need much more than a few online school essentials and a well-organized place to work to complete their online degree programs, some may need additional supplies related specifically to their course of study. The following list offers some examples.
If you're planning to major in a creative field, such as fashion design, illustration, architecture, or landscape design, you'll often need to create concept drawings and renderings for your assignments. Some instructors may want you to use traditional art materials to create these drawings, in which case you may need high-quality drawing paper, pencils, markers, drawing tools, watercolor paints, and more. Available at art and craft stores as well as online retailers, these materials can easily run $100-$200 per class. However, some instructors may allow you to use a digital drawing and painting tool, such as ProCreate, Art Studio Pro, or Photoshop Sketch. Most of these apps cost about $10, but some only run on specific devices.
Students enrolled in graphic design online programs are generally required to use industry-standard software to complete their coursework so they can start building marketable skills right from the start. The Adobe Creative Suite, which includes InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is available by subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Students can subscribe for $19.99 per month the first year and $29.99 per month after that.
Online students majoring in sciences such as chemical engineering and biology — or even students taking just one online lab science course to fulfill a general education requirement — may need to purchase materials for conducting experiments at home. Some schools allow you to purchase lab kits that contain everything you need to complete an assignment, and they cost $50-$200 each. If you anticipate taking several online lab courses, you may also want to invest in a few standard items. Useful lab equipment might include cylinders, beakers, test tubes, rubber stoppers, safety goggles, and gloves. These are easily ordered online, often available in sets starting around $60. Other items may include a hot plate or burner ($25-$65) and a microscope ($200-$350).
Students preparing for careers in the sports industry through online education may need to dress in sports attire at times, especially when fulfilling internships or taking other courses that include time in the gym or on the playing field. Personal training, exercise science, or sports education majors may need activewear and appropriate shoes for these occasions. Sold online and at sporting goods stores and other retailers, you can expect to pay $15 and up for sweatpants, $20 and up for yoga pants, $25 and up for bike shorts, and more than $100 for most athletic shoes.
As all gamers know, you need a high-end computer for gaming if you want the graphics on your screen to be visually impressive and the gameplay to be powerful and responsive. Advanced equipment is equally important if you've decided to earn an online degree in video game design or animation. If you're looking for a desktop model, experts point to computers from Apple, Microsoft, Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Cyberpower, among others, most of which fall in the $1,000-$3,000 range. For those who prefer more portable models, look into laptops from Razer, Asus, Dell, and Lenovo. These laptops are somewhat more affordable, but still run $1,000-$2,000.
If you're pursuing an online degree in the medical field, such as nursing, pharmacy, or dental hygiene, you may be expected to dress the part, especially when you're building up your clinical hours. Specifically, you may need to purchase scrubs, a lab coat, or something similar. Medical uniforms are widely available online, possibly including your school's bookstore, and they're also sold at uniform supply stores and some general retailers like Walmart and Target. Inexpensive lab coats run $20-$45, and a set of scrubs starts at about $50. Check with your school before buying anything, however, to make sure you get the right type and color. Also, some schools may require you to buy items with the school's name embroidered on them. Allow plenty of ordering time so you're ready on the first day.
Staying on Budget
After reviewing this list of supplies for online college, it's easy to see why the College Board estimates that . However, there are ways to save. For instance, your school may have arrangements for discounts on certain brands of products through partner programs. Also, your school's library and IT department may loan or rent some items to enrollees. With careful planning and savvy shopping, you can still afford to purchase what you need to make your school experience a success.
Staying on Budget
After reviewing this list of supplies for online college, it's easy to see why the College Board estimates that . However, there are ways to save. For instance, your school may have arrangements for discounts on certain brands of products through partner programs. Also, your school's library and IT department may loan or rent some items to enrollees. With careful planning and savvy shopping, you can still afford to purchase what you need to make your school experience a success.