Here are some things that I have personally found helpful on my nursing journey, three semesters into my nursing program—

A bookstand. I LOVE my book stand. Nursing textbooks are big, heavy, and take up far more space than they should. This little bookstand lets me prop the book up while I'm taking notes. It even folds neatly so that I can put it in my bookbag and take it with me to class, thereby freeing up some desk space. It's also great for when you're studying in a coffee shop.

Those folding nurse clipboards. Is it necessary? No. Will you use those little cheat charts? Probably only during the 1st semester. But they're great during clinicals. It folds to where it can fit into your pocket and gives you a solid surface to write things down. Vitals, patient info, time management stuff, nursing tips from RNs on the floor, etc.

It probably won't help you much your first (Fundamentals) semester, but I have found these Tribe RN badge cards to be helpful in remembering some things. If I'm completely honest, though, I use the EKG cheat cards the most and have found them to be the most helpful to me. I also use this EKG badge card to help me read strips at work. I would wait until you're a little further in your program before considering these, though, because you may find you don't even need them.

Get a good stethoscope. Seriously. Don't cheap out on your stethoscope. I know the good ones are expensive, but you can't learn what you should be listening for if you can't hear. This is something you will keep with you for a LONG time to come. I personally use a Littmann Cardiology IV because I have crap hearing, but I have also used the Littmann Classic III with success. You also should absolutely get some kind of ID tag with your name on it to put on your stethoscope.

Get you some good shoes and compression socks. Just like the stethoscope, you don't want to cheap out on shoes if you can help it. Danskos are popular for a reason. My brand of choice is Alegria (preferably the Debra model). They have more cushion than the Danskos and the rocker bottoms help me fly across the floor with minimal effort. Find a local store that caters to medical professionals and try on some brands to get an idea of what size you'll need & comfort. Then go online and see if you can find a lower price. Since my nursing program requires us to have white leather shoes, I went with a pair of white Alegrias on eBay.

I noticed someone else mentioned a tumbler for hot/cold drinks. I really love the ones from Zojirushi. They will keep your beverage hot for a looooooong time and they have a locking mechanism on the top so if you drop that little booger, you won't have coffee flying everywhere. I also have several Swell bottles that I like to keep ice water in (because I am a picky pants and seemingly enjoy water out of the Swell bottle more than the Zojirushi).

Finally, this is absolutely not a necessity but during this time of Covid, I have found a simple joy in wearing my rainbow disposable masks to clinicals/school/work. Find you a quirky pattern you like and rock it. I have FAR better interactions with patients sporting my rainbow mask than when I have worn the more basic blue disposables. Since half my face is hidden, I have to do what I can to try and convey a warm, open friendliness!

This is far longer than it probably should have been, but hopefully it helps in some small way or another! Good luck on your studies!

I have this one and love it: A+ Book Stand BS1500 Book Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CCJJGGA/

I researched lots of options and am super happy with this one (have had it for ~5 years). It just does the job so well. One of the best quality “random no-name things” I’ve bought from Amazon. You can adjust the angle at which the book leans back, it has little “arms” that swivel and keep the pages flat (it doesn’t have a plastic splash shield but I specifically didn’t want that), and it’s low-profile and doesn’t take up more room than it needs to on the counter. You can also pack it away flat. It can hold up a heavy Cook’s Illustrated compendium (the red/white one with pears on the cover) so hopefully it’s sturdy enough for your needs!