I love back to school lists. School supply lists. New notebooks. A fresh outfit. But what do Ph.D. students, graduate students, adult students need specifically? Some of this list comes from my own experience, but much of it came from my lovely twitter followers.

Technology:

Laptop

This is obviously highly personal. I have both an IMac desktop and a new 13 inch Macbook air that I love. Lots of people have Macs, but i’ve seen tons of other kinds of laptops in class too. It is pretty essential so invest what you can in your computer but whatever you are used to is best.

iPad or other Tablet

This isn’t necessary, but it is so convenient. I love my iPad Pro. Partially because I use it to make art, which isn’t something everybody needs. But use it all the time for school. So so much. I read blogs on it, download pdfs for class, sometimes take notes, read books, whatever. It is amazing. Definitely get a nice case for it.

Noise Canceling Headphones

These are more important than ever as many students are online this semester (year? years? ah). I just ordered some, so I can fill you in on how they go.

Many people on twitter recommended getting a pair. If you have loud roommates or kids or like to work in coffee shops or the library full of undergrads (in the before times), these could be a lifesaver. If you have a lot of Zoom calls or digital classes, I would suggest one with a built in mic.

Dongles (why do they have such a dreadful name?)

Probably not as essential this year, but these can come in handy for teaching, conference presentations, anytime you might need to connect technology in an academic building or conference hotel. Obviously, the specifics come down to your devices but make sure you are prepared for every presentation.

Phone Chargers. One for bag, home, school, car etc.

I don’t know why it took me so long to but a charger everywhere I go. I lose phone chargers constantly. But I have one by my bed, by the TV, by my desk, in my purse, in the car, etc. I used to buy crappy ones from those bins at the gas station, but they never lasted very long. I much prefer to buy a few apple backups (or the Amazon essentials dupes) and stash them in strategic places. Bonus points if you get the 10 foot long one which will insure your ability to scroll from your bed, the couch, in an awkwardly arranged classroom etc.

Kindle Paperwhite

Again, this is definitely not a need. But I love my Kindle. It’s probably a little extra to have both a Kindle and a tablet, but I really do use them for different purposes. I read exam and course books on it occasionally, but usually I leave that for the tablet and I read tons of fun books on my kindle. I download books straight from the library, etc onto my kindle. And the new Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, so bath time reading is a go.

A Citation Management Program

(Zotero, Mendeley, etc) Start using it immediately. Input all your course books for fall now. I will wait. I use Zotero, but really just pick one and stick to it. Even if you want to do your citations by hand, it is great for storing pdfs, notes, etc to go along with readings. And you do not enter the information by hand—you input the ISBN.

The Scanner Pro App (Image Correction and OCR)

There are tons of these and they are great for readings, research, and all those forms you need to sign at the beginning of the year.

Evernote, Notability, One Note, Notes, Ulysses, Devon Think or something similar

Even if you mostly take notes by hand, a note taking software will be a lifesaver come time for final papers and eventually oral exams.

Scrivener for writing all of those BRILLIANT PAPERS

YMMV and Yes, Word works just fine but I find it slow and clunky and the notecard/outline/folder features on Scrivener are especially helpful with big projects (like a thesis, dissertation, or YA novel about witches on spring break)

A Stylus

If you want to go full or even mostly paperless and take notes on your tablet (in that case I also recommend Good Notes 4) you will need a stylus. The Apple Pencil is the go to if you have a compatible device.

An Amazon Prime subscription

I really am trying to buy as much as possible outside of Amazon. But Grad Students are broke and for books (immediately, otherwise use bookshop or your local indie), coffee, pens, new shoes and TV they are a must have. I know they are evil, but still. Make sure to get the student price.

Spotify, Apple Music, Idagio, even pandora (GET THAT STUDENT MEMBERSHIP)

you need to be able to access the new Taylor Swift whenever it drops, as well as drown out the chatty people next to you in the coffee shop, or more than likely your pets, kids, partners, and the TV while you work.

Sign up for Unidays and any other student discount programs

They might be designed for undergrads, but most of these kind of things aren’t limited to them. Get that Modcloth coupon or whatever it is.

External Hard Drive. Also, a thumb drive.

This might seem less dire now that everything is in the cloud, but you definitely want to have multiple copies of your work. Don’t make me tell you about the time that I lost all of my grades.

