Gear Up for Freshers: Must-Have Tech Essentials

You can do everything using tech these days...

You've probably packed all of the essentials but have you thought about any gadgets that could make your life a little easier at university? The latest technology can be pretty expensive, so we don't want you to go out and spend a fortune but having a few extra gadgets can come in handy. 

Here are some must-have tech that you can buy on a budget:

1. Smartphone

You've probably already got a smartphone (who hasn't these days), but do you make the most of the apps available to you? Study apps like Evernote, StudyBlue and Office Lens can be so helpful and there are plenty of other ways you can make use of your phone during your studies. From setting study timers to recording all of your lectures in your calendar and setting reminders, it can be a reliable study buddy. 

2. Laptop

The university has computers you can use but it's always easier to have your own portable laptop so you can work whenever and wherever you need to. It doesn't have to be the latest technology or the biggest brand either, as long as you can type up your essays and keep track of your work you'll have all you need. 

It might also be a good idea to get a USB stick to keep all of your files in one place and keep a back-up just in case. You can usually find these in most shops and even some supermarkets from around £5 so it's definitely worth the extra cash - just make sure you don't lose it. 

3. Power Bank

When you have a long day of lectures, your phone and laptop are bound to need charging at some point. Instead of packing individual chargers for everything (which can be hard to remember and easy to lose), having a power bank can be much easier. You can find some cheap ones online so don't worry about spending a fortune, they'll all get the job done. All you need to do is remember to charge your power bank as and when it needs it. 

4. Bluetooth Speaker

A good way to de-stress and bond with your flatmates is by playing your favourite music. With a small portable speaker, you can sing-along to the top hits whilst you're cooking, take it to the park or simply hype yourself up before exam days. 

There's lots of low-cost speakers that do the trick, including the Anker Soundcore Speaker which has a 24-hour battery life! Don't play your music too loud though. 

5. Chromecast

Looking to stream your favourite TV shows? Chromecast is an affordable streaming device that plugs into your TV so you can stream things like Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube straight to your TV from almost any device - making it perfect for those lazy Sundays. 

6. Games Console

Playing video games is a great way to spend your spare time and an activity that can break the ice. When meeting new friends at university, it can be fun to spend a couple of hours on FIFA, Minecraft or Fortnite. Games consoles aren't always cheap but you can get a good deal online or from a second-hand shop like CEX or GAME. 

7. Coffee Machine

When those morning lectures roll around, getting your caffeine fix might be the one thing on your mind so having a coffee machine in your accommodation might be a priority. You can save some extra money in the long-run too if you're the type of student who grabs a cup of coffee on the way into uni everyday, especially in London, we know how the prices can be! 

Curry's always have a range of deals on their website and there will be students moving out or updating their tech so you should be able to find a cheap one from a fellow student during your time here or you could always have a look on Facebook Marketplace. 

8. Noise-cancelling Headphones

These aren't a necessity but you never know when they could come in handy. Whether your flatmates are being too loud, you need to focus in the library or simply want to block out the world for a while, some noise-cancelling headphones can cut out all potential distractions.

We know you already have a lot to pack but keep these in mind while you're out shopping, you won't regret it!