Student Desk Essentials to Maximize Storage in a Small Space

Whether you’re a college student looking for dorm desk essentials or a student looking to create a nice workspace at home, these supplies will help you be more productive and organized.

The student desk essentials in this post are split into the following categories:

• Stationery for all your note-taking needs
• Technology for studying and to make your life easier
• Organizers for an uncluttered space
• Decor to add a personal, positive touch to your workspace
• Cleaning materials to keep your workspace disinfected

Let’s get started!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that when you make a purchase through a link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Why You Need An Organized and Clean Workspace

Before we get into the desk essentials, I want to take a quick moment to explain why having an organized and clean workspace is essential.

1. It Saves Time and Increases Productivity

According to Quality Logo Products, people waste an average of 4.3 hours per week looking for paper. That’s a lot of time you could spend studying instead!

Also, people who work at a clean desk can, on average, focus for 7.5 minutes longer. If you study multiple sessions per day, those 7.5 minutes quickly accumulate into hours over a week.

Lastly, a clean desk boosts productivity by 84%, so you could get almost twice as much work done at a clean desk!

2. Your Desk Can Get Very Dirty

Whether you’re aware of it or not, your desk can get very dirty if you don’t clean it regularly. According to the same source, “An office keyboard can have up to 7,500 bacteria.”

Also, “Cold and flu viruses linger for up to 24 hours,” meaning that if you clean your desk regularly, you reduce your risk of getting sick.

3. It Reduces Stress and Anxiety

According to Psychology Today, a disorganized workspace presents too much stimuli to your senses. This makes it difficult to relax and focus.

Also, clutter tells your brain that your work is never done. This generates feelings of stress and anxiety.

As you can probably see by now, having a clean and organized desk is essential to your productivity, as well as your physical and mental health.

So without further delay, let’s get into the student desk essentials that will keep your workspace clean and organized!

Stationery

In this first category of student desk essentials, we’ll be covering stationery.

Having all the stationery you need at your desk is crucial. Otherwise, having to stand up and get something while studying can be irritating and distracting.

#1: Planner

Having a planner is essential to keeping track of all your assignments, classes, and other events.

I also bullet journaled for several years, and these are my favorite bullet journals (read this post if you’re not sure what bullet journaling is and whether it would be suitable for you):

I currently use Notion, an all-in-one workspace that’s been used by many as a student planner app.

You may also like “Complete List of Best Bullet Journal Supplies for Beginners”

#2: Pens, Pencils, and Highlighters

The quintessential trio of note-taking: pens, pencils, and highlighters. I’ve tested many brands over the years, and these are the ones I’ve stuck with:

#3: Stapler and Staples

If you ever need to staple papers together, these staplers are convenient and lightweight to use:

#4: Hole Puncher

A hole puncher is one of those things you don’t think about much, but when you realize you need one, you never have one on hand.

To solve this problem, you can get a portable hole puncher to carry around. Or, you can get a full-size hole puncher to keep on your desk.

#5: Paper Clips/Binder Clips

Paper clips and binder clips always come in handy for organizing your notes, certificates, and any other paperwork. Especially if you need to store lots of paper in drawers or on your desk, they will keep your space uncluttered.

#6: Notebooks or Binders

If you take paper notes, then a few notebooks or binders are absolutely necessary. I’ve tried several brands over the years, and these are the ones that have stood the test of time:

#7: Extra Loose Leaf Paper

It always sucks when you run out of paper. And even if you can borrow paper, the paper usually doesn’t match your paper, which makes your notes look visually unappealing. It can be quite a dilemma.

So, make sure to keep a few packs of your favorite lined paper at your desk.

#8: Dividers

If you use binders for note-taking, dividers are super important for keeping your notes organized.

#9: Sticky Notes (Regular and Tabs)

Sticky notes are a must-have item for your desk. They have so many diverse uses: you can use them to put up reminders, take quick notes, or save your spot in a textbook.

I also love using Sticky Note tabs to organize my notes. I usually put the notes for several classes in one binder. Then, I separate the classes using dividers and organize the notes by chapter using Sticky Note tabs.

#10: Erasers

The erasers on pencils wear down pretty quickly. Also, big mistakes happen sometimes.

That’s when having erasers can come in handy.

#11: Rulers

Rulers, like hole punchers, are one of those things you don’t think about often but find that you really need in some instances.

Especially if you bullet journal, you know the struggle of drawing straight lines (the dotted grid might as well not be there).

Technology

In the second category of student desk essentials, we’ll be covering technology.

Technology can make your life a whole lot easier… or a whole lot harder.

Since technology is necessary for many things—completing assignments, gaming, etc.—it is, therefore, essential to choose wisely. Plus, investing in the right technology has the added benefit of reducing eye, neck, and back strain.

#1: Noise-Canceling Earbuds

If you live in a dorm where it can get noisy, noise-canceling earbuds can be helpful.

#2: Laptop, Keyboard, and Mouse

A laptop is great for setting up at your desk and carrying around to different places. I’ve used a MacBook Pro for several years, and I like pairing mine with a wireless keyboard and mouse.

#3: Laptop Stand

Unfortunately, using a laptop can cause neck strain since you typically have to tilt your head down. To prevent this, you can get a laptop stand, which raises the screen to eye level.

A laptop stand also allows air to circulate beneath your laptop, which prevents overheating.

You may also like “27 Foolproof Tips on How to Get Good Grades in Online Classes”

#4: Desktop Monitor

Although I love my MacBook Pro, the relatively small screen can strain my eyes if I use it for too long. Therefore, I highly recommend getting a desktop monitor of some sort.

I currently use a 27” iMac, which has reduced the strain on my eyes significantly.

#5: Earbuds/Headphones

Having a pair of earbuds or headphones always comes in handy, whether you’re watching an educational video or listening to music while studying.

I’ve used the AirPods Pro for several years and absolutely love mine. (They have a noise-canceling option, which is amazing.)

However, whether you use wireless earbuds/headphones or not, you need to make sure they’re compatible with your other devices.

#6: Desk Lamp

Having a good desk lamp is essential to protecting your vision. In general, you should choose a warm light, such as that produced by incandescent or LED light bulbs.

Here are some good options: https://amzn.to/3vI1OXj

#7: Cord Organizer

Having a cord organizer at your desk is very useful. Since I use a wireless keyboard and mouse that need to be charged, I can do so right at my desk without cords getting in the way.

#8: Standing Desk

I got a standing desk during the COVID-19 pandemic when most schools transitioned to distance learning. Since then, I have not turned back.

If your body gets sore from sitting for long periods, a standing desk can be a serious life changer.

Also, one of the major culprits of tiredness is not moving enough. A standing desk resolves this issue because it enables you to alternate between standing and sitting positions. Even this bit of movement can help you stay energized and focused.

#9: Adjustable Desk Riser

If you can’t get a standing desk, an adjustable desk riser works as well. You can put it on your current desk and adjust it to a standing or sitting position.

#10: Projector

Taking online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of strain on my eyes. To alleviate this strain, I began using a projector whenever I could.

If you also find your eyes getting sore and tired after staring at a screen for a long time, getting a projector is a serious life changer.

Organizers

In the third category of student desk essentials, we’ll be covering organizers.

Especially if you have a tight workspace, having the right organizers will allow you to store more items while keeping your space uncluttered.

#1: Desk Riser

Whether you get an adjustable or a stationary desk riser, both can help you save space. 

You’ll be able to view your screen from eye level, which reduces neck strain, and store items beneath the desk riser.

#2: Stationery Organizer

If you’re like me and have a slight obsession with stationery, then you know that things can get disorganized quickly. 

Therefore, it’s essential to have a stationery organizer (or two) that keeps your workspace uncluttered and visually appealing.

#3: Drawer Organizers

I used to spend time organizing my drawers every month. But no matter my efforts, the contents would always become disorganized quickly.

Finally, I discovered drawer organizers, and I have not looked back since. Drawer organizers enable you to store more things and retrieve what you need faster.

Just make sure to check the dimensions of your drawers before purchasing organizers.

#4: Pen/Pencil Holder

It never hurts to have a traditional pen/pencil holder, where you can store your most-used pieces of stationery.

You may also like “How to Get Your Life Together as a Student”

#5: Wall Organizer

If you have a small desk, using a wall organizer can enable you to store more items without making your space cluttered.

