I see your point, but I think alike to studying form, proportion etc in school, you don't take that knowledge you learn in a physical form to your place of work, it is stored in your head for future use.

So having a second monitor for research and reference is only an aid to your learning, and I'm pretty sure if you said to your future employer "I'm bringing in a second monitor to improve my workflow, is that ok?", that it would not be met with a negative response! lol!

And with your mind full of the knowledge you've learnt by that point hopefully you wouldn't be bothered by a quick change of window to double check part of a reference pic.

Just an idea anyway, everyone works in a slightly different way, and as long as you stick to the base rules of the area you are studying,and get to the result you are after the path you take is not quite as important.

Best of luck with your journey to that result!