25+ Best Study Tools for College Students that Toppers Use

I’ve helped 800+ students and professionals set up their study and work environments over the past 16 years. The difference between students who struggle and students who consistently perform well often comes down to one thing: having the right tools within arm’s reach.

You don’t need to spend a fortune. But you do need the basics covered, from note-taking supplies that actually stick to your workflow, to a desk setup that won’t wreck your posture during those 6-hour study sessions. I’ve tested dozens of products across every category, and this list is what I’d personally buy if I were heading back to college in 2026.

I’ve organized everything into categories: physical study supplies, desk and workspace essentials, writing and grammar tools, design software, and PDF readers. Whether you’re a freshman stocking up for the first time or a senior looking to upgrade your setup, you’ll find something useful here. If you’re also shopping for devices, check out my guides on the best iPad for students and best tablets for students.

Note-Taking and Organization Supplies

Your notes are only as good as the tools you use to capture them. I’ve watched students struggle with flimsy notebooks that bleed ink everywhere and sticky notes that don’t actually stick. These picks solve those problems. They’re affordable, they last, and they’ll keep your study sessions organized from day one.

Vicnova Sticky Notes Set

Sticky notes are the unsung heroes of effective studying. I use them constantly when reviewing long documents or marking key chapters in textbooks. This Vicnova set is one of the most complete packages I’ve found. You get ruled, dotted, and blank sticky notes in multiple sizes (4×6, 3×4, 2×2), plus 150 index tabs and 12 fine-point pens with acid-free ink.

What I like most is the variety. The ruled notes work for summarizing key points, the dotted ones are great for quick diagrams, and the smaller tabs are perfect for flagging textbook pages. The whole set is compact enough to toss in your backpack. Vicnova also backs it with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which tells you they’re confident in the product.

Five Star Spiral Notebooks with Study App

I’ve used Five Star notebooks since my own college days, and they’re still the standard. This 6-pack gives you one notebook per subject, each with 100 double-sided, college-ruled sheets on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. The covers are water-resistant, and the ink-bleed protection actually works, so you can write on both sides without worrying about ghosting.

The real bonus is the Five Star Study App integration. You can scan your handwritten notes to create instant flashcards and sync everything to Google Drive. It bridges the gap between analog note-taking and digital organization. Six colors in the pack (black, red, blue, green, white, purple) make it easy to assign one per class. These are guaranteed to last all year.

BIC Brite Liner Grip Pastel Highlighter Set

I prefer pastel highlighters over the neon variety because they’re easier on the eyes during long study sessions. This 12-pack from BIC covers all the colors you need for a solid color-coding system. The soft grip is a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re highlighting through 50 pages of lecture notes.

Each highlighter writes for up to 8 hours without the cap on, which means you won’t dry one out just because you forgot to click the cap back. The chisel tip lets you switch between broad strokes for full sentences and fine lines for single words. At under $10 for a dozen, you can’t really go wrong. I keep a set at my desk and another in my bag.

Aiscool Big Capacity Pencil Case

Most pencil cases are either too small or fall apart within a semester. Aiscool’s 1.7-liter case can hold up to 100 regular pencils, along with markers, erasers, scissors, and whatever else you need. The three-layer design is clever: waterproof 300D oxford fabric on the outside, insulated pearl cotton in the middle, and a smooth lining inside.

The dry-wet separation compartment is a thoughtful touch. You can store marker pens or correction fluid separately, so they don’t smear everything else. If you carry a lot of stationery (and most college students do), this case will actually fit everything without looking like a stuffed pillow. It’s one of those products that costs a few dollars more but saves you the hassle of replacing a cheaper case every few months.

Smead 24-Pocket Poly Project Organizer

If you’re the type who accumulates loose papers, handouts, and printed assignments, you need this. The Smead organizer has 24 pockets with 12 color-coded dividers, and each pocket holds up to 25 sheets. It’s letter-size (10″ x 12″), so standard documents fit without folding.

