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10 must-have gadgets for every first year student

Make your move to halls a smooth one with these essential gadgets

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Heading off to uni? We know, we know. From bathroom essentials to kitchen utensils, you’ve already got a checklist as long as your arm – but have you thought about your tech?

We’re not just talking about the kit you’ll need for studying and researching. We’re talking about gadgets that’ll make downtime a blast, help create lifelong memories with your new pals and make your start to uni a smooth one.

From organising assignments to blasting your favourite tunes, here’s 10 gadgets no fresher should be without.

1. Laptop

No surprises here. A laptop is probably the most important purchase you’ll make as a new student. It’ll let you work on assignments wherever you are, and you can pop it in your bag and take it anywhere – from lectures, to the library, to your favourite campus coffee spot.

If you just need a machine to research, write assignments, create presentations and browse the web, there’s a fantastic choice of affordable options, including Chromebooks. They’re made for being online, and designed for speed, simplicity and security. For courses that require specialist software like Photoshop, AutoCAD or video-editing suites, you’ll want a laptop with a bit more oomph to handle intensive programs.

Whatever you study, look out for a device with a decent keyboard. You’ll be grateful for it when you’re typing away frantically for a looming deadline. Want something versatile? 2-in-1 laptops double as a tablet, so they’re perfect for playing mobile games or unwinding with Netflix in your free time.

Still not sure where to start? Here’s what to look out for in a uni laptop.

2. Anti-virus software

Got a shiny new laptop? Make sure you protect it. You’ll likely be joining public Wi-Fi networks in libraries and cafes, so it’s important to protect your device from malware, phishing attacks and other nasty cyberthreats.

Anti-virus software keeps your details safe and secure when you’re managing your student loan, shopping online and saving your projects. The best thing you can do is treat your laptop to security software the moment you buy it. Nobody wants a computer virus when trying to work to tight deadlines!

3. External hard drive

Whatever you’re studying, you’ll want to back up all that hard work. If something happens to your laptop, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all your projects are safe, sound and easily accessible. And if you start running out of laptop space, an external hard drive can help you manage your storage and means you can take all your work with you, wherever you go.

Starting from around 256GB, even smaller hard drives can hold thousands of work files. Look out for USB 3.0 too – it helps move files from your laptop much faster.

Check out our handy guide to uni data storage if you’re not sure how much space you’ll need.

4. Headphones

Trying to revise for crucial exams whilst your flatmates throw a party? Noise-cancelling headphones have you (and your ears) covered. They’ll block out noise and chatter around you, so you can really focus on what you’re doing. ‘Lo-fi study tunes’, to the rescue.

5. Wireless speaker

Don’t be fooled by the word ‘portable’ – a good wireless speaker can fill a room with incredible sound. They’re easy to take to the park after a day of classes, and the best ones have enough power to play tunes all day long.

We recommend the JBL Charge 5. This stylish portable Bluetooth speaker pumps out rich, clear sound for up to 20 hours. You can even pair two phones at once, so no fighting over DJ duties.

6. TV

Whether you’re playing a game of FIFA, hosting a movie night or just need some background noise to study to, a TV is a welcome addition to any uni room. Given the size of most dorms, a 32 to 43 inch TV should be just right.

This Samsung 32” 4K Ultra Smart Display is the ultimate multitasking TV. Not only does it sort all your watching and streaming needs, but Workmode transforms the display into an extra computer monitor. Tackling big projects where you need everything laid out in front of you? This TV is perfect for that.

7. Streaming device

Streaming devices like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick are super handy when you want to get into a new Netflix series or Prime movie. Simply plug it in via a HDMI port on your TV and stream video content from your laptop or smartphone. Easy.

8. Printer

From dissertations to coursework, printing is an essential part of student life. To save yourself from mad dashes to the library, invest in a cost-effective printer to keep in your room.

The Epsom EcoTank is one of the best printer systems for getting the most out of your ink. It does away with expensive, messy cartridges, so you only need to refill the tank with bottles. And it comes with enough ink to print around 4,500 monochrome pages. That’s a lot more than a thesis’ worth.

9. Desk lamp

Okay, it’s not the most high-tech gadget on this list, but it’s just as important. Halls aren’t best known for their lighting, so a good lamp might stop you from needing to make late night trips to the library to get work done. Simple, but essential.

10. Power bank

If you’re in lectures all day, you’ll want enough phone charge to see you through. Power banks are basically portable chargers – and some have enough capacity to charge your smartphone five times over. Just plug in a USB, plug your phone in, and pop it in your bag. No wall sockets required.

Need more help choosing gadgets or appliances? If you’d like to talk to an expert, pop in-store or have a video chat using ShopLive.

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