Back-to-School Essentials That Will Max Out Your School Setup at SM Supermalls

A new school year is a fresh start, and there's no better time to make sure you have everything you need to hit the ground running. Whether you're heading back to campus, settling into your first dorm room, or finally giving your study space a proper upgrade, now is the time to get your setup right. And if you're also sorting out the kids' wardrobe before classes begin, the kids clothes sale happening across SM stores means you can tick that off the list too. With back-to-school promos happening this June at SM Supermalls, you'll find everything from where to buy cheap school supplies to the tech and room essentials that make the school year so much smoother, all without overspending.

Here's your updated guide to the essentials and where to find them.

Tech That Keeps Up With You

Tablets and laptops are non-negotiable for students today. Research, digital notes, presentations, group work, creative projects — it all runs on a screen. 

Power through lectures, projects, and study sessions with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra 5G and MacBook Neo—your all-out campus essentials this school year.

If you're constantly on the move, a lightweight device makes it easier to stay productive anywhere, from classrooms and libraries to a cafe with WiFi inside the mall. SM Cyberzone carries a solid range of options across different budgets, so you don't have to hunt endlessly online to find good gadget deals. 

Stay charged from class to commute with the Anker 25000 mAh Laptop Powerbank and Momax 10000 mAh Battery Pack.

While you're at it, grab a powerbank too. Long school days are tough on battery life, and the last thing you need is your laptop (or your phone) dying in the middle of something important.

Stationery Worth Caring About

A good pencil case keeps your bag organized and your supplies within reach when you need them. 

Whether you love cutesy finds or clean minimalist styles, these pencil cases from KKV and SM Stationery keep your school essentials organized in style.

Stock it with pens in different ink colors, since color-coding your notes makes reviewing a lot easier, along with highlighters, sticky notes, and an eraser. 

Level up your note-taking game with colorful stationery finds and smooth-writing pens from KKV and SM Stationery

Notebooks are still essential too. From minimalist planners to journals with aesthetic covers, there's something satisfying about writing things down, especially in something that reflects your personal style. 

From KKV notebooks to Mnemosyne planners, your notes just got leveled up.

If you're looking for where to buy school supplies without spending too much, KKV and SM Stationery, among many SM shopping stores, have plenty of options at different price points to suit any budget.

A Bag Built for Busy Days

Your backpack carries everything you need from the moment you leave home to the moment you get back. 

Go all out this school year with stylish everyday carry picks from Herschel Little America and Hawk Backpacks.

Look for one with a padded laptop compartment, ergonomic straps, and enough pockets to keep things organized through a long commute or a full day on campus. 

Keep your school setup stylish and organized with padded laptop sleeves from SM Stationery
and personalized bag tags from Kultura.

There are plenty of stylish and functional options at The SM Store, including trendy styles for teens and college students. And here's a nice bonus: swing by Kultura at SM Mall of Asia, where you can buy bag tags and have them engraved on the spot. It's a small personal touch that makes your bag feel more like yours.

Stay Fed and Hydrated

Bringing packed meals to school is a smart habit, and a good insulated lunch bag keeps your food fresh throughout the day. Pair it with a reliable reusable water bottle, because staying hydrated genuinely helps with focus and energy levels during long school days. 

Cute lunch bags and personalized tumblers for school days on the go.

For something a little more personal, stores like Sunnies Studios or the AquaFlask Design Lab at SM City North EDSA offer free engraving, so you can put your name or a favorite design on your tumbler. And if you forget your packed lunch or just need a break between classes, the SM Foodcourt is always a good option for a quick, affordable meal.

Build a Study Space That Works for You

Your environment has a bigger impact on how you study than most people realize, and this is where you can really go all out to make your space work for you. 

Organize notebooks, chargers, and supplies easily with IKEA’s KUGGIS bins and SKÅDIS pegboard for a cleaner study setup.

A desk organizer keeps your things from piling up into clutter. A study lamp with adjustable brightness reduces eye strain during late-night review sessions. 

Light up late-night study sessions with IKEA’s AKTERSPRING and FORSÅ work lamps.

An ergonomic chair supports your posture through long hours of online classes and assignment work. These are not extras; they are practical investments in your productivity and comfort. 

Stay comfy through classes and study marathons with IKEA’s ELDBERGET/MALSKÄR and ÖRFJÄLL swivel chairs.

Home decor and lifestyle shops like IKEA carry all of these, and putting together a clean, well-lit study area can make a real difference in how you approach schoolwork.

The Details That Make It Feel Like Home

Once the basics are in place, the finishing touches are what make a study space feel personal and inviting. 

Create a calmer study space with IKEA’s KRONSÅNGARE candle and live orchid plants.

A scented candle with a calming scent, a small desktop plant, a few decor pieces that are just yours. These small additions make your corner feel less like a chore zone and more like somewhere you actually want to spend time in. These are easy to find at home and lifestyle stores throughout SM, and they fit naturally into a back-to-school shopping trip.

Get the Most Out of Your SM Trip

Shopping at SM during the back-to-school season is the kind of experience that's hard to beat, especially when you factor in the mall deals and promos available this June. If you have an SM Advantage Card, make sure you're using it. SMAC card benefits let you earn points on everything from school supplies and gadget accessories to home essentials and clothing, and those points add up quickly when you're shopping across multiple stores in one visit.

Whether you're making a quick stop after school or turning it into a full bonding day with family or friends, everything you need is in one place. Check the SM mall directory for stores near you, keep an eye out for ongoing sale promos, and come ready to make the most of it.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X to stay updated with all the latest news and happenings here at SM Supermalls. You can also check the updated entry guidelines and mall hours for 2025 here.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.