Starting university can be daunting for anyone, but it feels even more challenging without a
few tech tools to help you through the year. Beyond the trusty MacBook, here are some of my favourite purchases that have made uni life so much easier.
Logitech Pebble 2 Combo
For endless readings, essay writing, and midterm prep, the Logitech Pebble 2 Combo has been a lifesaver. The set includes a slim, minimalist keyboard and mouse made with recycled plastic, which is great for travelling. It is a perfect mix of productivity and sustainability during those long study sessions.
Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.)
Despite their not-always-fashionable look, smartwatches have been surprisingly useful. A virtual assistant on your wrist keeps your day running smoothly, from tracking sleep and fitness patterns to sending reminders, playing podcasts, and keeping on top of notifications.
Monitor or an iPad
Not a necessity, but a definite upgrade. A monitor or iPad can elevate your study setup, making multitasking and sharing work across multiple devices much more seamless.
Noise-cancelling headphones
At some point, you’ll need noise-cancelling headphones, whether for focused studying or drowning out noisy flatmates. The Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts up to 30 hours and delivers top-tier sound. Of course, you’ll also spot plenty of AirPods around campus, a classic, until you inevitably lose one!
Apps you’ll actually use!
The Arc browser
I started using Arc last year and I’ve never looked back since, its features genuinely transformed my workflow. You can create separate “spaces” to organise your browsing, customise your setup, and keep distractions minimal.
Google Workspace
From Calendar to Docs, Google’s ecosystem is a lifesaver for scheduling, group projects, and assignments. Everything syncs effortlessly through Google Drive (and integrates well with your uni account).
Alarmy
This app makes you complete tasks before snoozing like solving maths problems or snapping a photo of your kitchen. Annoying? Absolutely. Effective at getting you up for a 9:30 a.m. lecture? Definitely.
Hopefully, this “fresher tech haul” gives you a few ideas to make your uni life smoother, more
productive, and maybe even a little more fun, with your trusty tech friends by your side.
