Top 10 Study-at-home Tools for Students

As students around the world prepare for a shorter summer break thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students (especially in the US) are unsure that school will simply return to normal this fall. Lockdown orders may be reinstated, and schools may opt to keep most of their courses and interactions online.

Now may be the right time for you to invest in your home study setup as it could become a place where you spend a majority of your day. Making sure your study-at-home desk setup is ergonomic and optimized for productivity can make a big difference not only in your studies but in your physical health too. These are our top 10 tools for students who are looking to invest in their home desk setup.

1. Laptop stand

Most students simply use their laptops as a standalone device. This can have adverse health effects since laptops, though convenient for portability, are not ergonomically designed for prolonged use. A simple and inexpensive laptop stand can raise your laptop screen to eye level to help you maintain a straight and ergonomic posture and avoid slouching down at your laptop screen below you.

2. Wireless keyboard

Now that you’ve elevated your laptop, you’ll need a comfy and inexpensive external keyboard. Logitech’s products are generally reliable and feature a durable build quality. The Logitech K380 is a great portable and compact option for most students. If you plan on typing lots of long dissertations and essays, you may want to invest in a solid mechanical keyboard like the Keychron K2.

3. Wireless mouse

A wireless mouse is the final item you’ll need to complete your new ergonomic laptop setup. The Logitech M330 Silent Plus is an excellent and sturdy option for those on a budget, featuring a quiet click mechanism that will ensure minimal disruption if you live with roommates. You can also opt for the more premium MX Anywhere S2 if your budget has a little more wiggle room.

4. Standing desk

The SmartDesk 2 Home is the perfect option for most students, featuring a spacious desktop for all your computer accessories, plus documents, textbooks, and notebooks you might need to keep handy. Best of all, it lifts and lowers at the touch of a finger and remembers your settings so you can sit and stand throughout the day at the perfect height every time. Autonomous standing desks are generally much cheaper than comparable electric standing desks from competitors, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.

5. Standing desk converter

If you don’t have the space for a whole desk, you could opt for the Cora Standing Desk Converter, which converts any surface into a standing desk and can be easily stored and moved to a different location. Though it’ll require a bit more work and rearranging, it’s a solid choice for students who need more flexibility or have a tight space to work with.

6. Ergonomic chair

Every study-at-home desk needs a sturdy, comfortable ergonomic chair. The ErgoChair 2 is a high quality option at half the price of a lot of comparable chairs on the market. Plus it comes in different color combinations so you can choose the right one for your space!

7. Lumbar support pillow

The Love Home memory foam lumbar support pillow is a great low-budget option for students to get the back support they need in an ordinary chair, without investing in a more expensive ergonomic chair that takes up limited space. Its memory foam construction means it’ll mold to your unique shape and give you great lower back support.

8. LED desk lamp

The Ultra Wide LED Desk Lamp from Autonomous is an excellent budget-friendly choice for students to illuminate all those handouts and documents from class. Adequate lighting is essential to keep your eyes from getting fatigued and to help you stay energetic and focused.

9. Noise canceling headphones

Essentially especially for anyone with roommates who may not always be respectful of quiet hours, and even better if you have a killer playlist you want to play to keep you focused without any other noisy distractions. The affordable Anker Soundcore Life Q20 noise canceling headphones are a solid choice for anyone who just wants a basic and good-quality wireless listening experience.

10. Tomato-timer.com

Finally, a simple and free tool that anyone can use to employ the “Pomodoro” method for getting things done. Basically, you can budget a certain amount of time, like 30 minutes, to only getting work done; then, schedule a 5 minute break. After three of these intervals you can take a longer 25-minute break. This is a strategy many students and working professionals use to get work done while staying energized and motivated. Try Tomato-Timer.com and see how it affects your workflow!

Are you taking online classes and studying at home? What are some of your favorite tools that we forgot to mention? Sound off in the comments below!

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