4 Zoom University Essentials

Dreading another online semester? With these four essentials, you won't have to! These are a few items that brought me lots of joy last semester, when all of my classes were (once again) virtual -- so I wanted to share them with you. I've also attached links to my personal favorites and some recommendations for you to explore!

1. Blue light glasses

An inexpensive, stylish solution to relieve the strain on your eyes. The filtered lenses cancel out harsh blue light from screens and even help me sleep better at night! I was skeptical at first but they really helped prevent headaches and any eye irritation or twitching that used to occur. (The only con is that you have to wear contacts if you're usually a glasses-wearer.) Here are two of my tried-and-tested recommendations:

Gamma Ray (1 pair for $17.99)

My rating: 4/5

My review: These have a darker yellow filter that may take some getting used to, but they definitely help to counter any harmful blue light that is being emitted from your screen. (I'm pretty sure these were rated #1 on Amazon when I bought them too.) The frame is also a little thicker than I'm used to, but they still look good! And honestly, who's looking?

Kenzhou (2 pairs for $17.99)

My rating: 4/5

My review: These have a more subtle yellow filter and a lighter frame, but while my sister found them great, I have to wear them for some time to get used to them. This could be because I have glasses and contacts of different strengths, but I still think they filter blue light really well and 2 pairs for the price of 1 is a sweet deal!

2. Laptop stand

I've heard that your computer screen should be at face or head-level to prevent neck and back pain. A laptop stand or riser helps to add height as well as provide storage underneath it. This is great for any small desk, dorm room, or apartment because it takes up vertical space -- not horizontal.

I personally love this one from Target because it has a smooth, sliding drawer that is large enough to store papers, folders, and notebooks! I also love the other matching desk storage accessories in this collection, and they all come in black, white, and silver.

3. Coasters

I always have cold water or coffee next to me while studying, so coasters are a must! They keep my desk surface, and more importantly, my digital devices, free from any condensation or moisture. Once again, you can find some inexpensive options at Target, or even support small businesses on Etsy! There are tons of cute wooden, acrylic, hand-painted, or crocheted options that make fun accent pieces for your furniture.

4. Reading pillow

I feel you. We can only sit upright in a chair for so long before we retreat to our beds for some comfort. Although studying in bed isn't advised by many, I do tend to do some light readings or review there, or just want to sit up while eating a snack and watching TV. A sturdy reading pillow helps me maintain my posture and pay attention if I choose to read or study there. I don't have the exact link to mine but they're often available during the back-to-school season at places like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Costco!

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I hope this short list helps make your semester a little brighter! :) Let me know what your essentials for online classes are, over on my Instagram @life.with.ankita!