Ultimate List of Tech Essentials: College Edition
For a small nation, Ireland is blessed with an impressive number of world class universities. There are more than 22 universities and colleges around the country, with more than a quarter of a million students enrolled each year.
Starting and returning to university at the end of summer is a busy and exciting time.If you’re about to start college, you are no doubt organising everything you need for a year of study and fun. To help you out, we have put together the ultimate list of tech essentials for Irish college and university students.
Imagine having the power to supercharge your studies, effortlessly whip up delicious meals, and manage study stress. With the right technology, you can. In the fast-paced world of university life, the right tech essentials can be a student’s ultimate companion. Beyond being mere gadgets, these tools are the keys to unlocking a seamless and productive college experience.
We've got you covered with all of your back-to-school must-haves. Watch our latest video on back back to school and college essentials:
Tech Essentials For Studying
When it comes to university life in Ireland, academic success is much easier with the right tech gear.
The number one tech essential for any student is, without a doubt, a reliable laptop or tablet. Laptops and tablets are the foundation of your academic tech arsenal. Your portal to research, assignments, and online lectures.
What to Look for in a Laptop or Tablet
Tablets offer versatility for note-taking and reading, while laptops provide the processing power needed for more demanding tasks. Consider these five features when choosing a laptop computer or tablet for studying.
- Performance: Opt for a device with a robust processor and sufficient RAM to handle multitasking and software demands.
- Battery Life: Look for long battery life, ensuring your device can keep up with your study sessions.
- Portability: Consider the weight and size, especially if you need to carry it around campus.
- Operating System: Choose between Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS based on your preferences and course requirements.
- Connectivity: Ensure it has USB ports, Wi-Fi, and other connectivity options you'll need.
When choosing a laptop or tablet, remember that having a personal printer can be convenient for last-minute assignments.
7 Tech Essentials Students Always Forget
- Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones are excellent for studying in noisy environments or when you need to focus. A good pair is essential for online lectures and video calls.
- External Hard Drive: Back up important documents, photos, and projects to prevent data loss. An external hard drive provides extra storage space for college work and gaming.
- Power Strip and Extension Cord: Dorm rooms may have limited outlets, so a power strip with surge protection is handy for charging devices and using multiple electronics.
- Wireless Router: If you're living off-campus, a reliable wireless router can ensure a strong and secure internet connection for all your devices.
- Webcam and Microphone: Essential for virtual classes and online meetings. Make sure they offer good video and audio quality.
- Flash Drive: Handy for transferring files between computers or printing assignments at the library. Remember, you might be tech-savvy and save everything in the cloud - but your professors could be old school.
Tech Essentials for Student Cooking
Cooking healthy food might not be the first thing all students think of when planning their college year. However, a healthy and balanced diet can actually aid your study efforts. With the right kitchen tech essentials, you can quickly learn how to make speedy and (sometimes) nutritious food for you and your college friends. Here are our top tech essentials for easy student cooking:
Sandwich Makers - Ideal for quick and satisfying snacks or breakfasts, a sandwich maker is a must-have. Create gourmet sandwiches, paninis, or even toasted wraps effortlessly. It's perfect for busy mornings, days and nights!
Microwaves - The trusty microwave is a versatile kitchen companion. Use it to reheat leftovers, steam veggies, or cook tasty dishes quickly. Ideal for students with busy schedules, it can help you save time without compromising on flavour.
Health Grills - Health grills are fantastic for cooking lean meats, veggies, and even grilled sandwiches with less oil. They're perfect for whipping up nutritious, low-fat meals, and many come with adjustable settings for various cooking styles.
Kettles - Grab a go cup and make your coffee before you head to lectures. When you need a snack in a hurry, the kettle is perfect for instant noodles, oatmeal, or soup.
Toasters - Toasters are breakfast saviours, allowing you to prepare crispy, golden-brown toast in minutes. Some models offer multiple slots and settings for different types of bread and pastries too.
Air Fryers - If you're looking to splash out a little, consider an air fryer for your student digs. These nifty devices use hot air to crisp up your favourite fried foods with significantly less oil.
Enjoy guilt-free crispy fries, chicken nuggets, and more while maintaining a healthier diet.
Coffee Machines - For coffee aficionados, a coffee machine can be a game-changer. Brew barista-quality coffee right in your dorm or apartment. Whether you prefer espresso, cappuccino, or a simple black coffee, there's a coffee machine for every taste. Think of it as an investment for all the money you will save on takeaway coffees.
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Tech For Student Health, Wellbeing and Time-Keeping
The average student has a lot going on - lectures, assignments, part-time jobs, socialising and more. Staying on time, healthy and stress free can be a challenge, but there are tech solutions that can help.
Smartwatches are a practical and stylish solution for students who want to stay on top of their well-being and academic performance. Smartwatches, like Fitbit and Huawei, monitor physical activity, heart rate, and calories burned. This encourages students to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Students aren’t really known for their love of an early night but quality sleep is crucial for cognitive function. smart watches track sleep patterns, helping students improve their sleep hygiene and adjust their routines for better rest.
This type of wearable tech also provides real-time heart rate data. Use this information to manage stress, practice mindfulness, and ensure you’re not overexerting yourself during workouts.
smart watches often also include calendar and notification features. Students can schedule study sessions, set reminders for assignments, and manage their time effectively.
Some smartwatches allow users to log their food intake and calculate calories. Helping you make healthier dietary choices. Staying hydrated is also vital for concentration, use your smartwatch to send yourself reminders to drink water throughout the day.
If you have any questions about the best tech essentials for students heading off to college, we are happy to help. Our friendly staff are always on hand to answer questions and make recommendations.
From all of at Irwins Megastores - good luck at college!