It’s hard to believe that it’s been over five years since I graduated from university. Time has flown by, with a whole pandemic in between. Despite the passage of time, I can still vividly recall my undergraduate experience, including the tech that I heavily relied on. A 2014 MacBook Pro was essential for getting work done, and upgrading from a budget Moto G 2015 to a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 made a significant difference in my daily life.

For most university students, having a reliable phone and laptop is a necessity. If you haven’t acquired these yet, they should be at the top of your tech priorities. However, as a tech journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to test various technologies over the years. Through this experience, I’ve come to realize that a few other products would have enhanced my university experience even further.

If you have the budget to spare, I suggest considering the following eight items that you may not have previously considered.

1. Noise-cancelling headphones: Looking back, I can’t fathom how I managed three years of university without a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The ability to listen to audio without disturbing others and block out distracting noise is invaluable, especially when studying in noisy environments. The PuroPro headphones have been my go-to choice, offering decent sound quality, solid noise cancellation, comfort, and good battery life. For the best noise cancelling experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a top recommendation.
2. A watch (smart or basic): Constantly checking the time on my phone to avoid being late was a common habit during my university days. A watch, whether smart or basic, would have saved me time and stress. While a smartwatch offers additional features like fitness tracking and notifications, a simple and affordable Casio watch does the job just as well.
3. A portable charger for my laptop: Having a portable charger for my phone was helpful, but it didn’t cater to my laptop’s higher power demands. Investing in a portable charger like the Anker 737 PowerCore 24K, which can charge laptops and other gadgets, would have been a game-changer during my university lectures.
4. A portable fan: A personal fan that can be taken anywhere would have been a lifesaver in hot university buildings, especially during the summer months. The John Lewis Anyday hand fan offers excellent power and battery life at an affordable price.
5. Trackers for my wallet and keys: Losing my wallet in 2022 made me realize the importance of keeping track of essential items. Tile Slim for wallets and Tile Pro for keys have been invaluable in preventing misplacement. These trackers provide peace of mind and help locate lost items quickly.
6. An electric shaver: As a young man without a beard, navigating shaving without an electric shaver or regular razors was a struggle. The Philips OneBlade has since become a staple in my grooming routine, offering a smooth and consistent shave at an affordable price.
7. An e-reader: Rediscovering the joy of reading in recent years has highlighted the value of an e-reader, especially during busy university life. Kindle and Kobo e-readers offer thousands of books in a compact device, making it easy to read on the go.

   While not essential, these products would have undoubtedly enhanced my university experience. Consider adding them to your tech arsenal for a smoother and more efficient university journey.