Must Have List for Adult Students

5 Back To School Necessities For Continuing Education Adults

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

I'm going back to school at age 40! I'm starting my school supply shopping but I am starting to realize that I've been out of the game so long, I don't even know where to begin. Do they even make #2 pencils anymore? Can you think of anything I'll need to purchase so that I can be super successful as a continuing education adult?

Sincerely,

It's only been 20 Years

Dear It's Only Been 20 Years,

So much for #2 pencils and wire bound notebooks. Today's student needs a different set of school supplies, and adults continuing their education after a break of a year, or a decade, or more (Boomer glam-parents), are going to have a while new list of school supplies.

Top 5 unexpected necessities back to school:

1. A lap top computer with an internet account and wireless accessibility will make your life so much easier. If you can afford it, go for it. You can buy them for between $800 and $3000 depending on how many bells and whistles you want. Why? You ask? Because you can tuck a laptop into your handbag or over your shoulder and work in the library, on the bus or train, during lunch, between classes or while you're doing other things that don't require your brain, just your body (can you say, carpool lane?).

2. If you're a single parent continuing your education, you need membership at a warehouse shopping center like Costco or Sam's Club. Shopping is one of the most time-consuming things you will do, and if you have children, you'll be doing more of it than other adults. Stock up on frozen entrees and snacks like teriyaki rice bowls, taquitos, mini cheeseburgers and lots of bottled water, juice, and whatever else you drink so there is ALWAYS something to eat, and you don't have to worry about going to the store. Again. You'll also be glad to not have to shop for paper goods like toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, etc. It may not be your lifestyle forever, but if it works for now, adopt it!

3. Auto club membership. Late nights at the library mean you're going to be on your own with your car in the dark more often than ever. Don't leave spare tires, locked in the car keys, and out of gas emergencies to fate. A membership in your local auto club will eliminate anxiety, time and money in the case of emergency. It's insurance in a way.

4. Printer ink cartridges. Buy them in bulk and get them in advance. You'll save money and you won't panic when you run out of ink in the middle of printing out your 40-page-paper due in two hours with not a drop of ink cartridge ink in the house.

5. Gym membership. I know it sounds like it's completely unrelated and frivolous, but trust me. Especially for adults returning to school, staying healthy, in shape, and well rounded (and I don't mean your body parts!) by balancing work, school, working out, and playing with family, is more important now than ever. You'll weather more stress better if you're in shape. Many gyms are affiliated with universities and many universities have gyms on site that you can use for free as part of your tuition.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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