In this series of articles, I’ll be taking a look at some Student essentials for coping with schedules, cramped dorm rooms and life on campus in general. In each article I’ll not only pick the try to pick options suitable for every budget as well as highlighting the best solutions. So without further ado, let’s dive in!

Notebook Stands

Hands up if you gotten neck cramp from staring down at your notebook computer for too long, whilst sweating over a term-paper with a looming deadline.  Been there, done that. But there are some affordable and simple solutions that can fix that problem and help you to avoid clutter on your desk to boot. 

Starving Student?

• The cheap & cheerful solution is to simply place your computer on a pile of books. I worked like this for a while, but soon got tired of it: Chances are you’ll end up needing those books at some point and let’s face it – it doesn’t really look that great either. But in a pinch it’ll work. This option is best when used on desks with a bit of depth as it will take up a bit of space.
   
• If you’re feeling creative, you could also try one of these DIY-notebook stands, or try making one of your own (Lego stand anyone?). 

Part-time Job?

• Logitech’s Alto Express will get the job done nicely for under $20. But it will take up a bit more space than other stands and isn’t that well suited to clamshell style notebooks (e.g. all Macbooks!). It will give the base of your notebook a bit more breathing room though, but won’t help keep your desk tidy. It will give you a bit of extra writing space on a shallow desk though.
   

Student Loans?

• You’re already in debt, so live it up a little – with the stylish Griffin Elevator. Not only will it raise your notebook to an ideal height, it will also keep it nice and cool. I use the Elevator at home and at work and love it’s simple functionality. Ideally suited for all types of desks and for standalone use or with a monitor. A bit pricy for some plastic and metal, but worth every penny in terms of everyday usefulness.