School Supplies (non Tech)

Notebooks

Some people swear by buying one nice notebook for meetings and research and other situations they deem professional or that need little fancy touch. Others love the Mead 5 Star Spirals you used in high school. I think that if I am going to spend this much time on my work, my notebooks should be nice and also cute. Love Leuchturm, Darling Clementine, Archer and Olive, Wild House Paper, Rifle Paper Co, and Clairefontaine. Mochithings is great for a notebook rabbit hole. But mostly just get one that you like and is comfortable for long writing sessions. I always get one for each class, the class I am TAing, and one that I use for advising, meetings, talks etc all semester. My orals process has led to a whole lot more notebooks too.

A Planner

This might be ICal. Or ICal combined with a paper planner. Whatever works. Just put ALL THOSE DEADLINES AND READINGS in it ahead of time. Right now I am using a Simplified Planner. Lots of people on Twitter mentioned the Passion Planner, Day Designer, Blue Sky, Erin Condren, and Moleskine. If you want to support black owned businesses, consider Cloth and Paper and Ivory Paper Co. For other great small shops that carry planners, I love my local Paper and Craft Pantry, Calliope Paperie, and Jenni Bick. Bullet Journals can also be great choices. Just make sure you can stick to the habit.

A Big calendar for your desk or Fridge

Write the big deadlines on it-your oral exams, finals, student deadlines, your Mom’s birthday.

A white board and dry erase markers.

I don’t have one of these, but according to twitter I need one immediately. Seems useful for plotting out ideas, shaming roommates into paying for the water bill, and writing deadlines.

Your favorite pens!

This is so personal. My go to pens are Pilot Varsity Fountain Pens, Pilot Precise G2, Paper Mate Flairs, Sparkle Pops, Acrylographs from Archer and Olive, Ooly fountain pens and the classic boring Paper-Mate in blue, only blue. Just make sure they do not hurt your hand or smear or whatever.

Bookstand

This will save your wrists, your back, and your sanity. So many options on Amazon ranging from a tiny plastic one for your bag to a ridiculously fancy wooden one that could double as a lectern.

Post it Notes

In all sizes. I use them for quick notes, writing in books, making tabs in my notebooks. They also don’t need to be actual post it branded notes—there are SO many cute options.

Highlighters

Lots of them. My faves are the Zebra Mildliners. Lots of people love the erasable Frixion. People think you are way more organized if you pull out a highlighter

Multi color pens

For color coding in your notebooks and planners if that is your thing.I love Le Pen, Archer and Olive, and Sparkle Pop.

A ruler

Seems weird, but so useful for annotating!!! And making a cute bullet journal.

Folders

I have a ton of Rifle Paper Co. File Folders for stashing stuff from past semesters and I bought some bougie AF Poketo folders that I adore.

Some sort of portfolio to create a “syllibible.”

This is probably exceptionally nerdy, but I keep all my syllabi, since undergrad, in a portfolio. It is very helpful.

Some (on twitter) say a rolling backpack.

I would never, ever, but just in case you are compelled, some people find it helpful.

I have a big Lululemon backpack for huge library days, travel, sporty things (lol). It is super roomy with a dedicated laptop pocket and all. And right before the stay at home order, I finally got an Everlane backpack which seems so great and has so many pockets. My Madewell tote and my Everlane Form Bag are usually my go to grown up bags. I also suggest an extra canvas tote or baggu for dragging around exams that students never pick up or extra huge library hauls.

Life Things

Grocery store card/perks

lots of these are online now (HEB, Target, Whole Foods) but some still have the old school card. Regardless, pick a grocery store you like, check out their prepared foods section for finals week, and make sure you stock up on coffee, coke, chocolate and ACTUAL FOOD regularly. Also, see if there is a CSA or fruit share near you. It has really amped up the amount of green things/fruit we eat.

Coffee rewards

Do something local or be like me, STARBUCKS GOLD CARD HOLDER, QUEEN OF THE WORLD. I also have rewards at the coffee cart near my lecture hall. I went so often last semester that the barista gave me 10 free breakfast tacos on the last day of school.

Join a Gym or learn about the campus one (or buy a quarantine exercise bike!)

Lots of grad students go elsewhere to avoid the undergrads, but it is a personal choice. I hate “regular” gyms, but have gotten a pass to take classes at Ballet Austin (online) this semester. Yes, most “boutique” fitness will be pricey. But there are also specials for students, deals for volunteering, and things like classpass. My most recent purchase is an exercise bike (I bought for less than 200 dollars on Amazon).

