This post is all about the essentials you need while in graduate school, especially healthcare programs.
As I am preparing to graduate from my Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, I have been reflecting on my past 3 years in graduate school. Other than the insane amount of caffeine I ingested (thank you Diet Coke), there are certain essentials that I could not have gotten through my program without. These 7 graduate school essentials helped me survive school but will also be used as I enter the work for as an entry level clinician.
ESSENTIALS FOR OT SCHOOL
1. Quality Scrubs
From labs to standardized patients to clinical rotations, it is inevitable that you will spend a good amount of time in your scrubs. These FIGS SCRUBS come in a variety of colors, styles, and silhouettes. Plus, they offer a student discount! Pro tip: don’t leave them in the dryer for long if you don’t want them to be wrinkled.
2. Supportive Shoes
Thankfully, they make supportive and comfortable shoes that are cute! Being on your feet so much, you will want a good pair of NIKES or ADIDAS that you can wear during clinicals or coming onto campus to study. Both NIKE and ADIDAS companies offer a student discount, so yay!
3. Laptop Case
Be prepared for your laptop to go through the ringer! This AMAZON HARDHSELL CASE helps protect your laptop and allows for easy wipe downs in between classes or patients.
4. Insulated Waterbottle
Whether your beverage of choice is water or diet coke, a waterbootle with a cap is a must! Throw it in your backpack and use it all day at school or in the clinic. I LOVE the STANLEY QUENCHER CUP, but the cap isn’t vacuum sealed and will spill if it tips. HYDROFLASKS have a lifetime guarantee and are dishwasher safe!
5. Lightweight Backpack
Investing in a good backpack will make a big difference. Not only will it last you well beyond grad school but it will allow you to fit everything you need for the day! FJALLRAVEN and LULULEMON have great backpacks that allow you to wipe stains off instead of having to put it in the washer.
6. Planner
It is safe to say you are going to be very busy while in grad school. Time management is crucial and can’t be done without a good planner. ANTHROPOLOGIE & TARGET always have great planners that will help any grad student stay on top of their game and properly manage their time.
7. Quizlet
Throw out those paper flashcards and get ready to elevate your study sessions. QUIZLET allows you to create online flashcards, quiz yourself, create class folders/sets, and so much more. This will be your saving grace come midterms and finals.