Last Updated on January 14, 2026 by Alexandra Markin, Dip.Mgmt.St.
Looking for a change of scene from studying at home? This list of what to bring to a library study session will make your study time productive!
As an online undergraduate student, I spend countless hours studying in beautiful public libraries around the world—my favorite advantage of online learning.
I’ve learned through trial and error what to bring, what not to bring, spilled coffee on my laptop, had my cut-up fruit snack leak in my backpack and forgot to pack paper to take notes.
Learn from my years of experience and save this list of what to bring to the library to study productively!
The Complete List of What to Bring to a Library Study Session
1. Laptop
A laptop is the gateway to learning for online students, so don’t forget it.
Also, I highly recommend using a VPN connection when using ANY public Wi-Fi. Although the library’s public Wi-Fi is free, it’s not secure and therefore always come with the risk of exposing yourself to hackers. I’ve been using NordVPN for years and highly recommend them.
💻 Even for students on a budget, you can protect yourself with a NordVPN subscription for only a few dollars per month.
If you’re not familiar with VPNs, read my full post here: Do I need a VPN As An Online Student?
2. A Quality Backpack
One of the best ways to stay organized when you’re studying is to have a dedicated study bag. Whether it’s a shoulder bag or backpack, invest in a high-quality piece that works for you.
A degree takes a few years to complete, so a quality bag will last until you have those little letters to put behind your name.
Lightweight and stylish, you'll have multiple compartments to keep all your study supplies organized. Choose from 10+ colours.
3. Chargers For All Your Electronic Devices
It’s the worst when you’re having a super productive study session and your battery dies, and you realize you forgot your charger.
Bring the charger for your laptop, earbuds, iPad, phone and any other electronic device you need for your study session.
TIP: If you often study outside your home, buy spares of each charger you need and leave them in your bag. You won’t ever forget them and can just grab your bag and go. You’ll never be out of power again.
4. Headphones or Earbuds
You’ll need these for VideoNotes, audio lectures, YouTube instructional videos or for listening to music while you study.
If you prefer wireless earbuds, always carry a corded backup in case of Bluetooth connection failure or power issues. I’ve had both these issues happen to me more than once.
TIP: Make sure you’re charged up leave the house.
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Apple
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Budget Pick (All Devices)
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Android
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$114.95
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$54.95
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$134.95
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5. Textbooks & Reading Materials
If you have a physical textbook, don’t forget to bring it along as well as any reference papers or readings.
When I use physical textbooks, a lightweight portable book stand was a game change for me. No straining your neck or hunching over the desk while taking notes.
6. Notebooks or Extra Note Paper
If you prefer to take notes by hand, bring your notebook.
If you take notes on loose-leaf lined paper (or graph paper for mathematics courses) don’t forget to bring a stash of extra paper! I once forgot to bring extra graph paper so I couldn’t write anymore notes, making my entire study trip to the library pretty much useless.
7. Planner or Bullet Journal
You’ll need your planner or bullet journal so you can record what you accomplished at the end of your study session.
There’s nothing more motivating than updating your bullet journal study tracker after a productive study session!
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8. Writing Utensils and Accessories
Why does it seem like we need so many writing utensils and accessories to study these days? I didn’t realize studying require so many supplies – until I became a student.
My favourite supplies are:
- Ball point pen – Zebra Retractable Z-Grip in 1.0mm in Black Ink
- Pencil – Pentel Mechanical Pencil in 09.mm
- Pencil lead refill – Pentel 0.9 mm HB Refill Lead
- Eraser – Staedtler White Mars Plastic Eraser
- Highlighters – Stabilo Boss Original Pastel Highlighters
- Mini ruler – Westcott 6″ Clear Ruler
- Page flags – Pastel Page Flags
- Post-It notes – Post-it Sticky Notes 1.5” x 2”
If you colour code your notes, check you have the necessary colours. You don’t need to bring your ENTIRE collection – just the ones you need for what you have planned to do.
Fit all you need in this compact yet high capacity case. Choose from 8+ colours.
9. Calculator
Has anyone taken a mathematics, statistics or coding course and forgotten to bring their calculator to their study session? I have, and forgetting it makes trying to study a complete waste of time. For some courses, the built-in calculator on your phone just won’t cut it.
Bookmark this page so you’ll remember to always add a calculator to your list of library study essentials.
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10. Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration is key to keep your brain going, especially if you’re drinking coffee as well. Nothing like a hit of ice cold water to keep you awake (and focused).
The last thing you want to pay for is water. Every penny saved counts, especially when you’re a student.
Stanley keeps your beverage cold for hours and fits in your car cupholder, perfect to take when meeting up with friends for a study session!
11. A Coffee/Tea Tumbler
You’ll probably need a caffeine pick-me-up at some point, so pack a reusable coffee tumbler to keep your beverage warm (and from it spilling all over your laptop). I’ve managed to do that, so please invest in a high-quality tumbler that won’t leak.
RECOMMENDED READ: How to Use Coffee for Studying to Increase Your Productivity
Keep your coffee or tea hot for up to 5 hours - perfect for those long study sessions.
12. Snacks
You need brain food to keep you going, but you also need to be considerate of those around you.
Here are some great snacks ideas that you can bring to your library study session:
- Celery, raisins and peanut butter
- Trail mix with dried fruit, nuts & chocolate
- Protein bar
- Muffin
- Homemade energy bites
Dry snacks are the best to pack. Once I brought cut-up fruit and my Tupperware container leaked all over my textbook.
Avoid bringing any foods that are loud, disruptive or have a strong odor.
13. Money
Why would you need money at the library? A few reasons:
- You need coffee or snacks from the coffee bar—this is a savior for many students!
- You need to make some copies or do some printing.
Along with your main form of payment, always have some cash on hand in case the machine is down (or to tip your barista!)
14. Student ID & Library Card
Discounts anyone? Speaking of money, always carry your student ID card. The library may not give out direct student discounts, but you never know where you’ll be going after your study session.
If you’re a book lover like me, I love browsing the book isles and picking out a new book to take home as a reward for a productive day of study at the library.
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15. Toiletries Essentials Bag
I’ve found the more comfortable you are, the longer you’re able to stay and study.
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Eye Drops
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes (those library study tables are dirty)
- Feminine products
16. A Study Plan
Have a written study plan before you even leave your house. Planning is the key to success —everything else on this list just supports your study efforts.
Check your subscriptions are active and you’re able to log into the apps and learning platforms you need.
What to Wear to Study at the Library
The temperature in libraries can vary considerably from freezing to roasting, so always dress in layers.
You can even bring a large chunky scarf that can double as a blanket (literally called a blanket scarf) in the winter if you feel really chilled.
Next Steps
Preparing for a library study session is all about bringing the right essentials to stay organized, focused, and comfortable.
Do you find it more productive to study at the library? Share your thoughts below!
If you found this post helpful, sign up for my email list below and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to join our online student community – you don’t have to go through your study journey alone!
