15 Best College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs

This post is all about 15 College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs!

I am going on my second year at Harvard University. I started taking courses during the pandemic and really enjoyed the ‘Zoom’ atmosphere that Harvard provided. It’s why I decided to continue taking online courses and apply for their ALB program. I got in and am now in my second year there.

Having taken numerous courses, I have found it is not only essential for me to have an organized desk space, but it’s essential that my desk essentials are useful. I have tried so many different items and have found items (I think) 15 college desk essentials every student needs. One thing I’ve just tried and really love is having bright colors on my desk.

If you have taken any online courses or even if you work at home, you know that things can be tiring via Zoom. So I think having that brightness in your life on your desk is great.

So let’s get started and reveal the 15 College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs!

1. Aiabaleaft Cute Flip Trash Can Animal Shape

I have found that having a trash can on my desk helps keep me organized. When I’m taking notes in class, I sometimes make a mistake or print an extra sheet, and I need to throw it away. Having a trash can on my desk ensures that space doesn’t get all cluttered up while I’m in class or even after. And this one I just got is so cute! It puts a smile on my face, and I love the pink color.

2. ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

Ever had a dusty desk? I have, and I’d always forget to dust it off or wipe it down. However, I would remember when I’d get ready to sit down for class but had no time to fix it before my Zoom session started. When I saw this battery-operated vacuum designed for a desk area, I bought it. It has a soft bottom allowing you to run it over your keyboard and desk area to keep things tidy. It’s great!

3. BLU MONACO Pink Desk Organizer

This is definitely a College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs because it holds so much! It can be easy to think you can just use anything to organize your pens. But trust me, having this organizer with the extra shelf on the bottom makes a huge difference. I don’t hunt for pens or anything. Everything I need is right in this basket.

4. KNOWSQT Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

I have a Dell desktop, and I decided to upgrade my keyboard this summer semester. I have seen so many fancy keyboards on my feed and decided to order one, and I am so glad I did. These keys are great if you have longer nails and are easy to push. The mouse is also slightly slanted, making it easier to maneuver. It’s great because it’s a bright color that comes in other shades to match your desk color scheme!

5. French KOKO Large Mouse Pad Desk Mat Desk 

A mouse pad desk mat is great! I love it! I used to have just a regular mouse pad but with this one, I can set my whole keyboard on it and use my mouse wherever I want to make it easier when I’m typing. It also decorates my desk and makes it seem happier and brighter!

6. LED Desk Lamp with Wireless Charger

This desk lamp is great because it displays the time and has a phone charger. If I’m working on homework after class, it is usually later in the day, which means the battery on my phone isn’t full. It gets tricky having so many chords running across my desk, but thankfully this lamp eliminates it. I love how it’s all-in-one! Again, it’s why I had to include it on my list of the College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs!

7. College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs

The struggle is real when you make coffee and sit at your desk only to listen to a lecture on Zoom and find your coffee or tea (you desperately need) cold. I hate when that happens, but it usually happens every single time. This is why this mug warmer is an essential desk accessory for you. It makes it so much easier to have a hot cup of coffee while on Zoom!

8. HP DeskJet 3755 Compact All-in-One Wireless Printer

It can be so hard to find the right printer. For me, I really love my HP printer. I love how it has a scanner. I will say having a scanner on your printer is a desk essential because sometimes you do need to scan items. Another great thing is HP printers now have an app that appears on your desktop so you can easily keep track of when you need ink in your printer!

9. BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen

I am so picky about the pens on my desk. I hope I’m not alone on this! But I have found these pens are not only a great price, but they last. I also love the matte finish because when I’m taking notes, the ink doesn’t smear. These are definitely college desk essentials every student needs to ensure you never get interrupted when taking notes.

10. SHARPIE Tank Style Highlighters

Sharpies are a must! I love these because they don’t smear and they are thick which ensures you can highlight the entire sentence without it getting cut off. Definitely recommended these. They last too!

11. Five Star Spiral Notebook

The Five Star spiral notebooks are great to use and have on your desk. They last and are the only thing I use to take notes. I love how there are built-in dividers and they are easy to stack. I always have it on my desk!

12. Selfie Ring Light with Stand

I sometimes take night classes online, and I find this light essential to ensure I stay well light while in class. I love how this one is adjustable, and you can adjust the settings. So if you are like me and have sensitive eyes being able to adjust the lighting hue and being able to decrease it is great to ensure my eyes don’t get sore. This is one of my favorite items on my College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs!

13. StepLively Foot Rest for Under Desk at Work

This is great for staying comfy when you have to sit through a long class. It’s soft on your feet and keeps them elevated. It made a huge difference for me as I have to sit a lot for Zoom.

14. Sticky Notes 3×3 Inches

Sticky notes are an essential desk item to have. I love these because I can take notes and reminders in class on a sticky note and then throw it away once I complete it. I usually use sticky notes for my reminders to keep everything straight.

15. 6 Set Desk Accessory Kit Office Supplies

I have found that having all these items make a huge difference when I’m doing class at my desk. You think you may not need these items, but you end up needing them, and having them handy makes a huge difference. It’s why I had to include them in my College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs.