Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Alexandra Markin
Looking for a change of scene from studying at home? Have an exam coming up? Libraries offer a quiet, non-disruptive place for you to get ahead in your studies.
As an online business management graduate, I’ve spent countless hours studying in public libraries around the world.
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 bag and forgot to pack the most critical library study essentials.
Learn from my years of experience and use this as a master list of what to bring to a library study session.
The Complete List of What to Bring to a Library Study Session
One of the benefits of being an online student is that you can study almost anywhere.
Not sure what to bring? Although every item on this list may not apply to you, use this as a packing list template of library study essentials.
1. Laptop
A laptop is the gateway to learning for online students, so don’t forget it!
TIP: Make sure your laptop is fully charged before you leave the house so you aren’t scrambling to plug it in as soon as you arrive at the library.
2. A VPN Connection
Plan on using your laptop for your study session? Although the library’s public Wi-Fi is free, it’s not secure and is always risky to use.
I always use my VPN when using public Wi-Fi. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and is a subscription service that protects your privacy and browsing activity online – making unsecure Wi-Fi secure and safe to use.
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 the full post here: Do I need a VPN As An Online Student?

3. A Bag Dedicated for Study Sessions
One of the best ways to stay organized when you’re studying is to have a dedicated bag for study sessions. Whether it’s a shoulder bag or backpack, invest in a high-quality bag 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
I mainly use Apple products and love my Apple AirPods because they fit really well in my ears. If you’re on a budget, I also really like the JBL Vibe Beam Earbuds, which are compatible with all devices.
TIP: Always charge wireless earbuds before you leave the house.
$99.99
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$44.95
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6. Textbooks & Reference Books
If the course you’re studying has a physical textbook, don’t forget to bring it along as well as any reference books or student study guides.
7. A Portable Book Stand
A book stand was a game changer when I had physical textbooks. No more straining your neck or hunching over the desk trying to take notes from a textbook.
A portable book stand is perfect to bring with you to a library study session.
8. 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.
9. 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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10. 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.
11. 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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12. Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration is key to keep your brain going, especially if you’re drinking coffee as well. Also, the air in the library tends to be very dry.
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!
13. A Coffee 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 spilling it all over your laptop). I’ve managed to do that, so get a high-quality tumbler that won’t leak!
14. 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.
15. Mints or Gum
This is essential in case you meet someone and have been drinking coffee all afternoon.
16. Money – Both Cash and Cards
Why would you need money at the library? A few reasons:
- You want coffee or snacks from the coffee bar.
- You need to make some copies or do some printing.
- You have late fees to pay (However I hope you avoid these unnecessary fees!)
Along with your credit card and/or debit card, bring cash in case the machine is down (and to tip your barista!)

17. Student ID 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 what businesses are close to the library that you might need to pop into after your study session.
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18. Library Card
Many students love reading for pleasure and not just for school. As a reward for finishing a productive library study, I love browsing the book isles and picking out a new book to have on my nightstand.
Save time by using the self-checkout where scanning your library card is required.
19. Dress in Layers
Libraries can be hot and cold, so dress in layers that you can easily put on or take off that aren’t just your jacket.
Always dress well. Every time you leave your house, you never know who you’ll meet. Just because you’re a student is not an excuse to live in sweatpants. Be on top of your game at all times.
20. A Small Blanket
If you get especially cold or just want to feel cozy without wearing sweatpants or yoga pants, bringing a small throw blanket is a great way to be comfortable while looking elegant (and not like every other student out there.)
21. Lip Gloss, Hand Cream & Eye Drops
Libraries are dry environments, and your hands tend to dry out when handling paper. If you bring your laptop and have a lot of screen study time, your eyes can get dry as well, especially if you wear contacts.
22. Feminine Products
This won’t apply to the men reading this post, but this is a really important item for the women. You never know when you’ll need these, and it’s good to have extras on hand in case someone else is in need. Always be prepared.
23. Music Playlist
Like to listen to music while you study? Make sure your playlist is ready to go, and don’t forget your earbuds.
24. Active Subscriptions
An active subscription of Microsoft Office, note taking apps or any other subscriptions you need to complete your studies.
The last thing you need is to get set up in your study space and realize your subscription has expired, so you can’t do the tasks you had originally planned.
25. 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.
Next Steps
Preparing for a library study session is all about bringing the right essentials to stay organized, focused, and comfortable.
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!
Do you find it more productive to study at the library? Share your thoughts below!