Whether you’re a fresher or have started your final year countdown to graduation, these gadgets will help you make the most of your university experience.

As the saying goes, a good workman never blames his tools. And that applies to everyone, including students. When you don’t meet a deadline, don’t do well in an exam, or arrive late to a lecture, it’s probably your fault.

But then again, having the right tools may help you perform better. From an external drive to back up your notes and a laptop lock to secure your technology investment to noise-cancelling headphones and streaming devices, there are various forms of technology that will help you work hard and play a bit as well.

External hard drive

Occasionally, technology does fail. Batteries run out of juice, smartphones lose their touch sensitivity, and computers crash. Latter incidents can be devastating, especially if you haven’t backed up your notes.

In order to avoid losing all your research material or assignments that you’ve spent half the night writing, invest in a lightweight external hard drive which you can carry around with you. That way, you can work without worrying that you’ll have to start all over again.

Wink Pivot Power Genius Surge Protector

Power surge protector

Surges in electricity can damage your technology. And since you’re running on a tight student budget, you cannot really afford to spend your savings on buying a new computer or, if you’re living in rented accommodation, replacing domestic appliances.

The Wink Pivot Power Genius Surge Protector is a clever gadget that, while extending the reach and capacity of power outlets, also protects your technology against power surges. The pivoting outlets also accommodate plugs and adapters of all shapes and sizes.

In order to avoid losing all your research material or assignments that you’ve spent half the night writing, invest in a lightweight external hard drive which you can carry around with you

What’s more, this gadget will also do away with worries that you’ve left the lights on because, by using a dedicated app, you can turn off the outlets remotely.

Laptop lock

You’re in the library and want to pop out for a quick coffee without having to lug your laptop behind. But you cannot just leave your laptop unguarded. The solution is a laptop lock. You simply attach one end of the plug to your laptop and the other end to something which cannot be pocketed, such as a desk leg.

Just don’t forget to memorise the combination.

Quiet please

Yes, you do love your music – it whiles away the time and helps you to concentrate. However, that doesn’t mean that others appreciate your musical tastes.

Noise-cancelling headphones have two main advantages. First of all, you can enjoy listening to music without having to listen to ambient noise. And secondly, you don’t bother other students who might not like the music you listen to or who prefer to work in silence. It’s a win-win situation.

Fitbit Flex

Stay fit

Of course, age is on your side. However, that doesn’t mean that student life doesn’t take its toll on your mental and physical strength. You wake up early for lectures, stay up late studying and doing your research, and have to keep up with a busy social life.

Fitness tracking devices like the Fitbit Flex can help you manage your sleeping, eating and fitness habits. Keep track of what you eat and get training encouragement from your virtual fitness buddy. If you’re sharing an apartment with other students, the Fitbit Flex also packs a silent alarm so that you don’t wake up roommates who are on different schedules.

Studio Banana Things Ostrich Pillow

Sleep well

It’s one in the afternoon and you’re outside, writing an essay which you should have handed in yesterday. But then, you start nodding and end up sleeping with your head propped against the wall – two hours later, you wake up with a stiff neck and a terrible headache.

The Studio Banana Things Ostrich Pillow isn’t some hi-tech device. But it’s still a clever gadget which helps you catch some rest even in the most uncomfortable of spaces, including public spaces or even the bus – after all, it’s been proven that a power nap can increase productivity. So slip it on and enjoy your nap. Just make sure that you set the alarm.

Learn a language

The whole point of tertiary education is to use every minute to learn something new. So if you have some spare time on your hands, don’t waste it – rather, use it to learn a new language. Language is the gateway to new cultures or to making new friends. Language programmes such as the Rosetta Stone are immersive and can help you learn a new language quickly.