This year, I will be a second-year student in a School Psychology grad program (AHHH!!! 😲). To help out the new cohort of students coming into the program (or anyone going back to school), here’s a little compilation of what you need to bring for your first day of grad school, in order to be successful. Note: These are my personal opinions and things that were super helpful for me!
Laptop 💻
This is a must-have in the classroom! Most, if not all, of the professors in my program, upload their PowerPoints online before class begins. This is super helpful when the prof is sharing a lot of important material at once and you need to get all the information.
Notebook and Pen 📓 🖊️
Even though I take all of my notes on my laptop, I still carry a notebook around. I don’t usually use it in the classroom, but I found it to be handy when I’m at practicum. I can take quick notes when I am shadowing the school psychologist in the schools. It also comes in handy when I took some behavioral data. The picture above has some fun, de-identified names (all the kiddos are “Mickey Mouse” or “Minnie Mouse” LOL). Plus, you can’t go wrong with having your “handy dandy notebook” (I hope you understood that reference! *Blue’s Clues* 💙 🗒️). Also, the Writech pen that I have is super nice to fidget with because it has a “silent clicker.” It’s nice because I can click the pen as many times as I want without bothering anyone! Thank you, acceptable fidget pens!!!
Planner 📝
Alright for this one, I’m a little old-school and opt to use a paper planner. There’s just something about physically writing in your planner. I don’t know, maybe it just gives me the illusion that I’m being “productive.” 🤷♀️ But either way, it is essential in getting my life together (or somewhat together). I also have a digital calendar with my school email that helps me keep track of assessments that I need to administer and clientele cases as well. But, whether you go old-school with a paper planner or go digital, keep a planner with you!
Folder 📁
This one I feel like I don’t use as often, but I keep it in my bag just in case I have any loose papers or handouts. It’s especially handy when you have different protocols to transport and some worksheets that your practicum supervisor hands out.
Water Bottle💧
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but the classrooms can get very dry, so the water bottle is going to be your best friend! Stay hydrated everyone!
Bonus Tip: Prepare your little introductory pitch that EVERY first class requires LOL. Most of the time, you talk about why you chose to go into the field and fun facts about yourself. So make sure you have your go-to statements to avoid any awkward, thinking pauses.
Links
Here are some links to my favorite school supplies and other necessities:
- Writech Gel Pens
- Pen + Gear Notebook
- Mintgreen Planners
- Pen + Gear Folder
- Simple Modern Water Bottle
If you want to hear my initial thoughts about grad school, then take a look at the link here. For updates on how school is going, then click on the link here. Happy Back-to-School season!
*Hey! Just wanted to let you know that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links, I will earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!*
