Technology has become an essential part of collegiate life for students. Taking notes, writing papers, attending online classes, and keeping devices fully charged are just a few examples of the tech-dependent activities students need to get the most from their educational pursuits. Whether they’re incoming freshman or postgraduate students, these tools and devices are must-haves in 2024.
1. Charging Backpack
If a backpack is standard for college students, a charging backpack is absolutely necessary. Students carry multiple devices throughout the day, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which all need charging. These backpacks have USB charging ports, and some models also have built-in charging cables, eliminating the need for a separate power bank.
2. External Hard Drive
It’s not an exaggeration to say that most of a student’s academic work is in digital format. The worst thing that could happen to them is for their computing devices to crash, get lost, or be stolen along with their saved documents. Backing up work on an external hard drive stores and protects files and avoids the stress of such catastrophic losses.
3. Laptop
Colleges and universities have desktop computer labs for students, but it’s incredibly convenient to have a laptop. From affordable Chromebooks to 2-in-1 devices to the MacBook Air, there are devices to fit every need and budget. Laptops are essential for studying, doing homework, and writing papers, and they allow students to work from their chosen locations.
4. Smart Pens and Notebooks
Two of the more revolutionary technologies in 2024 are the smart pen and notebook. These devices work together by the user writing notes by hand and uploading them to a device or the cloud. Instead of buying and carrying different notebooks for each class, all that’s needed is a smart notebook and pen to streamline and digitize note-taking, allowing the notes to be accessed and seamlessly synced from a laptop, smartphone, and tablet.
5. Voice Assistant Speakers
Students have busy schedules, so anything that makes life a little easier and more organized is welcomed. Voice assistant speakers like Google Nest Mini and Apple HomePod Mini are affordable models that use voice activation to function as radios to play favorite podcasts and songs, make to-do lists, ask questions, and set reminders for important school deadlines.
6. Streaming Device
Smart television sets have become much more affordable, but paid cable prices are still high. A budget-friendly alternative to cable is a streaming device like Roku’s Streaming Stick+ and Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. Streaming devices offer a variety of live, free, and subscription television content in a component that’s about the size of a television remote control.
7. Wi-Fi Range Extender
No matter where a student lives — in a dorm, an off-campus apartment, or at home — having a strong WiFi signal is always important for completing online work and taking virtual classes. It’s also nice to have when watching streaming and video content. Numerous WiFi range extenders are available at different price points, with many selling for reasonable prices.
8. Wireless Mouse
Using a laptop or tablet for schoolwork is convenient, but repetitive usage can tire the hands. A wireless mouse is the perfect accessory to make using those devices easier. Their minimal weight and small size make them easy to carry around. Compatible devices are available for iPad and Windows tablet operating systems.
9. Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Finding a peaceful spot to study can be a challenge for college students. Having a pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones ensures students can learn in peace no matter where they are. Brands like Beats Studio Pro are compatible with Android and Apple operating systems and offer up to 40 hours of listening before requiring a full recharge. They’re worth the investment to guarantee peace and quiet.
10. Surge Protector
Electronic devices are costly, especially for students already living on tight budgets. Protecting desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones from electrical surges is crucial because it doesn’t take much power to damage them. Not all surge protectors are the same, so it’s important to buy one with excellent safety features.
11. Wireless Printer
Colleges have printing labs available for student use, but there’s nothing like having a printer of one’s own. A reliable wireless printer, like the Epson EcoTank, is an invaluable student asset. It’s an eco-friendly color printer that uses refillable ink tanks, which eliminates the need for buying disposable cartridges, and can print thousands of pages.
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