The life of a college student is like a roller-coaster ride or the horror house even. It has so many twists and turns, and it can be either exhilarating or just plain terrifying. College education is, after all, your preparation area for when you finally enter the workforce.
Student loans and deadlines on top of deadlines are already enough to make you crazy, but if you have the right tools and the right mindset, you don’t have to worry too much. Listed below are gadgets that every college student should own.
Laptop
Your laptop is basically your headquarters. A huge portion of your schoolwork relies heavily on your laptop: typing reports, doing research, storing information, taking notes. With the way things go these days, it’s nearly impossible to accomplish anything without the help of a laptop or a personal computer.
When buying a laptop, always consider the basic specs first: portability, processor, RAM, storage, and graphics display. A gaming laptop is best suited if you’re opting for the best specs. If you’re using your laptop for studying, you may prioritize screen quality, as you will be looking at your screen for long periods. Don’t be blinded by features like infrared cameras, which may not be suited to your purpose for using a laptop.
A fast processor is also important especially if you’re always working on your computer. The last thing you need is your laptop suddenly becoming useless around finals week because it lags and the active programs become unresponsive.
Printer
Paperwork is a constant variable in the life of a student, and in college, you can only expect more writing to do. Unless you’re Hermione Granger, willing to handwrite three-foot-long essays with 7.5 font size on parchment paper, you should save up on a printer.
A standard inkjet printer is sufficient and is friendly on the budget. It can print basic documents and even photos, though the photo quality may not be excellent. If you need to print in bulk and as quickly as possible, a laser printer may be the better option for you.
If you need a fax machine or a copier, then a multipurpose printer is suitable for you. That way, you won’t have to worry about looking for a copier shop if you happen to live in an area whose stores are far apart.
Tablet
If you’re constantly moving from one place to another, a tablet is a good investment. It’s a lot like your laptop, only it’s more compact and portable. You can keep it in your backpack without worrying about bulky weight, and you get to read your notes while you’re in bed.
The tablet may not completely assume all the functions of a personal computer. However, it can perform similar functions as long as you download the right app and have enough storage space.
Remember, though, that tablets are light, so you’re more likely to drop them or scratch them than you would with a laptop. In that case, protect your precious iPad Air, and buy a durable iPad case to avoid scratches and other damages.
Surge Protector
When you have too many gadgets plugged in and electrical surges are frequent, you risk frying your expensive electronics and, by extension, your money. That will make your gadgets inoperable and useless. You don’t need that kind of problem when you have a deadline to beat.
Spikes and surges happen when the electricity flow is interrupted and then has to be started again. That’s often the case when lightning strikes near power lines. A surge protector ensures that only the regular, safe amount of electricity flows in your gadgets, cutting off the excess current.
Extra Reminders
There are many gadgets you can use to make your college life fun and less stressful. It all really depends on your budget and which gadgets suit your study styles. Be diligent enough to look at product reviews and specs before considering buying anything.
Fringe benefits may look appealing at first glance, but if you take time to whittle down your criteria for buying to the basic requirements, you won’t have too much difficulty with your choices. Always think of an item’s functionality and value for money.
