Heading back to grad school at 35 what is actually worth spending money on

35 y/o heading back to grad school after making decent money with perks and I keep noticing this group of things that are not real needs but would make life a lot easier. Stuff like a better desk lamp, a small air fryer, an extra monitor, some storage so the room feels less sad. It all sounds nice, but my income is about to drop and money will be tight, so buying all of that at full price feels risky.

Now I keep all of that on a “want but not urgent” list. I check school secondhand groups first, or in a while if friends are doing one of those slashing games on TikTok, I only use it for stuff that is already on my list. If I get a good deal, great, I buy it. If not, I just move on.

If you are already in grad school, what are the things you are actually glad you spent money on, and what do you kind of regret buying?

Also any additional financial tips and tricks are welcome!

Thanks :)