As a student, Amazon is a lifesaver. With over 12 million products, quick shipping, and a student Prime discount, Amazon is the go-to shopping site for many students, including me.
But other than the essentials, there are many undiscovered goods on Amazon. In this post, I’ll reveal 15 Amazon essentials (all under $25) every student should know about.
Laptop Stand
After sitting in front of your desk for a while, you might suddenly realize that you’re sitting like a shrimp. Your back is screaming at you to sit up straight, and your neck cracks at least 4 times when you look up.
A laptop stand elevates your screen to eye level so that you can straighten your back while working at your desk. This ensures better posture and a healthier body in the long run.
There are many different laptop stands on Amazon, and I own this one. It’s incredibly sturdy and has great ventilation. However, due to its shape, it’s not portable. If you’d prefer something smaller, I recommend this foldable laptop stand:
Wireless Keyboard
One inconvenience of laptop stands is that once your computer is elevated, it’s very difficult to type comfortably on the laptop’s attached keyboard. For this reason, I suggest investing in a keyboard as well.
This Arteck wireless keyboard is popular on Amazon for its ergonomic design and lightweight. It includes a number pad for those who enter numbers often, and is powered by a rechargeable battery.
If you have an Apple MacBook, you may have some trouble adjusting to the Windows layout. So instead, check out this OMOTON Bluetooth keyboard for Mac:
Digital Clock
While you can also use your phone or computer to check the time, I find that neither is as effective as a digital clock. First, I like to keep my phone away while studying and working. In addition, the clock on my laptop is very small, and when my tabs are on full screen, it’s not visible at all. Having a digital clock available at first glance solves these problems.
You may have seen this LED digital clock on TikTok – it works fine, and I think it’s a very nice addition to your space. But if you’re not hanging it up on the wall, this clock will take up quite some space on your desk.
I own a much smaller clock – the IKEA Klockis. This is a battery-powered, multifunctional clock/thermometer/alarm/timer. Simply flip the clock over to one side, and the function will change. I use this not only to check the time, but also to set a Pomodoro timer for myself while studying.
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Pen Organizer
If you’re like me, you might have an abundance of pens: pencils, colored pens, highlighters… you name it. To make sure you’re not cluttering your space, and that you will be able to find the correct pen when you need it, use a pen organizer!
If you simply need somewhere to store a handful of pens (and don’t feel the need to separate or categorize them), something like a mason jar or mug would work.
If you have different types of pens (for example, different colors, different pen sizes, and different functions), use a designated pen organizer. I use one like this, and this product comes in a set of 3 organizers and 2 cups– perfect for someone who needs both storage and organization!
Sticky Notes
Sticky notes are one of my favorite places to write down quick reminders. While I prefer to make daily plans and make full to-do lists on my iPad or laptop (Todoist is a super helpful app), I use sticky notes for 1) long-term to-dos and 2) ultra-important reminders.
If I have long-term tasks (like an assignment, project deadline, payment, etc), I write it down on a sticky note and place it on my wall, above my desk. This ensures that every time I sit down at my desk, I am reminded to complete or work on those tasks.
Though a digital plan is helpful, having a to-do list in plain sight is by far the most effective way for me to remember to complete those tasks. So if you tend to forget your to-do’s, try writing them down on a sticky note and placing it somewhere visible!
Blue Light Glasses
Students today often spend a large chunk of their study time staring at a screen. While I don’t condemn the use of online study tools, it’s important to address the potential health damages they electronics cause.
Electronic devices emit a significant amount of blue light, harmful radiation that– in the long run– can cause headaches, insomnia, and even vision loss (though very rare). To prevent these side effects and protect your eyes and health, put on a pair of blue light-blocking glasses.
Remember to practice other protective methods as well, such as going outside often to relax your eyes, and massaging them when they feel strained. If your eyes get dry easily, also use eyedrops!
Fake Plants
Plants are a great way to liven up your workspace. Having some greenery in a serious environment can make it look more “alive,” making you feel less trapped if you’re confined to your desk for long hours.
Additionally, if you have real plants, they can help circulate the air around your desk (as plants do)! But if you don’t have the time and effort to dedicate to taking care of real plants – I understand, me too – fake plants work perfectly.
You can get potted plants to put on your desk, above your desk on shelves (maybe on hanging shelves?), or hanging vines. You can even get flowers to stick in a small vase!
Desk Vacuum
If you always find a pile of eraser shavings, small paper scraps, dust, and other small pieces of trash on your desk, a desk vacuum may be a practical investment.
This ODISTAR mini vacuum is wireless and long-lasting with each battery charge. Due to its size, you can bring it beyond your desk to make sure your space is clean, wherever you go.
Though you can also use a mini trash can to collect all the trash, a desk vacuum is arguably more efficient and effective at the job. And if you like the modern upgrade it gives your desk, a desk vacuum is a perfect addition for you.
USB Adapter
Many new electronic products, especially Apple products like the MacBook Pro, are now equipped with only USB-C ports. This can be a problem for those who have a display monitor, need to transfer documents often, need a wireless mouse, etc.
A USB-C Hub/Adapter solves all the problems above. This USB Hub can be plugged into any device with a USB-C port, and you can then plug in up to 5 different ports– USB (there are two ports for USB 3.0), HDMI, USB-C, TF Card, SD Card.
10 Foot Charging Cord
Though a charging cord is included when you purchase a new phone, it’s sometimes not long enough for daily usage. For example, the included charging cable for iPhones is only three feet.
This 10 foot iPhone charger will make it much easier to reach your phone while it’s charging. Personally, I like to charge my phone before I sleep, and this lengthier cable allows me to hold my phone comfortably from my bed as it charges.
This product comes in a pack of 2 cables, so you can leave one at home and bring one to school or work (it comes in very handy for me!):
Blackout Blinds
If you prefer complete privacy in your room or like to sleep in during the mornings, these blackout blinds may be helpful; as the name suggests, blackout blinds will block (almost) all the light from outside.
These Redi Blackout Paper Shades are an affordable but effective alternative to true blackout blinds. It comes in a pack of 6, and each is made of durable paper. You can trim the size of the blinds to fit your window perfectly, and no tools are needed for installation– perfect for a dorm room.
Hanging Shelves
If you have a small room without space for bookshelves, bedside tables, and other storage options, hanging shelves may help you maximize your space.
These hanging shelves are perfect for small objects like books, potted plants, cameras, candles, and other small trinkets. They are easy to install and sturdy, and are the perfect addition to your space.
Water Bottle
Always remember to stay hydrated! Keep a water bottle at your desk so you always drink enough water, even while you’re focused on an assignment.
If you feel that a cup isn’t enough for your study session, and you’d like to stay at your desk the entire time, keep a large water bottle with you. However, a cup also has its advantages– it forces you to take a break from your screen and walk to fill the cup again. So, the choice is yours!
Jewelry Organizer
When I was younger, I made the mistake of putting all my necklaces and bracelets together in a basket. Each time I tried to pick out one to wear, I’d have to spend at least two minutes untangling the mess.
Now, I use a standing jewelry rack to organize everything. I own this organization stand, which is sturdy, adjustable in height and rotation, space-efficient, and perfect for displaying my favorite necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.
Claw Clips
Claw clips have been blowing up online, and Amazon is the perfect place to get high-quality ones for affordable prices. This 12-pack comes in a dozen different colors, and are the perfect gift for yourself or others.
Conclusion
And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed this post and were able to find something you’d like to add to your shopping cart. If you did, comment below which one it was! If you didn’t, let me know what you think I should’ve included!
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