Back to school, back to school. To prove to dad that I'm not a fool.

But really y'all, it's that time again. The time that parents jump for joy and any student dreads the approach of August.

Getting ready to head back to school in the fall can be a stressful time. Whether you're sending your little ones off to elementary school, have a teen just starting high school, or if you're like me and heading back for another year of college in the fall, you need to do some back to school shopping.

While most students would rather be anywhere else other than school, I honestly can't wait to get back on campus and see all of my friends. I'll be heading back to college in early August to move in for the year (even though classes don't start until the last week of August) and I've already mentally prepared a laundry list of things I need.

Things Rachel will BEG parents for before returning to school:

  • A new raincoat (It rains ALL the time in Fayetteville)
  • New rainboots to accompany the raincoat
  • 2013-2014 planner
  • A new coffeemaker
  • Kitchen utensils
  • A new laptop case
  • NEW BEDDING (sorry y'all, but this is what I am most excited for)
  • I'd like some new shoes, who wouldn't?
  • A few spiral notebooks
  • A pack of pens
  • Some highlighters
  • Index cards (by the bulk because it's the best way for me to study)
  • BOOKS (not excited about these, but they cost so much money in college so I thought the all caps was necessary)

Now even though this is just a first draft of a list a college kid moving into her first apartment might need, every student is different and could need things ranging all the way from a backpack to a laptop. Don't worry, I already have a laptop (thanks mom and dad)!

According to the National Retail Federation, back to school costs can average out to be over $600 on supplies, clothing and electronics. What is sad is that this ridiculously large number probably won't even cover the cost of my books for a SEMESTER, let alone a year. The joys of being a college student right? Wrong. Thank goodness I have scholarships!

Don't worry though parents, it shouldn't cost you that much to send your kids back to school if they aren't in college! But wouldn't you rather not even have to pay at all to send your kids back to school?

Whether they are in need of clothes, supplies or electronics you can still enter to win our Back To School contest to win $2,500! Just think, if you're sending your first kid off to college or something this money could easily cover the cost of a laptop or any electronic needs along with textbooks and supplies! Or it could buy your little princess that is starting kindergarten a hundred Justin Bieber t-shirts.

If you're still feeling down about having to return to school though, just check out this clip from Billy Madison that is sure to brighten your day.

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