Introduction

When starting my PhD, I stocked up on what I thought were PhD essentials, but to be honest, not everything ended up being useful daily. Now that I have settled into my PhD journey, I’ve realized there are a handful of items I rely on every day. I use them both in the lab and while studying! If you are wondering what is truly worth investing in, here’s my list. These are daily must-haves that make my PhD life easier! Plus, I have linked everything in case you want to check it out for yourself!

1. Laptop and iPad
2. Noise-Cancelling Headphones- it’s vital we lock in
3. Thermal Coffee Mug-Because Cold Coffee is Tragic
4. Blue Light Glasses- Eye saver
5. Lab Notebook – Physical + Digital Backup
6. Time Management Tools-To Beat the Overwhelm
7. Snacks-Fuels the brain
8. Sleep recovery kit- For when late nights hit

1) Laptop and iPad

My laptop is my second brain! This is the most essential thing I use every day! Whether I’m running R scripts, joining teams’ meetings, or reading papers I swear I’ll finish, it’s essential! It is worth investing in a good quality laptop that will last you the duration of your PhD. Having a reliable laptop with a good amount of storage space and long battery life is essential.

Another item I use daily is my iPad. Any tablet will do! I personally prefer a paperless setup, where all my meeting and seminar notes are in one place I can access easily. A tablet with stylus support is amazing for marking up PDFs and taking lecture notes.

2) Noise-Cancelling Headphones- it’s vital we lock in

These are the adult equivalent of “do not disturb” signs. From screaming kids in cafes to chatty lab mates, they block it all! I personally love using noise-canceling headphones when I need to deep focus. They’ve become essential in creating a mental “work zone.” They are also great for pretending you didn’t hear someone ask you to join another committee!

3) Thermal Coffee Mug-Because Cold Coffee is Tragic

Everyone knows that PhD students RUN on caffeine! You brew a coffee, get distracted by an email, and return to a sad lukewarm sip (sigh). An insulated mug saves the day! (And the environment!). A good, insulated travel mug keeps my coffee warm between lab runs or long writing blocks.

4) Blue Light Glasses- Eye saver

Hours of data analysis + poor posture + screen glare = instant headache! A pair of blue light-blocking glasses can help filter out the blue light. They assist me in pushing through long days without rubbing my eyes raw! This makes study sessions more bearable! Also great for looking “productive” in café study pics.

5) Lab Notebook – Physical + Digital Backup

Nothing beats a physical lab book for traceability, but I am also a digital hoarder. It’s important to keep track of everything you do in the lab; your future self will thank you!

• I use a physical lab book for recording protocols and trouble shooting
• I use OneNote to track day-to-day work, copy protocols, and to make sense of failed experiments. Other people use Notion too!

6) Time Management Tools-To Beat the Overwhelm

Staying organized is the key to productivity during a PhD. It is important to stay focused on tasks to get the maximum out of your time. Some things that help me:

• Pomodoro timer: Helps me avoid burn out but keeping work in short, focused bursts with breaks (these feel like tiny rewards!)
• Planner: A planner is a must! It’s important to keep track of all your deadlines. Seeing everything laid out keeps my spirals in check
• Habit tracker: Makes me feel productive even on bad days. Did I drink water and get sunlight? That’s a win!

7) Snacks-Fuels the brain

Whether I’m running to a meeting or stuck at the microscope for hours, I’ve learned that it is important to keep energy up to avoid the 3 PM crash! (And no, coffee does not count as a meal!). I like to keep healthy snacks at my desk, so I can get extra brain fuel whenever I need! Here’s what I keep nearby:

• Mixed nuts: A protein boost!
• Granola bars: For emergency fuel during long experiments
• Chocolate for serotonin. Its science (kind of)

8) Sleep recovery kit- For when late nights hit

Deadlines, data, or anxiety keeping you up? It is important to consistently get a good night’s sleep. Endless nights of too little sleep will catch up with you. It’s important to rest and recharge! These help me recover:

• Weighted blanket: like a hug that grounds me and helps me drift off!
• Eye Mask: Blocks distractions and that evil morning light!
• Melatonin (check with your doctor!): Useful for resetting sleep after late-night writing sessions!

Final Thoughts

In summary, you’ve now equipped yourself with all the necessary PhD essentials to navigate the academic labyrinth! From tech to food, you now know what you need during the four or more years of your PhD!