College Essentials

By Anthony Pilloud
Contributing Writer

College can be (and is) a trying time. It is difficult, in this day and age, to fully keep up with the ever growing technological age. Technology develops exponentially, which makes it all the more difficult. I have attempted, to my best degree, to develop a list of the most essential technological products/services that a prospective student (and parent) should consider.

First and foremost, the single most important tool that a college student of any caliber requires is instant internet access, in whichever manner is most convenient. The internet is a source of infinite wisdom with limitless knowledge (both good and bad) and should be at one’s fingertips at all times. Whether or not it is a smartphone, tablet, eReader, laptop, or what have you, the internet should always be at your immediate fingertips.

The easiest way to go about this is with a laptop. A simple laptop computer will quickly become any student’s best friend (and I do mean that in every degree of the word). Writing papers or working on projects will be infinitely easier with a computer of your own (as you will soon realize if yours breaks down and you are restricted to your college’s computer hours and accessibility).

However, the great debate between the Apple and the PC continues to thunder over the heads of tech geeks. Despite years of continual PC loyalty, even I will admit that when it comes right down to it, personal preference is the most important rule when shopping for any laptop. It is easy to educate oneself on computer basics, and do not be afraid to ask questions as well.  A laptop is an invaluable ally in the fight of academia, and it is important that you enter the battlefield prepared.

If you are going to get a laptop (which is highly suggested), it is important to get one that will stand the test of time. Most laptops have a life of roughly three to four years; so a new laptop should last you long enough to get through a four-year degree. If considering an Apple product, look no further than a Macbook or a Macbook Pro, which tend to be the staple college student Apple laptop. If going for a PC, then it is important that you take into consideration what it is that you will need in a laptop.

Secondly (and, in many ways, this goes along with the first necessity), a student should have some form of a popular social networking profile (sorry parents). I cannot express how helpful it has been going through four years with a Facebook account. College students love the social network, and it is quite honestly the quickest and most efficient method to keep in contact with one another, whether that be for class or otherwise. Making a strong set of acquaintances and friends will make the college years all the easier.

The most obvious choice would be Facebook. Facebook is probably the most popular social network at this time, however Google+ is steadily climbing and overtaking it. Keep informed on both what is more convenient for you (as in which one will have more people that you know on it) as well as knowing how to properly keep your profile safe and secure. So long as you are safe about it, devices such as these can be invaluable tools.

Right up there on the list of important things to own is a cell phone, preferably with a plan that allows texting. Texting is obscenely convenient. My landlord my senior year preferred that we text him any complications with the house we were living in, and I cannot express how much easier that made everything. The ability to text is nearly as helpful as having an email account, only faster.

To recap the necessities, I suggest that every student have their own laptop that they are familiar with and a cell phone with a texting plan that they keep on themselves almost always. Everything else technology wise is simply there if you feel you would like it. I suggest that each dorm room have a television with a DVD player of some sort, or, if you own one, a gaming device of some magnitude. Everything else is just extra that will help you get through the dark ages of academia. The foremost are, in nearly every way, the raw essentials.

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