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Best Study-Day Essentials for MBA Students
19
items These are the study-day essentials that got me through long MBA library days, subway commutes, and back-to-back classes in New York City. I kept it practical and portable, from my 25-minute Pomodoro timer to the backpack that holds my whole study kit...
Sections
3
Desk Essentials
Focus & Fuel
On-the-Go
Desk Essentials
The desk gear I use for long study sessions, from notebooks to laptop stands, so my workspace stays comfortable and organized.
I use this A5 dotted notebook for class notes because the paper does not bleed and the numbered pages and index help me find old notes fast. Tip: I number each page as I go so the index actually works.
LEUCHTTURM1917 - Hardcover Notebook Medium (A5)
I raise my laptop to eye level with this aluminum stand, which saves my neck on long study days and keeps the laptop cool. Tip: I set it at the second-lowest height so I can type comfortably.
Nulaxy Aluminum Laptop Stand, Support to 22"
I use this mouse for long spreadsheets and papers because it is comfortable and quiet enough for the library. Tip: I set the side scroll wheel for horizontal scrolling in sheets.
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Bluetooth Mouse
I use this 7-in-1 hub to connect my laptop to a monitor, mouse, and charger with one cable at my desk. Tip: I plug the charger into the hub's power port so everything stays charged.
Anker USB C Hub, 7-in-1 Multi-Port USBC Hub
I write with G2 pens because the ink flows smoothly and does not skip during fast notes. Tip: I use the 0.7 mm point for everyday writing because it is bold enough to read at a glance, and I keep one in my bag and one at my desk.
PILOT G2 Premium Gel Pens, Fine Point 0.7mm
I clamp this lamp to my desk for late-night case readings because the warm light is bright without glare. Tip: I keep it on warm light at night and switch to white light for writing, so my eyes stay comfortable.
AILBTON Bright LED Desk Lamp with Clamp,Eye Caring
Focus & Fuel
The focus tools, snacks, and drinks that keep me going through long study days, from library blocks to late-night case prep.
I wear these noise-canceling headphones in the library to block out chatter and focus, and the battery lasts through a full study day. Tip: I turn on ambient mode when I need to hear announcements.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones
I fill this 32 oz bottle every morning and it keeps water cold through a full day of classes. Tip: I use the straw lid so I can sip without unscrewing the cap during lectures.
Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle
I keep RXBARs in my bag for study breaks because they are filling without a sugar crash, with 12 grams of protein per bar. Tip: I choose the peanut butter flavor when I want the most protein.
RXBAR Protein Bars, Protein Snack, Snack Bars
I wear these blue light glasses for long screen days because my eyes feel less tired by the end of the day. Tip: I keep them on my desk so I reach for them before long readings.
Felix Gray Filtered Blue Light Blocking Glasses
I use this cube timer for 25-minute study blocks because flipping it is easier than setting a phone timer, and it keeps my phone out of reach. Tip: I use the 25-minute side for reading and 5 minutes for breaks.
Ticktime T6 Pomodoro Timer Cube Quick Flip
I stir one packet into my water bottle before a long library block because it keeps me hydrated without another coffee. Tip: I use the lemon-lime flavor and mix it the night before so it is ice-cold by morning.
Liquid I.V. Electrolytes Lemon Lime 16ct
On-the-Go
The portable bags, chargers, and commute pieces I use to study anywhere in the city, from subway rides to library days.
I carry this 30L backpack to class every day because it fits my laptop and books without feeling bulky. Tip: I use the padded laptop sleeve so my computer stays protected on the subway.
Herschel Little America Backpack, Black, 30L
I keep this 10000mAh power bank in my backpack because my phone always runs low on long study days. Tip: I charge it overnight so it is ready for a full day out.
Anker Power Bank, 10000mAh Portable Charger
I read on this 16GB Kindle Paperwhite on the subway because it is light, glare-free, and holds weeks of reading. Tip: I download books before I leave so I can read without Wi-Fi.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model)
I keep this windproof travel umbrella in my backpack because New York weather changes fast. Tip: I shake it out before I go inside so my bag stays dry.
TUMELLA Strongest Windproof Travel Umbrella
I wear these earbuds on the subway because the noise canceling blocks train noise, and they pair fast. Tip: I keep the case in my backpack pocket so I never leave it behind.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
I use these cubes to pack my study bag for library days and weekend trips because everything stays sorted instead of tangled. Tip: I roll my charger cables into the smallest cube so I can find them in seconds.
BAGSMART 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes
I slide my laptop into this slim sleeve before it goes in my backpack because it protects against scratches and bumps. Tip: keep the charger cable in the front pocket so it is easy to grab.
Amazon Basics 14 inch Laptop Sleeve