After completing almost a full year of virtual learning, students have figured out what works best for them and what doesn’t. This includes items that are essential to have on desks for online learning. Since it is mid-semester and stress is overwhelming every student, here is a list of items to have available at your desk or wherever you take your class while doing online learning.
Water Bottle. One of the most important items to always have near you. Staying hydrated is key when it comes to online learning. With sitting for long periods of time, zoom fatigue and endless amounts of homework; staying hydrated will keep the motivation going to have enough energy to complete a day’s work.
Planner. A planner is a good way to stay organized. With time seeming to speed up and work piling up on top of another, a planner can help ease some stress. The ability to plan for midterms, papers, assignments and finals ahead of time makes a planner very useful, especially if you can squeeze personal time in there, as well.
Noise-Canceling Headphones. Share a dorm room and have class at the same time as your roommate? Facilities blowing the leaves right outside your dorm? Noise-canceling headphones can help block out any distractions during class. These are great for studying and staying focused throughout class or any assignment.
Surge Protectors. With needing to stay plugged in with different devices, from your laptop to your smartphone to everything in between, it is important to have surge protectors for convenience and a quick recharge. Having one right at your desk allows for accessible charging for all devices while not having to worry about your laptop dying in the middle of a lecture.
Coffee or Tea. Along with water, a good cup of coffee or tea could go a long way. Caffeine can give you enough energy to stay awake for that late-night, two-hour seminar or to complete that final part of your essay due at midnight. If you have the means, consider investing in a single-serve Keurig machine to have at your desk for a quick caffeine refill to keep you going.
A Succulent. Or a plant of any sort. According to Time, some scientists say house plants are effective natural air purifiers. Plants can also reduce work stress and improve productivity by 20-40% according to Economic Times.
These are just a few items to keep in mind to put on your desk for the remainder of the semester. Who knows? Maybe for next semester, too! Not everything works for every student, make sure to take the time and figure out what works best for you to succeed with online learning.
