Back to school time is a mixed bag. It’s time to get back to the grind, but also time to see school friends and learn new things. If you want to be truly prepared for university you need the right school supplies. To help you make the right choices, Hazelview brings you this list of what you need, and where to get it.
Laptop
A laptop is pretty much essential for university. And depending on what kind of person you are (mac or pc) a new laptop is obtainable in a variety of ways. In-store: from the Apple store to Best Buy, Costco, university bookstores and mom and pop computer shops, you can find pretty much everything. Plus there’s the advantage of seeing what you’re buying, and talking to an actual human about the product. Online: from Amazon to the Apple store, Best Buy and more, pretty much everything in a store is available online - and with the advantage of having it delivered to your home. Used: from Craigslist to Kijiji and authorized Apple resellers, great deals can be found on used laptops. Be sure to do your due-diligence, but used machines can often save you half the price of a new one.
Backpack
From designer bags to walmart no-name brands, backpacks and rucksacks are everywhere. The trick is finding that unicorn mix of affordability and quality. But don’t think too hard - one of the best and easiest options is scrolling through the stock of Mountain Equipment Co-op. Durable, affordable, and available in a variety of models and price points, it’s a Canadian-made option that doesn’t disappoint.
Notebooks
There are a few things the dollar store really nails: one of them is school supplies. While you won’t necessarily get the best pens on the planet, their notebooks are great.They’ve got different colors, sizes, line widths, dividers, no dividers, holes for integration with binders - they’re hard to beat. And they’re cheap.
Pens, pencils, highlighters
There’s a whole lot you can get for cheap at the dollar store. But other excellent options include Canadian Tire, art supply stores like Currys, Deserres, as well as long time office supply giant, Staples.
Printer
Common office supply stores and online shopping hubs generally stock the largest supply of printers and printer gear (Staples, The Source, Best Buy, Amazon, etc.), but they can also be found at university bookstores and small computer shops. The main point to consider with printers is the cost-use ratio. While cheap up front, standard ink/bubble jet printers have a lifespan of a year if you’re lucky, and laser versions are pricey, while ink and maintenance for all is a costly pain. A lot of times using a local print shop, Kinkos, or the university bookstore is cheaper and more convenient in the long run.
Hazelview hopes this list of school supplies and where to get them helps you find what you need for university this year. For more information about Hazelview Properties in your city, please visit our website.