The leaves are changing colors and pumpkin spice lattes are out in full force, which means back-to-school season is officially here. If you’re a college or university student, you may be gearing up for the upcoming semester, which will almost certainly include lectures.
Back when I was in college, I spent way too much money on office supplies and notebooks, which were often superfluous because I couldn’t decipher my horrible handwriting. Now, with over five years of tech journalism under my belt, I know of many products that would have been on my desk if I were still studying to make lectures easier to digest and ponder.
I’ve included a range of items at different price points, so everyone can enjoy them, even if this season’s loan has already sold out during Freshers Week. With that in mind, here are the tech products you should seriously consider buying for your course.
Remember that you can often get big discounts in the US and UK on tech products if you’re a student, so always check the retailer before you buy to see if you can save a bit.
iPad Air 6
In 2014, I bought an iPad Mini 2. However, I certainly didn’t get the most out of it: I mainly used it to watch stupid YouTube videos in my dorm room. Plus, that tablet simply didn’t have the capabilities of the current iPad Air 6.
Two sizes are available (11 and 13 inches) and four colors. Both support the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, which will be essential for taking notes. In addition, the new M2 chipset guarantees fast performance, in case you use software to help you with your studies.
Petter Ahrnstedt
Petter Ahrnstedt
Petter Ahrnstedt
It features a 12MP rear camera for taking slideshow photos and Live Text support on the latest operating system, which you can use for deeper research on any photos or videos you find that are relevant to your topic. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry to and from classes with minimal effort.
The iPad Air 6 starts at £549/$549 for the 128GB Wi-Fi-only version with an education discount. You can also get an £80/$100 gift card. You could save even more by opting for the latest-generation iPad Air 5 (from £439/$399).
If you’re an Android user, we have a list of alternatives in our best tablets chart.
Microsoft OneNote/Apple Notes/Google Keep
Even if you don’t have the space or money for a laptop or tablet, a note-taking app is essential for classes. Because they’re compatible with multiple devices, they sync your work to the cloud, allowing you to quickly jot down notes on your smartphone and then edit them later on a more powerful device, even if it’s a PC library.
I’ve included options for Windows, Apple and Android users, although OneNote and Google Keep can be used on all three systems. Plus, they’re all completely free to download and use. Save that money for a pint instead.
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
All of these apps also include recording software, allowing you to have an audio copy of your lectures. Google Keep, Apple Notes, and OneNote even include a transcription option, which is handy if you have trouble taking notes quickly when professors are bombarding you with information.
Google also offers more advanced AI transcription software, though it’s not directly integrated with Keep Note apps at the time of writing. Other third-party options include Otter AI and Evernote.
Acer Aspire 3
Most universities and colleges offer Microsoft 365 (which includes OneNote) for free, so a cheap Windows laptop can be a worthwhile investment. I had one myself, though I quickly overloaded it by installing way too many expansion packs for The Sims 3.
Robert Strohmeyer/Foundry
Robert Strohmeyer/Foundry
Robert Strohmeyer/Foundry
If you avoid doing that, an affordable laptop will be a great companion for your classes. You’ll be able to have your note-taking apps, documents, slides, and emails all in one place — and it may be preferable for those who don’t like the smaller keyboards that come with tablets.
The Acer Aspire 3 ticks all the boxes for a student. It has a spacious keyboard, all-day battery life, and impressive performance for the price. It’s a bit heavier than a tablet, but that’s the price you pay for a more versatile device.
It’s currently available for just £369/$329.
Charmast 10,400 mAh external battery
It’s all well and good to have this technology, but sometimes we forget to charge it. While some classrooms have USB ports and outlets, most are quite old and basic (I speak from experience).
Simon Jary / Foundry
Simon Jary / Foundry
Simon Jary / Foundry
Luckily, you can avoid being stuck with a dead battery by keeping a power bank handy. This one from Charmast is one of our favorites and comes in at a very affordable £18.99/$22.99. It has two full-size USB ports, as well as a USB-C PD port that can act as both an input and output. All three support 18W fast charging, but only with one device at a time.
Don’t forget to charge your battery beforehand! It takes about 3.5 hours with a Quick Charge/PD adapter and about 5.5 hours with a standard 10W charger. Plus, there’s an LED display so you know how much battery you have left.
Trust Lisboa Backpack
Once you have all your notes transcribed and/or graded (coherently or not), you’ll need a comfortable bag to carry everything safely, no matter the weather – with room for extra things like your lunch, your college hoodie, and the three million gifts you’ve collected around campus.
I tested this Trust Lisboa backpack and was very impressed with its capacity, number of compartments (including a 16-inch laptop sleeve), and comfort for hours. Plus, it comes in three colors, so you can find the option that suits your preferences. Not to mention that it’s water-resistant, so it’s safe from the elements.
Better still, it’s a bargain at £34.99 – although it’s not available in the US at the time of writing. If you want other alternatives, including more premium options, check out our list of the best laptop bags.
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