My Favorite items/Tools to Use while Completing my Dissertation

Hey everyone! So I chose to make a post that focuses on my favorite items/tools that I use as I work on completing my doctorate. These items help me organize my own research, my tasks lists, and more! So I mostly purchase things I need for school from Amazon and Target (Target is bae), while keeping a spreadsheet of how much I've spent on each item for school to use for when I file my taxes. So let's get into it!

Oh wait, I'm not sponsored by any of these vendors or brands, just so I get that out the way.

---

Apple iPad (Target/Apple) - $329

An iPad or any tablet can help you stay organized while you're on the move and can't carry your laptop with you everywhere you go. Having an iPad is more convenient for me and the use of other devices I have, as they're all Apple products. I will say I use iCal and Microsoft Office often to stay on track for my schedule and progress to accomplish a task/goal.

Quartet Glass Board, Magnetic Dry Erase White Board (3'x2', Black Surface, Infinity) - $84

My baby! I love this thing so much! Not only is it one of my favorite colors, but it's so practical for us in academia, or even other fields like business. This thing has helped me organize my thoughts and ideas during comps and this blog. Not to mention it's magnetic, so if you need to stick papers on it, do it! In the image below, you can see the difference sizes and colors, I say go for what best suits your need and your budget because these things are not cheap, but are well worth the investment.

---

8 pack Chalk Marker Pen Dry Erase Markers 6mm Reversible Bullet & Chisel Telp Fluorescent - $13.99 (Amazon)

Because of the board, I needed something with a pop of color as I conduct thematic analyses or just organizing other things. But these markers can be cleaned away using glass cleaner to truly get the marks off the glass dry-erase board. I love these markers because I love color coding and the markers help in the outlining or analysis of things.

---

Folding Laptop Desk Multi-Function Elekin Bed Table Stand with Storage Drawer Cup Holder for Bed/Sofa - $49.99 (Amazon)

I use this for days when I want to be comfortable while working in my bed or couch, especially on my dissertation. The fact that it has an area for your tablet is a plus, as I use OneNote to organize things and can easily look up from my MacBook to see what I need to do as I write. Not going to lie, I definitely use this when I work my full-time job for those days I don't feel like getting out of bed.

---

Post-Its - Prices May Vary

Normally, I would stock up on Post-It notes at Target to make to-do lists for different courses I was taking, as well as using them to make lists for the residencies I was required to take before getting to the comprehensive exam level. So I would pick the large Post-Its so that I could make to-do lists for the week, the courses, and more and stick them in my planner so I stay on track. As far as using these for success, it really depends on your preference on organization and to accomplish goals you have set for yourself, whether academic, professional, and whatever else.

---

So there you have it! My top items on surviving this doctorate program, what items do you guys use for academic success?

Candace - @TheStudentForLife