Life

15 Tech Essentials Every College Student Needs To Make This The Most Productive Year Ever

Whether you're starting your first semester or your last, you know you're looking forward to getting new school supplies. Most of us aren't buying colored pencils or binders anymore, but we definitely need a few good back-to-school tech essentials. I'm not talking about computers or phones, since I'm sure you have that covered. But, you could always use more tech accessories to go with your electronic lifelines. This semester, make sure your phones, tablets, and computers are charged, protected, and connected — and you might just have your most productive year yet.

Image: etsy.com

by Emily Kelley

Charging Case

You need your phone charged so you can refer to all your notes before the big test… and to take all those SnapChats while you wait.

iPhone 6 Battery Case, $30, Amazon

Backpack

Portable Speaker

This speaker is basically “college proof” (dustproof, shockproof, waterproof, and more), and has a 30-foot range — perfect for DJing your dorm mixers.

The Jacket H2O, $70, Amazon

Laptop Case

Pineapples are so in right now, and this laptop case even has pockets for pens, pencils, and a little notebook.

MacBook Pro Sleeve 13, $35, Etsy

iPhone Charger

If you’re living in the dorm this year, you’re going to really appreciate this very distinctive charger — no more roommates “borrowing” yours by mistake.

iPhone 6/6+/5/5s/5c Lightning Cable, $7, Amazon

Amazon Fire TV

I have the Fire TV, and it was worth every penny. You’ll be everyone’s best friend with your easy access to Hulu, Netflix, HBO Go, Pandora, and more.

Amazon Fire TV Stick, $40, Amazon

External Hard Drive

This will be especially necessary if you’re a film or photography major.

WD My Passport Ultra Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive- 1TB, $62, Amazon

Charging Messenger Bag

If you’re spending long days on campus, you’re going to love this bag. It has a built-in battery that has enough charge to juice your phone twice.

Powerbag Messenger Bag with Battery, $50, Amazon

iPad Keyboard Case

I had a class that required an iPad, and a keyboard case was a lifesaver. It’ll do a good job at protecting your tablet too.

Fintie iPad Air Keyboard Case, $25, Amazon

Headphones

Wallet Case

Lord knows you’re going to want to keep track of your phone, cards, and cash during all those “study parties.”

iPhone 6 Plus Wallet Case, $40, Etsy

Laptop Desk

Most dorm rooms come with a desk, but in case yours doesn’t or you wanna do some couch studying, this is your jam. It even has room for a notebook!

Slate 2.0 with Desk Space, $74, Amazon

Mouse

This is a pretty badass mouse, you guys — perfect for furious Googling, or leveling-up your gaming skills.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse, $72, Amazon

Printer

Believe me, you don’t want to have to rely on the school’s printer on the day your very important paper is due.

HP Deskjet 1010 Color Inkjet Printer, $98, Target

USB Drive

If you don’t want to lug a external hard drive around, you can rely on this USB drive for all your school needs.

SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 64GB, $13, Amazon

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