10 must/haves for online school

I dare to say my entire life as a student changed once the pandemic hit in that dreary March 13th. Ever since then, I’ve had to push myself out of the ordinary routines I had and invent new ways to keep track of school while also maintaining my anxiety in semi-decent levels. It was trial and error, but here are ten things that are must haves for me, in order to endure another semester online.

1. A good planner.

This one is a tough one to get to. It took me years of looking to find a system that works for me, aesthetically, logically and most of all, time wise. And while I had been bullet journaling for my entire high school experience, I found that it lost its appeal once I had no time to create wonderful spreads. I transitioned to a much easier to-do list type of agenda that worked for me, and I am currently using the AmandaRachLee doodle planner (academic year edition). It includes habit trackers, monthly planners, pages to fill as you wish, and it looks GORGEOUS.

2. A desk where you feel comfortable.

At the beginning of the pandemic I was so unaware how long it’d last. I had a tiny desk that only allowed me to use my laptop and a notebook, all the while my legs were crammed underneath. Until I transitioned to a much wider space after making room in my bedroom, and organizing it with all my stationary in a pretty, longer desk, did I feel more productive. It did wonders, not only for my mood and motivation, but also with space and being able to eat during my breaks without moving around and feeling like my back will break.

3. A nice chair.

I had a backless chair for a couple of months, and I can assure you, my back hated me for it. Before last semester began, I purchased a big, leather chair, kinda like the ones big principals have in their office, and I love it. It makes the space looks so much neater, I can wrap myself in a blanket if it’s too cold, and I am allowed movement space while feeling fancy. Later, I added two tiny cushions to make it MORE comfortable, and now I am in love.

4. Leggings.

2020 was definitely the year of lounge wear, and I believe online-school is why. Wearing jeans while at home feels so unsettling to me for some reason. So, I went all out and ordered at least ten leggings since. And I have not regretted it one bit. Now, I live in them. I feel comfortable, am able to pair them with any outfit, and work out in them after a long day sitting by the computer. Sounds amazing. If you haven’t hopped into the trend, I highly recommend you do so.

5. Airpods.

Or any kind of wireless headphones will do. I cannot tell you how much better I feel when I’m typing away horrible essays while listening to Taylor Swift without a cord in my way. Keeping them charged and ready for whenever you have a break, wish to listen to a video or a podcast, it is the best thing ever. Especially if you have a natural liking to music, like I do. You can listen up to two hours of music, charge them for ten minutes, and have another two hours at it. It is lovely, especially in these circumstances.

6. Cute mugs / water bottles.

If there’s anything I always fail at, it is hydration. I can never quite keep up with it, but drinking from a mug that has a dog drawn on it, or a Mason jar, it does wonders to your mood and intention with drinking whatever you’re drinking.

7. Exfoliants and face masks.

Sometimes, after a particularly heavy week, I find myself yearning a spa-night. And what better way to do it than shaving, plucking your eyebrows, doing your nails and watching Netflix while doing a face mask? I don’t know. It’s my old soul talking perhaps, but something I definitely love doing.

8. Books.

If you were looking for an excuse to leave un-leashed your impulse-buyer-self, this is it. Reading books you enjoy and can get a taste of every night without feeling bored is a must. It can take your mind off an exam gone wrong, a presentation the next morning, etc. Literally, your anxiety can succumb to the wonders of Rebecca, as it is my case. Whatever genre you’re drawn to, buy a couple of them, whether on a kindle (which saves me a TON of money) or in physical format. Either way, the relaxation technique works.

9. Premium Netflix / Spotify.

I don’t know what my days would be like if I didn’t have these. They fill the existential void I hear whenever I’m left with my own thoughts, give me jams to listen to while working and provide with something to look forward to do at night, watching the Crown or Bridgerton. Those might be five bucks you’re not getting back and have to continually invest in, but it is worth it once you have no interruptions and are carried away by the anxiety-sea that university is.

10. Workout mat.

Doing chill, fifteen minute workouts is my aesthetic. I’ve never been much of an athlete, but I do love feeling happy after the rush of dopamine, keeping my weight stable and helping my back out while at it. And if you're doing it already, it is all the much better to just roll your yoga mat up and down your room when you can cram in fifteen minutes to continue with that painful Chloe Ting workout challenge or Pilates.

So, there you have it, folks. Ten things I couldn’t live without while in quarantine and still studying. I loved this so much, and hope I can make entries like these in the future while also helping you out. Let me know what are YOUR must haves for this spring semester. I’ll be reading!

Profuse greetings, Mel.