Yes, it’s still July. No, you’re not too early.
If you're anything like I was in school, you're probably telling yourself you still have plenty of time to get ready for the semester. (Cue studio-induced denial.) But here’s the thing: mid-July is secretly the best time to grab your architecture supplies—and not just because of Prime Day.
Whether you’re prepping for your very first design studio or gearing up for your final year, this is the window to get ahead—before prices spike, stock runs out, and you’re stuck waiting a week for trace paper to ship. [Full disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links.]
🛍️ 1. Prime Day Deals Are a Goldmine for Studio Essentials
From lead holders to sketchbooks to the just-right lamp that won’t fry your retinas at 2 a.m., Prime Day is when a lot of your must-haves go on serious sale.
These aren’t just wishlist items—they’re tools that can actually make your studio life smoother, less stressful, and maybe even a little more fun. (We’ll take what we can get, right?)
📦 2. Shipping Delays + Tariffs = No One’s Friend
You’ve probably already noticed that things don’t arrive in 2 days like they used to. Add in possible tariff increases this fall, and it’s a good idea to get anything paper, metal, or imported sooner rather than later.
Sketchbooks, drafting tools, markers, even storage—stocking up now can actually save you money (and panic later).
photo credit: @mehranbiabani
✏️ 3. Studio Culture Waits for No One
Professors dive in fast. If you show up on Day 1 without the basics, it’s easy to feel behind.
Getting prepped now means:
You can test out your tools before reviews roll in.
You have time to organize your studio setup.
You start the semester feeling confident (and way more focused).
Trust me: future you—sleep-deprived and glue-covered in October—will thank you.
📚 4. Bonus: It’s Not Just Supplies
Books, too. If you’ve got required reading or design books you’ve been eyeing, now’s a great time to grab them while they’re discounted and in stock.
And let’s be real: you’re going to “just browse” and end up with at least one weird yet oddly perfect design book anyway. Might as well make it a deal.
🧠 TL;DR?
You don’t need to buy everything right now—but grabbing your most-used architecture supplies (and that one book that always sells out) during mid-July is a smart move.
Stock is good, deals are live, and your future studio self is already high-fiving you while cutting foam core at midnight with the olfa knife and self-healing cutting mat you got for a steal.
Want a curated list of tools and books I’d recommend? I’ve gathered my go-tos here for easy browsing:
Recommended Architecture Student Studio Supplies
Recommended Architecture Student Books
Happy Prepping!
Chelsea
(P.S. You’re allowed to feel a little smug when everything shows up early and under budget.)
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Architecture students: now’s the time to grab your school supplies while prices are low and shipping is fast. This post breaks down why mid-July is actually the smartest time to prep for studio—even if the semester still feels far away.