More College Tech Essentials for Students

by Coleson Cunningham

Beyond the Basics: More College Tech Essentials for Students

In addition to the tech essentials I covered in my previous article, here are some additional tech items that can enhance your college experience. From commuting and keeping track of your belongings to staying active and organized, these items will help you navigate college life with ease.

1. Electric Scooter: Campus Cruising

My Take: There’s a reason you see so many on college campuses. Universities can be massive, and a fast, reliable, low-effort, way to commute around campus can make a huge difference.

In those frantic moments, as you are running late to a class or an important meeting, an electric scooter can be a true lifesaver. Instead of arriving late and out of breath, just hop on your scooter and arrive in style.

Key Features to Consider:

• Range: How far can it go on a single charge?
• Speed: Most scooters cap at 15–20 mph, perfect for campus settings.
• Weight: Lightweight models are easier to carry upstairs or store.
• Portability: Foldable scooters are ideal for tight dorm spaces.

VOLPAM – $292.00

iScooter – $199.99

Segway Ninebot E2 Pro – $599.99

2. Location Tracker: Never Lose Your Essentials

From backpacks to keys, things go missing in college. A tracker like AirTag or Tile ensures you can quickly find your essentials.

Key Features:

• • Reliable Tracking
  • Long Battery Life
  • Simple Setup

You hope to never need a tracker, but when you do you’ll be very grateful to have this, especially if you are as forgetful as I am.

Apple Airtag – $24.00

Tile Mate – $24.99

3.  Smartwatch: Stay Fit and Focused

Smartwatches are the ultimate multitasking accessory, keeping you active, informed, and on schedule. Whether you’re monitoring your sleep, tracking workouts, or setting reminders, these devices help streamline your day without constant phone checks.

Key Features:

• • Fitness tracking: Monitors your activity levels.
  • Long battery life: Lasts all day.
  • Durability: Waterproof and resistant.

My Take:  I snagged a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 during Prime Day, and it’s been a game-changer for tracking my sleep, managing my schedule, and getting quick updates.

College can be stressful, some people thrive physically in college, for other people their health falls to make time for their studies or to be sociable. A smartwatch can be a good way to track how active you are, how to improve your sleep and get quick updates without using your phone.

A smartwatch can be a valuable tool for managing your time and staying healthy. Look for a model that offers the features you need, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and smartphone notifications.

Amazfit Bip U Pro – $69.99

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 – $169.99

Fitbit Versa 4 – $185.99

Apple Watch Series 10 – $349.00

4. Extra chargers: Be Prepared

Chargers are easy to lose, misplace, or forget—and in college, you’ll rely on multiple devices that often need charging at the same time. Bringing extra chargers ensures you’re always prepared, no matter the situation.

Key Features:

• Fast Charging: Saves time when your device is low.
• Multiple Ports: Ideal for charging several devices at once.
• Durability: Look for reinforced cables to withstand daily use.

How Many Do You Need?

At a minimum, consider packing:

• One charger each for your laptop, phone, headphones, smartwatch, and other key devices
• An extra charger for travel or emergencies
• A versatile multi-port charger for charging multiple devices simultaneously

5.  Smart Scribbles: Digital Pen/Notebook

Digital note-taking is the future of academic organization. These tools reduce clutter, allow seamless editing, and make file sharing a breeze.

Whether you’re jotting notes, sketching diagrams, or annotating PDFs, a digital pen and notebook can revolutionize your study habits.

Key Features:

• Pressure sensitivity: Enables natural writing and drawing.
• Easy syncing: Seamlessly transfers notes to your computer or cloud storage.
• Durability: Withstands daily use.

My Take: Digital notes are incredibly convenient and versatile, allowing for easy file transfer, reconfiguration, duplication, drawing, and much more.

They provide a platform for seamless integration of vibrant images and effortless portability.

For optimal productivity, pair your digital pen with applications such as Notability, GoodNotes, or OneNote.

Apple Pencil 2nd Gen – $114.00

JAMJAKE Stylus Pen – $39.99

As more learning moves online, having the right college tech essentials is key. From classics like a laptop and headphones to “nice-to-haves” like an electric scooter and smartwatch, these tools can boost your productivity, enhance your well-being, and help you thrive in both online and in-person classes.

Explore ideas from remote working setups to discover what you might need for online learning. With thoughtful planning and recommendations from tech-savvy friends, you can build a tech toolkit that supports your academic success and personal growth throughout your college journey.