I recommend assigning each divider to a class or project. By the end of the semester, you’ll have everything sorted instead of stuffed into a random binder. The tear-resistant poly material is sturdy enough to survive being tossed into a backpack daily. For students juggling 5 or 6 courses at once, this is a lifesaver.

Muscccm Geometry Set

Every math, engineering, or architecture student needs a solid geometry set. This 8-piece kit from Muscccm includes a compass, pencil with lead refills, two triangle rulers, a straight ruler, a protractor, and a case. The compass opens wide enough to draw circles up to 30cm in diameter, and the pen cover prevents accidental scratches in your bag.

The pieces are made from durable stainless steel and clear plastic, which is a step up from the flimsy sets you find at dollar stores. If you’re taking any course that involves technical drawing, trigonometry, or basic geometry, this set covers all the essentials. It also makes a practical gift for students heading into STEM programs. For related resources, see my list of best calculus books.

WeiBo Whiteout Correction Tape

Correction fluid is messy, slow, and always seems to spill at the worst time. WeiBo’s correction tape is the modern fix. The ergonomic shape gives you a comfortable grip, and the tape goes on dry, so you can write over it immediately. No waiting, no smudging.

The transparent dispenser lets you see exactly how much tape is left, which is a small detail I appreciate. These work well for fixing mistakes on handwritten assignments, notes, and exam papers. If you still do a fair amount of writing by hand (and you should, since it helps retention), keep one of these in your pencil case.

Writech Liquid Ink Rollerball Pens

I’m particular about pens. The Writech rollerballs have a 0.5mm extra-fine point that produces clean, precise lines without skipping. The pack includes 8 assorted colors, which is useful for color-coding notes or adding visual structure to your study materials.

The quick-dry ink is the standout feature here. If you’re left-handed or just someone who drags their hand across the page, you’ll appreciate that it doesn’t smear. The transparent case lets you see ink levels at a glance. At around $10 for 8 pens, these are a solid upgrade from generic ballpoints without breaking the bank.

Desk and Workspace Essentials

Your study environment matters more than most students realize. A cluttered desk, bad lighting, or an uncomfortable setup will drain your focus faster than any distraction. I’ve spent years optimizing my own workspace, and these are the products that make the biggest difference per dollar spent.

Loryergo Laptop Lap Desk

If you study on your bed or couch (and let’s be honest, most college students do), a lap desk makes the experience significantly more comfortable. The Loryergo has a solid cup holder that actually prevents tipping, a slot for your phone or tablet, and enough surface area for a standard 15.6″ laptop.

What I appreciate is the ergonomic angle. It lets you type without hunching forward, which makes a real difference during those late-night study sessions. You can stretch your legs freely underneath, and the whole thing doubles as a breakfast tray if you’re the type who eats while reviewing flashcards. It’s lightweight enough to move around your dorm room but sturdy enough that your laptop doesn’t wobble.

ComfiLife Ergonomic Foot Rest

If you sit at a desk for more than 3 hours a day, your back, hips, and knees will eventually protest. I started using a footrest a few years ago and the difference in comfort is immediate. The ComfiLife model uses memory foam that molds to your feet, and the adjustable height means you can find the exact angle that relieves pressure on your lower back.

You can roll your ankles, shift positions, and stretch without having to get up. It works under any standard desk, and the non-slip bottom keeps it in place. For students who spend long hours at their computer, this is one of those “why didn’t I get this sooner” purchases. It’s also useful during exam season when you’re basically glued to your chair for days.

Bamboo Book Stand

Reading a textbook flat on a desk forces you to hunch over, which kills your neck after 30 minutes. A book stand fixes this entirely. This bamboo model is adjustable, holds thick textbooks with its spring-loaded design, and the page clips keep your book open to the right page without you having to pin it down with your elbow.

It’s made from natural bamboo, so it’s durable and looks good on a desk. You can also use it to prop up your tablet or smartphone when watching lecture recordings. If you do a lot of reading from physical books, this is a small investment that saves you a lot of neck and back strain over a semester.

Torchstar Metal Desk Lamp

Good lighting is non-negotiable for serious study sessions. This Torchstar lamp gives you two mounting options: stand it on its weighted base or clamp it to your desk with the adjustable C-clamp. The flexible spring-balanced arm extends up to 18 inches, so you can position the light exactly where you need it.

