When I started my law school, I realized that being a graduate student is a whole different ball game! As a graduate student, your studies become more serious. You become more serious in your lifestyle as well. I have found that my needs as a student in a professional program are similar, yet completely different than they were a few years ago.
Here are 8 useful items I believe every graduate student needs in their daily life! This post is based completely off of my own opinions and lifestyle. I hope you find some of these items helpful!
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1) A sturdy backpack that will hold ALL the heavy books
If you’re like me and you love to use physical books, you know a sturdy backpack is essential to surviving school. I always feel like I am carrying a million things, so a reliable backpack is a definite MUST.
Personally, I have been a fan of Swiss Gear backpacks because they come in many different sizes and last a long time. They’re great for people always on the move. My mom and I also each have a smaller one that is carryon friendly, comfortable, has tons of pockets, and is overall great for traveling! They’re not the most stylish backpacks per se, but I think their overall functionality sells it for me.
I see SO many people with Herschel brand backpacks- they are stylish and fit SO MUCH! And yes, it has an interior laptop sleeve. Great for the daily commute to campus with all of those books!
2) A single cup Keurig K-Mini
Yes, long days spent studying require more than just one cup of coffee, but I couldn’t be happier with my K-Mini! My sister gave one to me before I left for law school. I keep mine at my desk in my room, and I just love it! The picture below is the exact same color as the one I have.
Pro-tip: start your Keurig right before jumping into the shower each morning. Your coffee will be the perfect temperature and ready to drink right when you get out. ๐
I also have a cute little coffee station to go with it!
3) A sturdy bookstand
The first thing that I noticed when I started law school was how much of an effect the long hours of reading were having on my neck! After the first week, I had a bookstand delivered to my apartment immediately.
I use the bamboo version because I do most of my reading at home, so it stays on my desk. You can also get a lighter one that fits right in your bag.
4) Great walking shoes
Walking has grown to be my favorite activity. You can choose where you go, what you see, and for how long you want to be out. It is my favorite way to fit in some daily stress relief. I live super close to my law school, so I enjoy walking to and from school when the weather permits.
At a size women’s 11, shoes can be complicated for me. Not all shoes are the same. I have found that quality shoes are a must-have in my life. No negotiation! My new favorite brand of shoe is Brooks. They have so many colors and combinations. The shoes I have (see below) are specifically running shoes, but I use them mostly for walking. I bought my pair at DSW, which was way cheaper than buying from the brand’s site.
5) Food storage containers
Food is expensive, but eating take-out is so much more expensive. I see many law students eating out everyday! Personally, I do not have that kind of money, nor do I want to take out more student loans to pay for my daily coffee. There are so many ways to eat healthy on a budget, and packing your lunch is a no brainer. Just get some great quality food storage containers, and you’re set! This is the set that I have, and I love them all.
6) Note writing pads
I think legal pads are useful to any kind of graduate student! One of my friends is currently studying math, and he uses these for everything! Personally, I use legal pads to take notes in class, write to-do lists, and write things out for studying purposes. There are multiple other colors besides yellow, too.
7) Quality pens
I love writing notes in my books or during class. I prefer pens over pencils these days. Lately, I have discovered that I love writing with fine-liner pens! They come in so many colors, and you can find them with dual brush pens, too.
8) Travel mugs
Lots of coffee requires a good mug. I have to bring coffee with me to school, or I just cannot make it through the day! Aren’t these so cute? I also love the Starbucks reusable travel cups because they are light and microwavable!