Local Library card

An additional place to study and also a reminder that fun reading exists in the world, plus you can often check out music, movies, audiobooks, whatever.

Get a giant, amazing water bottle (Especially if you live in Texas)

I may mary my Takeya. It stays so cold. I also have a giant BKR and a big Klean Kanteen. But there are about a million solid kinds. I decorated mine with stickers. Whatever makes you drink more water is the best water bottle.

Travel Coffee Mug

These range from the giant 7 Eleven one my family has had since before I was born to the Rifle Paper Co Corccicle I got last year. Will save you money when your buying coffee everyday and will let you escape the departments paper cups.

A good pain killer(or 12, chronic illness holla)

Lots of people on twitter recommended bringing these to campus. You never know when you will get a headache, menstrual cramps, or sprain your ankle in the middle of campus (Just me?) But definitely stock up on these essentials before the semester starts.

A good fuzzy blanket

Target, Homegoods, and Urban Outfitters have some winners. If you want to be really fancy, the furry ones from Anthropologie are a delight.

Slippers

I have Ugg slippers, do not mock. My feet are very happy, even when my brain is not. And they protect my toes when my cats get cat litter all over in the middle of the night. They are two years old and looking a little grody, so I might upgrade.

Well Kept Wipes

These work for tech and for glasses. Come in cute little packages perfect for your desk, bag, whatever.

Hand Lotion

Not to go all skin care on you, but all this hand sanitizer and extra hand washing is hard on the hands. I like the lotion from the Laundress and am intrigued by Glossier’s little travel lotion. Obviously the drug store stand bys also apply!

really just take care of yourself and Do Fun.\

This will be both harder and easier this year. But grad school shouldn’t be the center of your universe. CARVE OUT TIME FOR LEISURE READING, MOVIES, VIDEO GAMES ETC.

I joined Paramount and AFS, for movies, though I cannot really do that right now. I also joined a view Art Galleries that are doing cool virtual events all the time. In the before times, I would frequent some local bookstores.

A cute ass lunch box (if you are on campus, things will be closed)

Get some supplies too: reusable sandwich bags, a bento box. Buy lunch on campus sometimes, but definitely not everyday.

A neck pillow or one of those college dormy seat pillows

You will look dorky. Your neck will thank you.

If you want a pet, and can afford to take care of it, do it. Grad school can be lonely and pets are the best.

Fantasia and Pentunia say hi.

Health

Get a Therapist.

Get a PCP in your new area.

Find Specialists for anything you regularly need. Gyno, Cardiologist, Derm, Sports Med were all essential.

Get a crockpot, so as to have easy warm meals at home, especially if you live somewhere cold. Some people like the Instant Pot, but I honestly hated it. I got a rice cooker instead.

A Hot Water Bottle or Heating Pad.

Antacids. Your stomach will go to shit. Sorry

Get your eyes checked!!! All that time reading and on computers can wreak havoc on your vision.

Bedtime tea if that is your thing. Maybe Melatonin?

A meditation app (I like headspace)

A Weighted Blanket

A White Noise Machine

An Eye Mask for sleeping

Get a first aid kit. Target has the cutest.

Get a pouch for your bag. Put in a clean mask, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, and the first aid kit.

CLOTHING (i could, and probably will, do a whole post on this)

Fuzzy sucks, for cozying up while reading

A big cardigan, for chilly days and overzealous library air conditioning (if it is open)

A sweater-blazer (very comfy, good for events and conferences and things)

LEGGINGS, for under dresses and sweatshirts, as PJS and study clothes, etc.

Funky tops. Since we are zooming most of the time these days, I have bought some fun tops to liven up my wardrobe.

Do you have longish hair? A scrunchie or 17

An actual set of PJS. I really like some they carry at Target, but also J.Crew is wonderful if you want a little fancy.

A robe. My robe is fuzzy and from UGG and I love it. My partner is a terry cloth person and loves the one from Parachute.

Comfy shorts. I have reverted to age 15 and am living in Soffees.

So many Tee Shirts. Like, plain black V-Necks are my go to. Everlane Mens and Universal Standard have never done my dirty. For patterns, Madewell and J. Crew. For fun stuff (novelty, licensed, bands) Hot Topic is still a go to, but also just buy your favorite bands merch.

"A Bouquet of Freshly Sharpened Pencils" or Back to Graduate School