The slim profile and 51-inch power cable mean it won’t crowd your desk or limit where you can place it. The UL-listed power plug adds a layer of safety, which matters when you’re leaving a lamp on for hours. I’ve recommended this to several students who study late at night without wanting to light up the entire room. It does the job well and looks professional.

Huanuo Monitor Stand with Drawer

Neck pain from staring at a monitor that’s too low is something I deal with constantly when consulting with clients. Raising your screen by even 4-5 inches makes a significant ergonomic difference. The Huanuo stand raises your monitor by 4.6 inches and has an H-shaped construction that’s noticeably sturdier than the plastic alternatives.

The built-in drawer is where this stand really earns its spot. You can stash pens, sticky notes, USB drives, and other small items that would otherwise clutter your desk. The two-tier design also frees up space underneath for a keyboard or notebook. If you’re working from a dorm desk where every inch of surface area counts, this stand pulls double duty as storage and an ergonomic upgrade.

OfficeThink Dry Erase Laminated Wall Calendar

Digital calendars are great, but there’s something about a large physical calendar on your wall that keeps deadlines visible at all times. This 24×36-inch dry erase calendar uses a PET film that erases cleanly even after years of use, which is the main problem with cheaper laminated calendars.

It comes with 5 dry erase markers, an eraser, and 8 jumbo tacks for mounting. I recommend putting it right above your desk where you can see it every time you sit down. Color-code your classes, mark exam dates, and track assignment deadlines. Students who use physical planning systems alongside digital ones tend to stay more organized in my experience. If you’re a fan of the Pomodoro technique, you can also track your daily session goals on it.

Mindspace Desk Organizer

A messy desk is a distracted mind. The Mindspace organizer has 6 well-sized compartments plus a pull-out drawer for pens and pencils. The mesh construction is sturdy without feeling cheap, and the smooth ABS coating gives it a clean, professional look.

I like that the drawer slides out smoothly instead of sticking or catching. You can fit it on any standard desk without it taking up too much space. Use the compartments for notebooks, sticky note pads, staplers, and phone charging cables. Keeping your desk organized is one of the simplest productivity hacks, and a good organizer makes it effortless. The smooth, rounded edges also mean it won’t scratch your desk surface.

Backpack and Travel Gear

You’ll carry your backpack more than any other item in college. Picking the right one saves your shoulders, keeps your devices safe, and makes commuting between classes less of a hassle.

Himawari Travel School Backpack

Himawari is a newer brand, but the quality here punches above the price. The backpack fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop, has a built-in USB charging port (cable not included), and is made from waterproof canvas that looks good while taking a beating. The doctor-bag style opening gives you easy access to the main compartment without digging through layers.

You get two big front zipper pockets, two smaller inner pockets, and two side pockets. The back has a vertical zipper for secure storage of valuables like your wallet or passport. It’s spacious enough for a full day of classes (laptop, notebooks, water bottle, charger) without being bulky. For under $25, it’s one of the better value picks on this list.

STEM and Science Tools

If you’re in a STEM program, you’ll need tools beyond the basics. Calculators, scale rulers, and reference cards aren’t optional in engineering, chemistry, or architecture courses. These are the ones I’d recommend based on quality and value.

Texas Instruments TI-30XA Scientific Calculator

You don’t always need a $100+ graphing calculator. The TI-30XA handles fractions, trigonometry, logarithms, and basic statistics, which covers most undergraduate math and science courses. It’s battery-powered (no solar dependency), compact at 6″ x 3.1″, and approved for most standardized exams.

Texas Instruments has been the go-to brand for student calculators for decades, and the TI-30XA is their most affordable scientific model. It won’t graph functions or solve equations symbolically, but for straightforward calculations, it does everything you need without unnecessary complexity. If your courses require a graphing calculator, look elsewhere. But for general science and math, this is the reliable, budget-friendly pick.

