VAN ALSTYNE, TX -- A local college has come up with a unique way to supply students with school supplies, all by using a vending machine.

It’s an all familiar sound, dropping of coins into a vending machine, but instead of dispensing a chocolate bar or a cold drink, this particular machine here dispenses school supplies.

"It was a life savior," said freshman, Nathan Coleman.

Installed just six weeks ago, this vending machine at the Grayson County College South campus has saved several students from the peril of missing a test.

"I was taking an English test, and I didn't know that we needed a scantron for it, so I had to use this particular machine to buy one," said Coleman.

Along with providing test materials for students, this machine also carries USB drives, Kleenex, and even cough medicine.

"As we get into cold and flu season those become important," said Kim Williams, Dean of Grayson College South.

More than 500 students attend Grayson College South in Van Alstyne, but unlike their main campus in Sherman, this location doesn't have a bookstore, which is why the school decided to invest in this unique contraption.

"We wanted to be able to provide convenience for them, the same as our students on the main campus might have," said Williams.

The school supplies contraption works like any other typical vending machine, you choose a number that coordinates with the item that you would like, it then tells you the price, and finally you can choose to pay for it with a credit card or cash.

Once the item drops, students can head straight to class with it.

A big convenience since the nearest store to purchase these supplies is several miles away.

"It’s very good to have here, it’s very useful," said freshman, Jorge Torres.

While there are still a few kinks to work out on the new machine, the school says students are welcoming the handy appliance with open arms. 

"Students no matter how old always need school supplies," said Williams.

While there are no immediate plans of adding additional machines just yet, the school says positive feedback from students may change that in the future.