Ultimate Back to School Essentials Guide for Teens
As another new school year approaches, parents all over the country are facing the prospect of back to school shopping - but how do you know if all the ‘essentials’ are true must-haves for your child? School uniform shopping is expensive enough, so we’ve put together a short guide on how to shop the back to school heroes and avoid unnecessary expense. This is your one-stop ultimate back to school essentials guide for teens!
Financial Assistance for School Uniforms
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. School uniforms are expensive! And lots of schools are pretty strict on what your child can and cannot wear, so before you spend a penny it’s always a good idea to get the official list of required supplies from the school direct. The last thing you want to do is spend lots of money on incorrect items and have to fork out again once September hits.
Set a budget for everything you need and price up as you go along - but don't panic, as there are ways that you can keep the costs down. Schools are required to follow legal guidance when it comes to uniform - for example, branded items aren't always mandatory (and schools are required to offer options for non-branded items too), so check in with your school before you start shopping.
However, if you are still struggling, you might be able to get help:
Government help with back to school shopping
Every year in the UK, lots of families face financial burden when it comes to buying school uniform. But did you know that you can get help from the government? In fact, there’s more than one way that you could get help buying school supplies.
Check your local council’s website to find out if they provide financial assistance for buying school uniform. Enter your postcode here to find out more.
In England, some local authorities will provide grants to parents to help with the cost of buying school uniform, so get in touch to find out if you’re eligible. If you’re in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can check here to see if you can apply for help with buying school uniform.
Some schools will run their own schemes to help parents who are struggling, and many will also offer second-hand items too.
If you receive Universal Credit or Income Support, you may be eligible for help in buying school uniform. Again, check with your local authority.
Local Community Support for buying school uniform
Always check local groups for details of community support too, There many be initiatives where parents can trade in uniform, or donate clothing that’s no longer needed. Lots of charitable organisations, churches and community groups run uniform banks or swap events that you can attend, and don’t forget lost property! Get in touch with your school to see if they have a policy on items left behind - often unclaimed items are made available for families in need.
Buying school uniform from charities and non-profits
We’re huge advocates for buying pre-loved, and especially when it comes to school uniform, Lots of charities and non-profit organisations such as The Salvation Army, Family Action and local food banks will have programs dedicated to supporting those who are finding back to school shopping difficult.
Look out for back to school drives or voucher schemes, and if you’re able to donate items your child no longer needs then please do so.
Top 5 Back to School must-haves for teen girls
Here at WUKA we’re on a mission to make missed school a thing of the past for girls on their period. On average, girls in the UK miss 3 days of school per term due to their menstrual cycle, which equates to 54 days, or 11 academic weeks, by the time they leave full-time education. We have to change this!
So while we agree that uniform, books, pens and other supplies are essential for back to school shopping, there are other must-haves that need to be on your radar too.
1. Period pants
Given the fact that so many are missing out on school due to their period, it might come as no surprise that period pants are top of our back to school essentials list. Period pants can be a complete game-changer for younger girls and teens navigating their period at school. No need to pack their bags with plastic-riddled disposables, no crinkly packets and no need to make special arrangements for a toilet pass either.
Our Teen Stretch™ for Super Heavy Flow pants can be worn for up to 24 hours without leaks or odours, so if using the loo at school is an issue for your child, these are the pants for your back to school list. You can also browse our Period School Sets, featuring our best selling multi-size Teen Stretch™️ period pants (a favourite with teens and parents alike, thanks to the Stretch™️ technology which allows one pair to fit up for 3 sizes - even if your child is having a growth spurt!), and our new Teen Stretch™️ for heavy flow in light nude colour.
All items in our Back to School collection are currently 3 for £36 - including our new Teen Stretch™️ Boxers, so its a great idea to stop now and save while you can!
Don’t forget to pop a two-pocket changing bag in your basket too - great for storing spare pairs and used pairs during the school day.
2. Period swim wear
According to Nuffield Health, 84% of girls say that their period is a barrier when it comes to sport, and in particular swimming. - a staggering 1 in 4 girls miss out on the pool when they’re on their period, whether due to pain, lack of adequate period products or low self-esteem and confidence.
When it comes to adequate period products, lots of schools have disposable tampons to hand for anyone on their period during swimming lessons, but this is less than ideal for everyone. So, perhaps period swimwear should make it to your back to school essentials list too.
Our teen swim range is Swim England approved so can be worn during lessons. Our bikini bottoms can be worn under your child’s normal suit, and we also have period swimsuits in black, blue, pink and green. They work by keeping pool water out, but period blood in - find out more here.
3. Pain relief for period cramps
Check with your school’s policy on pain relief, but if you child does suffer with painful cramps then this is another great one to add to your back to school shopping list. Another option is to tie our wearable hot water bottle around the waist, tucked in under the school shirt. This will help so much with cramps - but again, check with the school to make sure it’s ok.
4. Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is always essential, but especially if you’re on your period - so a reusable water bottle is a must, especially if period cramps are an issue. Not drinking enough water can actually worsen period pain for some, as dehydrated muscles can lead to increased cramps - the last thing your child needs once the new terms begins!
5. Toiletries
Fed up of having your own cosmetics pilfered, or constant demands for products your child’s seen online and just has to have?! We feel you. So start the new term on the right foot, with a toiletry bag filled with products that are age-appropriate and safe for your child to use.
Right now there’s a huge problem when it comes to teens being fed ads for skincare products that just aren’t suitable for them to use. That’s one of the reasons why we teamed up with Green People, who have a fab teen skin care range and natural deodorant specifically for younger skin. Check out our Back to School Confidence kits, featuring our best selling Teen Stretch™ boxers and Green People Oy! Natural deodorant.
Being prepared is one of the best ways to help your child feel ready to tackle anything, so doing the back to school shop together is a really great idea. This new school term, help your child build confidence so they feel empowered to embrace new challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm!