PenPower WorldPenScan Go

This is a niche tool, but for the right student, it’s transformative. The WorldPenScan Go lets you scan printed or digital text and converts it to speech or editable text. You literally run the pen over a line of text and it reads it back to you or transfers it to your laptop via Wi-Fi.

It’s especially valuable for students with reading difficulties, second-language learners, or anyone who processes information better through audio. The built-in dictionary and thesaurus let you look up words as you scan them. At $127, it’s the most expensive single item on this list, but if you spend a lot of time reading dense textbooks or research papers, it can genuinely save hours per week.

Periodic Table of Elements Laminated Flashcards

Flashcards remain one of the most effective study methods for memorization-heavy subjects. This set includes all 118 elements with color-coded cards that match standard periodic table groupings. The matte laminate finish resists dirt, dust, and fingerprints, so they’ll last through multiple semesters of use.

You can use them for memorizing element properties, atomic numbers, electron configurations, or chemical reactions. They work for chemistry students at any level, from high school to graduate school. The color coding helps with visual memorization, and the card format makes it easy to quiz yourself or study with a partner. If you’re taking any chemistry course in 2026, grab a set.

Nokko Architectural and Engineering Scale Ruler Set

Architecture and engineering students go through scale rulers constantly. Instead of buying them separately, this bundle gives you an architect scale, an engineering scale, and a standard ruler in one package. The laser-etched white markings on a black background are significantly easier to read than printed markings on clear plastic.

The 12-inch triangular design fits comfortably in your hand, and the aluminum construction means these won’t snap if you accidentally sit on them in your bag. If you’re in a drafting, architecture, or civil engineering program, you’ll use these almost daily. Having the full set means you’re always prepared, whether you’re working on floor plans or technical drawings.

Writing and Grammar Tools

Good writing separates average students from top performers, regardless of your major. These tools catch errors you’d miss on your own and help you develop a cleaner writing style over time. I use all of these in my daily work as a content professional.

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is my primary writing assistant and the one I recommend to students who are serious about improving their writing. It goes beyond basic grammar checks and analyzes your style, sentence structure, readability, and overused words. The built-in plagiarism checker is a bonus that saves you from needing a separate subscription.

What sets ProWritingAid apart from competitors is the depth of its reports. You get detailed feedback on pacing, transitions, dialogue tags (for creative writing students), and consistency. It integrates with Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Scrivener, and most web browsers. For the price, it offers more writing improvement features than any other tool I’ve tested. If you write papers, essays, or research reports regularly, this is the tool to get.

Grammarly

Grammarly is the most popular writing assistant on the market, and for good reason. It catches spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in real time across virtually every platform: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and browser extensions. The free version handles the basics well, and the premium tier adds tone detection, clarity suggestions, and a plagiarism checker.

I find Grammarly slightly easier to use than ProWritingAid for quick fixes, but less thorough for in-depth writing improvement. If you want a tool that quietly catches errors as you type emails, discussion posts, and short assignments, Grammarly’s free plan is hard to beat. For longer academic papers, I’d still lean toward ProWritingAid’s deeper analysis. Both are solid choices, so pick whichever fits your workflow.

Sapling AI

Sapling is a newer grammar checker that claims to catch 60% more errors than Grammarly. In my testing, it does catch certain phrasing issues and context-dependent errors that other tools miss. It also includes autocomplete snippets and team collaboration features, which can be useful for group projects.

Sapling works best as a complement to your primary writing tool rather than a replacement. I use it alongside ProWritingAid when I want a second opinion on a piece of writing. For students, the free tier covers basic grammar and spelling, which is enough for everyday use. The premium version unlocks more advanced suggestions and priority processing.

FocusWriter

FocusWriter solves a specific problem: distraction. It gives you a completely clean, full-screen writing interface with no toolbars, notifications, or visual clutter. If you struggle to stay on task when writing papers (and social media is always one tab away), FocusWriter forces you into a focused mode.

It’s free, open-source, and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can set daily word count goals, use timers, and customize the background. It’s not a grammar tool, it’s a focus tool. Pair it with ProWritingAid or Grammarly for editing, and use FocusWriter for the actual drafting phase. This combination works better than any single app for getting papers written on time.

