The Ultimate Nursing School Must-Haves: 34 Essentials for Back to School

Whether you’re in your first year or final year, starting nursing school is exciting, overwhelming, and a little intimidating all at the same time. Between class, studying and clinicals, nursing school can feel like a lot!

This list includes all of the nursing school must-haves! Including things you’ll need and many things that will make your life a lot easier while you’re navigating it all.

Who am I?

Hi, I’m Sophia! I’ve been in your shoes: four years of nursing school for my Bachelors plus another post grad year, and now ten years as a NICU nurse. This list includes my favorite nursing school must-haves that make those long days a little easier!

If you are interested in becoming a NICU nurse, check out my post the details all my tips and advice for landing a NICU job! (many tips include things you can be doing WHILE in nursing school!)

Click here: How To Land A Job As A NICU Nurse In 2026 – Tiny Steps Home

Bonus: Everything on this list is available on Amazon, making back-to-school shopping quick and easy!

Let’s dive into my must-have nursing school supplies!

1. Comfortable Scrubs

You’ll spend countless hours in scrubs during clinicals.

Look for scrubs that are breathable, stretchy, and comfortable enough for long days on your feet. Having at least two to three sets makes life much easier.

Some nursing programs require a specific brand, but if you’re able to choose yourself, these are my favs! This set is less than $25 on Amazon!

2. Supportive Nursing Shoes

If there’s one thing worth splurging on, it’s your shoes. You will spend a lot of time on your feet and want your body to be supported well.

My personal favorite is Hoka (along with many of my coworkers!)

They’re incredibly comfortable. These specific ones are wipeable, and your feet will thank you after a 12-hour clinical day.

3. Compression Socks

Compression socks help reduce leg fatigue and swelling during long shifts! They seriously make such a difference!

4. A Cute Badge Reel

A fun badge reel is an easy way to add a little personality while keeping your ID accessible.

There are so many to choose from that relate to your specialty or just one’s you think that are cute!

5. Lanyard

If you’re anything like me, you don’t love the way a badge reel weighs down your top.

I prefer a lanyard to hold my badges and things. Bonus if it’s stretchy so it’s easier to pull when utilizing your badge for tapping/scanning.

(Not all hospitals or programs allow them so make sure you check first!)

6. Scrub Jacket

Hospital can be hot or cold.

A scrub jacket is easy to throw on and off depending on how you’re feeling. They also will match your required color easily!

7. A Great Water Bottle

Hydration is easy to forget when you’re busy.

My favorites are the Owala & the Hydrojug! So many fun colors.

8. A Quality Coffee Cup

Let’s be honest…coffee will be your best friend in college and into your career!

With late nights studying and long days, coffee will help fuel you!

9. Sharpie S-Gel Pens

These are hands-down the best pens! They don’t smudge and write so smoothly.

10. Mechanical Pencils

You’ll use pencils more than you think, especially for exams and assignments.

These are the best ones.

11. A Planner

Between lectures, assignments, exams, clinicals, work, and life, staying organized is essential.

A planner helps you keep everything in one place.

12. Highlighters

Perfect for textbooks, study guides, and lecture notes.

13. Clickable Sharpie Markers

These clip right onto your badge or pocket, making labeling supplies quick and convenient.

Hospital air is incredibly dry.

14. ChapStick

The hospital is dry! You’ll be reaching for you chapstick consistently.

15. Badge Reel ChapStick Holder

This might seem unnecessary… and maybe it is. But as much as I need my Chapstick it’s the most convenient option!

When I put it in my pocket, I end up dropping it on the floor multiple times (disgusting!). The holder is a game changer.

16. Under-Scrub Shirts

Perfect for hospitals that seem permanently set to “freezing.”

17. Stethoscope

Some programs provide one, but if you’re purchasing your own, Littmann is the gold standard.

A quality stethoscope can last your entire nursing career.

18. Hair Ties & Hair Clips

When things get busy, you’re going to want your hair out of your face!

19. Hand Lotion

Frequent hand washing, hand sanitizer, and dry hospital air can leave your hands feeling rough.

A good hand lotion is a must-have (just make sure it’s hospital approved.)

20. Large Tote Bag

Books, lunch bag, water bottle, coffee, pencils, etc….. a roomy tote keeps everything organized.

21. Pen Light

You’ll likely need one during clinical assessments.

They’re inexpensive and worth having.

22. NCLEX Review Book

Even if graduation feels far away, having an NCLEX review book early helps reinforce what you’re learning throughout nursing school.

23. Headbands

I’ve been in your shoes and I know washing your hair is not always going to get done before clinical shifts. A headband is the perfect cover up!

They also help keep hair out of your face during patient care.

24. Notecards

Flashcards remain one of the best study tools for memorization!

25. Nursing Scissors

A nurse necessity! Check with your unit first to ensure they don’t already supply them. If not, here are some good, inexpensive options from Amazon.

26. Foldable Nursing Clipboard

It gives you a place to write report, keep important notes, and often includes helpful nursing reference information right on the clipboard.

27. A Watch

Many patient rooms have clocks, but having your own watch makes taking vital signs much easier.

A smartwatch that tracks your steps is a fun bonus.

28. Portable Chargers

Your phone quickly becomes one of your most-used nursing school tools—for looking things up, checking schedules, communicating with classmates, and staying connected during long days away from home.

Having a backup charger is incredibly helpful.

29. Badge Accessory Holder

Keeps your Sharpie, scissors, pen light, and other essentials together in one place.

30. Stethoscope Charms

Not essential… but definitely cute! It will help your stethoscope stand out and be a good conversation starter with patients!

31. Healthy Snacks

Long lectures and clinical days don’t always leave time for full meals.

Pack easy grab-and-go snacks like:

• Protein bars
• Trail mix
• Beef jerky
• Mixed nuts
• Dried fruit
• Popcorn

You’ll thank yourself later.

32. Gum or Mints

Although not necessary, trust me, you’re going to want mints or gum at the end of a long day. Especially after coffee and food!

Bonus points: you will be everyone’s favorite nursing student if you have a supply of mints/ gum to share!

33. Pencil Pouch

A cute pencil pouch keeps all your supplies organized and easy to grab.

Bonus points if it has a fun nursing theme!

34. Report Paper

You’ll learn what your unit typically uses or what you personally like as you gain experience.

Until then, showing up with paper to take notes during clinical is always a smart idea.

Amazon has several nursing report sheets designed specifically for different hospital specialties. (At minimum, make sure you have a notebook to take notes or report on!)

Final Thoughts

Starting nursing school can feel overwhelming, but having the right supplies helps you feel more prepared and confident from day one.

Remember—you don’t need everything immediately. Start with the essentials, add items as you go, and invest in products that will last beyond graduation.

I hope this list helps make your transition into nursing school a little smoother. Wishing you an amazing semester—you’ve got this!

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission- at no extra cost to you- if you choose to make a purchase through them. I only recommend products and services I genuinely use or believe may be helpful.