2025 Back To School Supply List For College Professors
Looking for the best back-to-school supplies list for professors? This roundup has everything you need to make the school year a success.
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If you’ve read my About page, you know I’m a professor at the college where I earned my second degree in Interior Design, my first was in Fashion Design from FIT.
I first applied to teach in Fashion, but after failing the test (draping and sewing stripes on an industrial machine!), I quickly pivoted.
My Interior Design professors helped me switch departments, and I eventually taught Textiles, Color for Interiors, and Intro to Interior Design.
I took a break when my daughter Bella got older, but during quarantine, I saw my name still listed on the school’s site, so I filled out my availability.
Long story short: they called!
This post is all about the Back To School supplies.
READ MORE>>> Home Decor Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk
Trust The Universe
I know it’s a little woo woo, but I’m all about that these days. I’m willing to try anything to not just survive but THRIVE in this one life I have.
Back to the sorry… not only did the college call, but they did so two weeks before classes started. I filled out the HR paperwork, requested my transcript from FIT, and took the required Blackboard training.
As a result of a professor dropping out at the last minute due to a family emergency, I was given three classes. Classes were fully remote, and ALL classes were new to me.
Two were in Fashion Buying and Merchandising (same class but two sections), and the other was in Marketing. Since I had never taught either before, I took a deep breath, requested the books, and created the course outline as the semester progressed.
This roundup is of the supplies that helped me have a successful and fulfilling semester. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to teach and share my knowledge with the next generation!
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Best Back To School Supplies
1. Daily Planner // 2. Acrylic Calendar // 3. Notebook // 4. Small Post It Notes // 5. Metal Binder Clips // 6. Standing Desk Riser // 7. Apple AirPods // 8. Rhinestone Cover Skin // 9. Apple iMac // 10. Water Bottle // 11. Translucent Square Glasses // 12. Cushioned Floor Mat // 13. Dry Erase Marker // 14. Funny Mousepad // 15. Pocket Folders // 16. Correction Tape // 17. Pilot G2 07 Pens // 18. Color Highlighters // 19. Post-it Page Markers
Check out the supply list of gift ideas below.
1. Daily Planner
A daily planner is a must-have to keep yourself organized. This one is an academic year planner, which is perfect for college professors, teachers, or students.
I’ve tried Google Calendar and time chunking in the past, but I find a good old-fashioned day planner works best for me. You know the saying, when something works, leave it alone!
Not only will this planner keep you organized, but it’s super stylish as well. The black and white design will go with any style of office decor.
2. Acrylic Calendar
This acrylic wall calendar is great for seeing the big picture. It’s essential on the back-to-school supplies list.
The clear design will complement any style of decor, and the reusable design is great for monthly planning. There is a “to-do” and “notes” section on the side for anything special events you want to highlight.
It has a minimalist design that’ll help you stay calm and zen as you go through the school year. Mount it to your wall for a daily reminder of everything you need to get done.
See below for a colorful dry-erase set for all your monthly planning needs.
3. Notebook
A pretty notebook is also high on the back-to-school supplies list. They say the best way to retain information is to write it down.
I find that even if I don’t go back and review my notes, just by writing them, the information stays fresh longer. That said, jot down anything you want to remember or refer back to in this super cute designer notebook.
4. Small Post-It Notes
Love a set of Post-it notes, especially when they’re the color of the rainbow. Use them for notes, important reminders, or as a bookmark.
This set of 100 small Post-it notes will keep you focused and on track the entire school year.
5. Metal Binder Clips
Stay motivated and organized with these cute gold assorted clips. They’re great for keeping important papers together or hanging documents on your corkboard.
6. Standing Desk Riser
A standing desk is a must-have for teachers who have Zoom meetings or the occasional need to teach from home. Sitting all day is bad for our hips, so a standing desk is fabulous for keeping our muscles active.
It also helps with confidence, clarity, and posture. This standing desk is available in multiple colors and sizes. It has a separate shelf that’s great for your keyboard or anything else you want to keep out of the way.
Lift the riser in one smooth motion and you’ll be ready to go.
7. Apple AirPods
Connect these AirPods to your phone, computer, or iPad to stay focused. They’ll also help eliminate distractions and outside noise.
Once the workday is complete, use them to work out or listen to your favorite podcast episode. If you’re an early riser, they’re perfect for your morning routine as well.
8. Rhinestone Cover Skin
Keep your AirPods safe and secure in this rhinestone cover skin case. It’s great for adding a little sparkle and shine to your day.
9. Apple iMac
Gone are the days when you need a Power Mac computer to get the job done. Nowadays, the iMac is just as powerful and super compact.
This is the computer I use for everything I do, and three years later, it’s still running fabulously. I have to say there’s nothing like a Mac computer.
Related Post: 23 College Tech Essentials Students Will Actually Use And Love In 2025
10. Water Bottle
For those who struggle to get a bottle of water down during the day, this is a must-have. It’s a pretty reminder to “drink water” and stay hydrated.
There are multiple colors available, so choose the color palette that speaks to you. Keep it on your desk or in your work bag for a daily reminder.
11. Translucent Square Glasses
Blue light glasses are great for protecting your eyes from the glare of the computer. This stylish pair will go with any outfit and help prevent fatigue.
12. Cushioned Floor Mat
An anti-fatigue cushioned mat is a must-have on the back-to-school supplies list. If you purchased the standing desk, it’ll help cushion your feet and support your back.
13. Dry Erase Marker
This dry-erase set is awesome for the acrylic calendar above. The multi-color set will help you stay organized and focused.
It comes with a spray and an eraser to make sure your board is clean and well-maintained.
14. Funny Mousepad
Obsessed with this mouse pad! It’ll be a daily reminder to be the unicorn in the field of horses and do you! There are other funny designs and sayings if you prefer one with less of a potty mouth. Ha Ha
15. Pocket Folders
These stylish folders are both pretty and functional. The sayings are great to help you power through the year as the fierce, strong, and unstoppable best version of yourself.
We’re all a work in progress, my friends, and the struggle is real!
16. Correction Tape
Never be afraid to make a mistake. It’s part of the journey and the best way to learn and grow. Just remember to hear the message the first time.
So often we repeat the same mistakes over and over. Again, it’s a daily practice!
That said, this correction tape is high on the back-to-school supplies list!
17. Pilot G2 07 Pens
These are the BEST. PENS. EVER!! Whether you’re using them for journaling, keeping notes, or grading papers, they get the job done.
They have a thin, smooth ink that’ll flow across the page.
18. Color Highlighters
No products found.Add these highlighter pens to your back-to-school supplies list. They’re great for highlighting the important facts, details, and information in your important documents, books, or notebooks.
19. Post-it Page Markers
These fun Post-it page markers are perfect for bookmarking your favorite pages or for simple reminders. Just hang them throughout your home with mantras, notes, or appointments.
You can never have too many notes to help you stay on track.
I hope this post helps you stay organized and motivated as you go through the school year.
This post is all about the Back To School supplies list for professors.
Side note: I am so very grateful for this opportunity to be teaching again. I’m also excited about helping my students learn and grow this semester!
The faculty and staff have been extremely helpful, and I couldn’t be happier! I’m learning to Trust The Universe more and more each day and know it’ll all work out the way it is supposed to. : ))
Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by Nicole DelaCruz