Design and Presentation Tools

Presentations and visual projects are a regular part of college life. You don’t need to be a designer to create professional-looking slides, infographics, or project visuals. The right tool makes it effortless.

Canva

Canva is the design tool I recommend to everyone who isn’t a professional designer. It handles presentations, infographics, resumes, social media graphics, posters, and practically any visual you need for college. The drag-and-drop interface means you can create polished designs in minutes, not hours.

The free plan is generous enough for most students, but Canva Pro unlocks premium templates, brand kits, and background remover. I’ve been using Canva since 2015, and it keeps getting better. For college students, the presentation templates alone are worth signing up for. You can collaborate with classmates in real time, export in any format, and access thousands of free photos, icons, and illustrations. If you’re trying to build a career in design, Canva also doubles as a portfolio-building tool.

PDF, Reading, and Annotation Tools

PDF files are everywhere in college: syllabi, research papers, lecture slides, and eBooks. A good PDF reader isn’t just about opening files. It’s about annotating, highlighting, and organizing them so you can actually study from them. Here are the tools I trust.

PDF Expert

PDF Expert is a must-have if you’re on a Mac or iPad. It lets you read, annotate, edit, and even sign PDF documents with a clean, intuitive interface. You can highlight text, add notes, fill forms, and rearrange pages without any lag or frustration.

The annotation tools are the real strength here. You can color-code highlights, add text notes in the margins, and draw directly on the PDF. For students who do a lot of reading on their iPad, PDF Expert with Apple Pencil support turns your tablet into a serious study tool. It’s Apple-only, so Windows users should look at the alternatives below.

UPDF

UPDF is a cross-platform PDF reader and editor that works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and iPadOS. If you switch between devices frequently (studying on your laptop in class, reviewing on your phone during commutes), UPDF keeps everything synced. It handles reading, annotating, editing, and converting PDFs to other formats.

The AI-powered features are a recent addition that let you summarize long documents, translate text, and ask questions about the content. For students dealing with dense research papers or textbook chapters, these features can save significant time. It’s one of the more affordable PDF editors with a one-time purchase option, which is better than the subscription model most competitors use.

Wondershare PDFelement

Wondershare PDFelement combines the viewing capabilities of a basic PDF reader with the editing power of a professional tool. The interface is clean and intuitive, borrowing design cues from PDF Expert while offering broader platform support including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

You can create PDFs from scratch, merge multiple documents, add watermarks, and perform OCR (optical character recognition) on scanned documents. The OCR feature is particularly useful when your professor shares scanned handouts that aren’t searchable. PDFelement makes them searchable and editable. If you need a full-featured PDF editor that works across all your devices, this is a strong choice.

Sumatra PDF

Sumatra PDF is the lightweight option. It’s free, fast, and does one thing well: open and read PDFs without any bloat. If you’re on a Windows machine and don’t need annotation or editing features, Sumatra loads files almost instantly and uses minimal system resources.

It also supports ePub, MOBI, and comic book formats (CBZ/CBR), which makes it a versatile reader for students who consume different types of digital content. No sign-up, no subscription, no ads. Just a clean reader that gets out of your way. Pair it with one of the editors above when you need to annotate, and use Sumatra for everyday reading.

Getting the Most Out of Your Study Tools

The tools on this list won’t study for you. But they’ll remove friction from the process, which is half the battle. A comfortable workspace, organized notes, and the right software stack let you focus on the actual learning instead of fighting your environment.

My advice: start with the essentials. A good notebook set, highlighters, and a desk lamp will take you further than any gadget. Then add the software tools, a writing assistant like ProWritingAid and a PDF reader, as your courses demand them. You don’t need everything on this list. Pick what matches your study style and build from there.

If you’re looking for more gear recommendations, check out my guides on the best tablets for students and the best calculus books for 2026. Your tools should work as hard as you do.

Disclaimer: This site is reader‑supported. If you buy through some links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I trust and would use myself. Your support helps keep gauravtiwari.org free and focused on real-world advice. Thanks. — Gaurav Tiwari