Decor

The fourth category of student desk essentials is decor, which arguably isn’t essential. Nevertheless, I think touching up your space with decor can make a huge difference. 

Decor makes your workspace a place you want to be. It can make you want to be more productive and study. 

Of course, everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to decor, but these are some of my personal favorites.

#1: Cork Board

A cork board is great for pinning up reminders and pictures. Or, you can even turn it into a mood board.

#2: Desk Plants

Whether you want to grow actual plants or use fake plants, these pieces of decor add a touch of freshness to your workspace. 

#3: Picture Frames

Images of fond memories can be a great addition to your desk. Here are some small frames that won’t take up too much space:

#4: Miscellaneous Items

Here are some other useful pieces of desk decor to make your workspace a more enjoyable place to be: https://amzn.to/3PQ0CIc

Cleaning Materials

In this final category of student desk essentials, we’ll be covering cleaning materials, a frequently overlooked necessity. 

As I mentioned, your desk can get dirty quickly. Therefore, it’s important to clean it regularly. 

If the thought of cleaning gives you a headache, don’t worry. The following supplies are meant to make cleaning as easy as possible.

You may also like “Productive Day Schedule For Students—Be Productive 12+ Hours a Day!”

#1: Desk Vacuum

A portable desk vacuum makes it super easy to clean up dust and debris on your desk.

#2: Keyboard Cleaning Gel

As we all know, all kinds of things get stuck in the nooks and crannies of keyboards. Fortunately, you don’t need to pick everything out individually. 

Instead, you can use a keyboard cleaning gel to get dust and debris out of your keyboard.

#3: Disinfectant Wipes

Since you’re sitting at your desk every day, it’s important to disinfect it regularly. According to this source, you should disinfect your desk twice a week.

#4: Duster

If a lot of dust accumulates in an area, you can get rid of it quickly using a duster.

#5: Garbage Can

Not much explanation is needed for this—you need somewhere to dispose of your trash.

You can either get one to place near your desk or a mini one to put on your desk.

FAQs About Student Desk Essentials

What kind of desk is best for studying?

What desk you use is totally up to personal preference. However, as someone who’s used a standing desk for several years, I highly recommend getting a standing desk. 

It can be more costly, but it is definitely worth it. 

According to this article from the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, using a standing desk improves your energy levels, mood, and focus. In fact, a study at Texas A&M University showed that at one workplace, it made people 50% more productive. 

Also, standing desks improve your posture and reduce back pain. 

If having a standing desk means you can get more work done while experiencing benefits to your physical health, then I definitely think the investment is worth it.

How should I set up my study desk?

I believe every study space should follow a few guidelines: 

• Have as little clutter as possible
• Have good lighting
• Be comfortable 
• Be clean 

Other than that, you should make your space unique to you. Everyone has different preferences, so elements that motivate another person to study may not motivate you.

Overview of Student Desk Essentials

Having a clean and organized workspace will boost your productivity and mood, as well as improve your physical and mental health. 

Therefore, it’s important to ensure your workspace contains everything you need to keep it uncluttered and clean, with minimal effort.

In this post, I covered the following student desk essentials:

• Stationery for note-taking. Keeping organized notes is essential to success as a student.
• Technology for studying and comfort. Choosing the right technology can make studying more enjoyable by reducing eye, neck, and back strain.
• Organizers to keep your space uncluttered. Especially if you have a small workspace, organizers can help you maximize your storage capacity while making things easy to find.
• Decor to make your desk an enjoyable place to be. Although decor is technically optional, the motivational benefits it provides makes it worthwhile to invest in,
• Cleaning materials to disinfect your space. Bacteria accumulates quickly in areas you spend a lot of time in, like your desk. Therefore, it’s essential to have supplies that make regular cleaning easy to do.

I hope the student desk essentials detailed in this article helped you decide what to get for your desk setup. Which supplies mentioned were ones you hadn’t thought about before? Let me know in the comments below!

For more tips and resources to be a successful student, check out:

• All-in-One Aesthetic Planner App for Students
• How to Get Your Life Together as a Student
• How to Wake Up at 5am to Study—Tips From a Former Night Owl
• How to Build Habits That Stick: 4 Failproof Steps I Follow