College Tech Essentials: Gadgets for Success

June 13, 2023

Whether it’s your first or fourth year of college, you want to be prepared when the semester kicks off. These days, more and more college tasks are completed online, from writing papers to taking exams and submitting assignments. 

Read on for a roundup of some must-have college supplies including tech tools to help you succeed in school.

For Studying

When you have to pull an all-nighter, these college school supplies can help you through it. Well, these and a big cup of coffee.

Your laptop is arguably one of your most important possessions as a college student. You may use it to take notes, write essays, complete online assignments, attend Zoom classes … anything and everything, really! You’ll want to make sure you’ve got a good one.

There isn’t one “best” laptop perfect for every student. It depends on your needs. When shopping for laptops for college, think about characteristics like:

• Size and weight. Lugging a heavy laptop across campus? No thanks. If you plan to bring your laptop to class (to take notes, for example), make sure it’s small and lightweight.
  
• Screen and graphics capabilities. High-quality graphics are especially important if you are majoring in something visual, like graphic design or fashion. A bigger screen is also a plus.
  
• Storage space. As a busy college student, you’ll have all kinds of material on your laptop, from term papers to your favorite movies and music. Make sure it’s got the storage space to accommodate your needs.

A Windows i7 laptop can be a great choice for college students. They offer fast and reliable performance and are great at multitasking. Check out the laptop buying guide for more shopping tips.

A laptop can be convenient when you’re on the go and need something you can take to the library, class, or your favorite coffee shop. However, you may prefer a detached keyboard and mouse for enhanced comfort when working at home. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse are ideal when you’re working for hours on end. Try a wireless mouse and keyboard for maximum flexibility.

Do you really need a tablet or e-reader if you already have a laptop? It can be useful for your class reading. Many textbooks now come in digital versions. This lets you type on your laptop with your book open on your tablet — great for writing papers or taking notes.

Headphones

Headphones are great for listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or music. They’re especially useful if you have a lot of long walks, drives, or bus rides to get to and from your classes.

Wireless headphones can make it easy to connect. Choose between earbuds or over-ear headphones. Some popular brands include JBL, Jabra, and beats wireless headphones.

Hint: Headphones with a mic are great for students taking online courses.

Have trouble focusing in a noisy coffee shop or a chaotic dorm environment? Enter your new best friend: a comfortable pair of noise-canceling headphones.

In contrast to regular headphones, noise-canceling headphones are designed to block out noise — super helpful when studying in noisy places.

There’s nothing worse than having your laptop battery drain halfway through class — or your headphones give out while you’re mid-podcast. Consider keeping a charging device and portable power bank on hand. Some great options include a wireless charging pad or a desk lamp with a wireless charger built in. Smaller portable chargers you can take on the go can be ideal for midday charge-ups during the school day.

Once you’ve stocked up on tech gadgets, try to make sure you have enough plugs to keep them charged. A surge protector maximizes your outlet space and protects your electronics against unexpected electricity surges. Another tip: extension cords. A lot of dorm rooms have limited plugs, and convenient placement is not guaranteed.

Students who prefer writing notes and brainstorming by hand instead of typing can check out the Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook. The eco-conscious pen-and-paper notebook has seven page templates and links to your favorite cloud service, so you can easily store and manage your notes.

Let’s get real: You probably don’t always work at your desk. Some days, there’s nothing better than curling up in bed and doing your learning there. A lap desk can hold your notebook, tablet, or computer — whatever you need to do your work without leaving the comfort of your bed.

In addition to an external keyboard and mouse, a portable monitor can make your laptop more user-friendly by giving you a bigger screen to work with. Wireless monitors connect without adding cable clutter to your desk. A bigger screen is easier on your eyes when you’re working long nights — plus, it’s more fun for watching TV or movies afterward!

Calculators can be essential tools for college students in math and science-based courses. Depending on your major, the type of calculator you need may vary. Scientific calculators like the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus may be suitable for a wide range of subjects, including algebra and calculus. For engineering and science classes, you may need a graphing calculator like the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire. Consider checking with your professor to determine any specific requirements before purchasing a calculator. 

Students have a lot of data to store, from class papers to personal photos and videos. Consider backing up your valuable data — both personal and professional — using external hard drives or extra cloud storage tools. You’ll have backups and peace of mind in case your laptop is stolen or damaged.

For Your Dorm or Apartment

College life isn’t all about studying. Here are some gadgets and gizmos that can make your life easier beyond the classroom.

You don’t have to be best dressed on campus every day. But you’ll want to feel well put together when it comes time to interview for internships or summer jobs. A fabric steamer can nix wrinkles so you look fresh.

When you’re cramming for an exam or racing against the clock to meet an assignment deadline, sometimes a little caffeine gives you the extra kick you need. Instead of spending big bucks on to-go coffee, consider getting a quality coffee maker for your dorm room or apartment. A Keurig® coffee maker can be a great investment. You can stock it with coffee K-Cup® pods or tea K-Cup® pods, depending on your preference.

Every college student can use a helping hand now and then. While you probably can’t hire an actual personal assistant, a voice assistant can be a low-budget alternative. Many provide voice-activated assistance with task management, scheduling, and other daily needs — even checking the weather.

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to submit an assignment online only to be held up by slow Wi-Fi or having your streaming service not work because of a spotty connection. A bad connection can be especially problematic in residential housing. Try a Wi-Fi router or Wi-Fi extender for a better link to your room.

Some students may depend on print shops or library facilities to print papers and other documents they can’t submit digitally. But wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to run out every time you had to print something? A printer can be an investment in convenience. Choose a wireless printer for minimal clutter or a portable printer, great for small dorms.

To keep your snacks and beverages cool without having to rely on communal refrigerators, consider getting a mini fridge for your dorm or apartment. It provides convenient access to refreshments and eliminates the need to share fridge space with others.

For Study Breaks

Your college packing list should also include some fun stuff, right? Turn to these technologies when you’re ready to let off some steam.

A video game can be a great way to forget about school stress. Complement your gaming console with all the right gaming accessories: a gaming headset, gaming mouse, gaming keyboard and hdmi cables. These items are also useful for times when you aren’t gaming. For example, an ergonomic gaming mouse and keyboard can be more comfortable for your schoolwork.

Gaming is fun, but it can also be strenuous. When you really need to relax, simply watching something on a streaming device can be even better. Try Roku to watch your favorite shows and movies on a budget.

Another way to enjoy your much-needed study breaks is by listening to music or podcasts with your friends. Wireless speakers can be perfect for these moments, as they are portable and convenient, and typically offer excellent sound quality with long battery life.

Get Everything You Need for College Success

The right tech can make many aspects of college life easier — whether cramming for an exam or finding a way to unwind at the end of the day. The above essentials can help.

Consider double-checking the relevant rules when shopping for your college dorm or apartment. For example, some facilities may restrict hot plates or coffee makers. You can also coordinate with your roommate to avoid doubling-up on items that can be shared.

From a new laptop to the latest gaming accessories, you can get a head start on gathering the right college school supplies for work and play. 

Get prepared for college with tech that can be great for both academic work and fun. Whether you're looking for a new laptop or the latest gaming accessories, getting organized beforehand will help make sure you have everything you need for a successful semester

About the Author

Alison Kilian has been a professional writer and ghostwriter for over a decade. She writes for internationally recognized publications and brands in the United States and Europe. Her focus areas include health, wellness, and general lifestyle topics.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.