The Ultimate Guide to the Best Tech for College Students
The full version of this List (with images, videos, articles and/or datatables) is available at https://listjar.com/list/best-tech-for-college-students
Technology has dramatically changed many facets of modern life, but it’s completely transformed education in a fundamental way. Even now, educators and students are still trying to modernize successfully in an ever-changing landscape. It's undeniable that college life has become digital. That’s why it’s crucial for college students to have the right technology to stay organized, productive, and connected. Whether you're managing coursework, staying in touch with friends and family, or simply entertaining yourself during downtime, the right tech can make a huge difference. But with so many options available, choosing the right tools can be overwhelming. Luckily, this comprehensive guide will explore the best tech every college student should consider. Let’s dive into the must-have tech that will help you succeed in college and beyond.
Disclaimer
Before we start, though, I think it’s important to note that there’s no reason to break the bank on tech. I think a lot of students and parents get stressed by how overwhelming the options are and how expensive things can get. If you have the means, then of course, you should consider getting top-of-the-line equipment. But at the end of the day, each student’s actions will dictate how they do in a course and in college. There’s nothing wrong with investing in standard models that will serve you well, and even leaving out some of the more superfluous pieces of tech. College is expensive enough as it is! Most students will find they’d rather have extra money for a spring break program than a slightly faster laptop. Also, there is genuinely good science behind the idea that old-fashioned pen and paper help more with retention and learning than taking digital notes (even with a tablet).
1. Laptop: The Heart of Your College Tech Setup
The laptop is as close to inescapable as you can get. Unless you want to have a very difficult time in college, you’re probably going to need access to a laptop. Your laptop is arguably the most important piece of tech you'll own in college. It’s your hub for note-taking, writing papers, research, and everything in between. The ideal laptop for college will depend on your needs, but you generally want something with a decent amount of storage space and a battery life that will get you through a couple of classes. Most college students won’t need anything too heavy-duty unless they are going into technology-intensive programs like Industrial Design, Computer Science, or the like. Now, there are a TON of different laptop options you can choose from, but let’s be honest, the choice generally comes down to Microsoft or Mac. I’ve written out a look at the best of both worlds within a reasonable student budget. Both of these laptops would be very good for almost any undergraduate student.
2. Tablet: For Flexibility and Convenience
Here’s the truth: the tablet is EXTREMELY negotiable. I know, I know, they’re one of the most trendy pieces of college tech. So many students use them now to take notes. However, while they can be very useful, there’s absolutely no need to break the bank for these devices. Tablets are mostly very superfluous pieces of college tech, but plenty of students find them genuinely lifesaving for certain classes. In my opinion, if you’re a student who's going to be consuming a lot of PowerPoints in lectures, I would recommend it. The ability to download a professor’s PowerPoint and take notes on it is pretty game-changing. This applies to biology students, especially. Anyone who wants to be a doctor will generally find tablets worth it. While a laptop is the mainstay of college tech, a tablet can provide extra flexibility, especially for digital note-taking, sketching, or reading textbooks. If you need something lightweight and versatile for class, a tablet can complement your laptop nicely.
3. Smartphone: The Ultimate All-in-One Device
Your smartphone is likely the device you use most often, whether it’s for communication, entertainment, or scheduling. I won’t lie, people love their phones. They’re obsessed with them. But to be honest, your phone isn’t that important to your college life. Most people are either Team Android or Team iPhone (mostly iPhone in the U.S.) by the time they get to college and they probably have their preferred device already. Really, the main thing about a phone in relation to your college life and success is the apps you can download on it, but that’s probably another article. That said, it is important to have a phone that’s relatively fast, can take good pictures (memories are important!), and can handle a number of messaging apps. If you want to get a new phone just for college, don’t let me stop you. But I recommend a new or refurbished version of a slightly older model. Again, college is expensive and the newest version of a phone really isn’t worth the money.
4. Smartwatch: Stay Connected and Stay on Track
Again, a smartwatch is genuinely just not a priority on the college tech list. It will affect your classes pretty much zero percent. However, if you want one, it’s actually not a bad investment because health is one of the most important things you have to watch when you’re in college. So if you want to get a smartwatch with the actual intention of taking care of your health, I think it’s a very solid investment. Otherwise, I’m sorry but these are just so superfluous. There’s no notification it can send better than a phone and most of the time they can just be a huge distraction from you entering focus mode. However, if properly used, a smartwatch can help you stay organized, keep track of deadlines, and (mostly importantly!) monitor your health.
5. External Hard Drive/Cloud Storage: Keep Your Files Safe
FINALLY! This is extremely underrated and an extremely useful piece of tech. As a college student, you’ll accumulate a lot of files, from notes and assignments to videos and presentations. Investing in external storage or cloud solutions will help you keep everything organized and prevent losing critical data.
6. Noise-Canceling Headphones: Block Out Distractions
Again, noise-canceling headphones are definitely a luxury, not a necessity. Most people can get used to working in environments with a good amount of ambient noise or they can blast instrumental music into their eardrums like the rest of us. While they are definitely a luxury item, I won’t deny that noise-canceling headphones have gotten astonishingly good at their job. Noise-canceling headphones are really great for studying in coffee shops or other loud environments. They help you focus and block out distractions.
7. Portable Charger: Keep Your Devices Powered Up
Another super practical piece of tech for college students is the portable charger. This is 100% something that can be a lifesaver for students. It’s a must-have for busy college students who are always on the go. Whether you're heading to class, the library, or a weekend trip, having extra power in your pocket ensures that your devices won’t die at the worst possible moment.
Conclusion
The right tech tools ARE important for a smooth college experience, but I just don’t want to oversell their usefulness. Except in very rare circumstances, one laptop will not make you significantly more productive than another. You should choose which piece of tech will fit with you and your lifestyle and, most importantly, your bank account.