High school freshman survival kit will be useful for anyone graduating middle school and entering high school.
You may be wondering what you need for high school. What should you pack? What do you actually need?
These are the ultimate essentials that I wished I knew before entering high school.
Based on four years of my high school experience, these are the must-have essentials to include in a high school freshman survival kit.
Are you unsure of what to bring and not bring?
Well, you have come to the right place.
This post is all about the complete high school freshman survival kit.
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High School Freshman Survival Kit
1. Hand Sanitizer
It’s always good to have hand sanitizer handy for school. You never know who was sitting in your seat previously.
Better be safe than sorry!
Use some before lunch and also to keep those germs away!
And remember to wash your hands after using hand sanitizer ten times or it becomes not as effective.
This was such a life saver whenever I got sticky fingers from eating chips or trail mix.
2. Hair Ties
It can be a hassle when your hair is all over your face when you are running a mile, eating, or taking an important test.
Have a pack of hair ties or scrunchies handy so you can keep your hair away during those important occasions.
Keeping a pack in a small pouch can help you keep them all together and not lose them.
Opt for hair ties wrapped with fabric, silk, or velvet over ones that are plain elastic.
Plain elastics place more pressure and strain on your head which can cause a receding hairline or balding spots.
3. Wipes
Wipes are near the top of my list. I didn’t think they were as important- but they are.
Use them to wipe your desk or any surface. You can also wipe your hands after lunch to keep them clean if you don’t have time to go to the restroom.
Get the skinnier packs so you don’t have to carry a large block in your bag.
If your teachers have hand sanitizer and wipes in their classroom, then you don’t need to carry them.
It is convenient to have some in case you encounter any accidental spills or food related incidents.
4. First Aid Kit
Sometimes you might have a small cut or scratch, and a mini first aid kit will be useful.
Even though you can go to the nurse, having a bandaid and some alcohol wipes on hand can be convenient.
If you easily get paper cuts, then a first aid kit will be especially useful for you.
There was always someone getting a cut or scratch during lunch so a mini bandaid was always there to save the day.
Instead of using our precious lunch break to go to the nurse’s office, we can solve the problem on hand.
5. Tissues
You never know when the kid next to you got the flu. So keep a pack of tissues with you in case of cold season or after meals.
And sometimes if the custodian doesn’t have enough time to replenish toilet paper…well you saved yourself.
Opt for a variety pack or bundles to save more than purchasing a single pack of tissues.
6. Extra Mechanical Pencil Lead
Having extra lead for mechanical pencils can prohibit you from getting up and sharpening pencils.
You can also share with others if you have a large pack.
I recommend getting 0.5mm and 0.7mm lead.
If you prefer thicker lines, opt for the 0.7mm or higher numbers. However, if you prefer thinner, more precise lines, go for the 0.5mm lead.
Buy higher quality or brand-name mechanical pencils so the lead stays sturdy longer and doesn’t break as easily.
7. Pens
Writing in ink can last longer on pages than in pencil.
Taking notes in blue ink also aid with studying and retention over black ink.
Having a few pens on hand can be great if someone needs a writing tool.
But do remember to bring no. 2 pencils too for tests and scantrons.
If you wish to learn more about high school content, check out must-have high school freshman reading list.
8. Snack
It is easy to get hungry quickly when you have classes all day.
Pack some trail mix, fruits, or granola bars to keep you alert and ready for the entire day.
Designate a specific section of your backpack for snacks/food so you can separate your school supplies from your food items.
It is also better to eat multiple small meals throughout the day than large meals at a time.
My favorite snacks are dark chocolate, protein bars, and trail mix with almonds, cashews, and honey glazed nut clusters.
9. Gum/Mints
This is the easiest way for you to make new friends.
Have a pouch of mints or gum for times when you need to freshen up your breath or stay awake.
Whenever I have a mint after lunch, I feel more alert and less likely to feel sleepy.
Try to aim for mints or gums with little to no sugar so you won’t get cavities.
10. Toothbrush/Toothpaste
If you have braces, bring a small kit with toothpaste and a toothbrush to clean up after each meal.
You can also get these Crest Scope Water-Free Minibrushes, 2-ct. Packs, which allow you to brush your teeth without any water needed.
They have them at Dollar Tree if you are looking for options.
It is crucial that you care for your teeth or it is very easy to have cavities during your braces period.
11. Deodorant
If you have PE, which you probably do, a deodorant will be a lifesaver!
Sweat stains are gross so apply some before you go jog that mile or jump into a sport.
There are many options on the market from spray-on to roll-on types.
Pick a scent that you like, and pick the type of applicator you want.
A mini deodorant will be easier to keep around and transport if you need to.
Go for ones with a clear formula so it is less likely to leave a white cast on your clothes.
12. Body Spray
Sometimes deodorant is not enough. For those extra sweaty, gross days, spray some body spray afterward.
If you have a class right after, this will cover up that you just ran a mile and keep you fresh all day.
Have a mini one again to carry with you easily.
Some teachers may be sensitive to heavy scents so pick ones that are lighter and more natural.
I recommend going for scents like fresh linen, ocean breeze, or light floral scents.
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13. Lip Balm/Chapstick
Apply lip balm or chapstick every few hours so your lips don’t look wrinkly and dry.
Opt for ones with an applicator and stay away from those where you need to apply with your fingers.
Using your fingers will spread germs around and there will be chapstick residue left.
It’s fine to use lip balm by using your fingers to apply, but use them at home instead of school.
I prefer ones with a light tint so you don’t have to carry around a lip tint and a lip balm.
14. Water Bottle
Bring a reusable water bottle to refill and drink water throughout the day.
I recommend getting a 32 oz. water bottle so you only need to refill it once to get your daily 8 cups of 8-ounce water.
Each person have a different recommended water intake based on your height, weight, and activity levels.
Try this daily water intake calculator to determine how much water you need to drink per day.
Hydro Flasks have been a popular choice for water bottles, but similar brands keep your water cool as well.
15. Extra Tee
If you sweat a lot after PE, have a backup light outfit in your gym locker to change into.
This way you can change your shirt if your previous outfit is warmer or you don’t want to get it dirty.
You can also store an extra tee and change into it if you accidentally spill something on your outfit during lunch.
16. Mini Stapler/Scissors set
If you don’t like getting up to staple your assignments, then having a mini stapler will be amazing.
Instead of waiting for the class to each staple their papers, you can just whip yours out and staple your papers.
It is also nice to have a mini pair of scissors and some paper clips for collecting the papers together.
17. Wallet
It is nice to have a small wallet or pouch to hold your cards or money.
Start using a credit card under your parents’ names or open an independent one so you can start collecting credit.
You can also opt for ones that you can stick on the back of your phone so you have it with you at all times.
The earlier you learn about finances and money, the more responsible you will be in the future.
This post was all about the high school freshman survival kit that you need.
