essential back to school computer accessoriesThe long, hot days of summer are almost over. And what’s that lurking just around the corner? September and a new school year full of new challenges. So, it’s time to shop for your essential back to school computer accessories. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the gear that will make your school year more successful.

Computer accessories for students on the go

You won’t spend all your time at your desk at home. Whether in class, at the library for a study session, or at the local coffee shop working on an essay, this gear will help you be productive.

Laptop bag

 

 

You need a good laptop bag to safely get your gear from point A to point B. A bag like the Parkland Script Plus 15.6″ Laptop Convertible Messenger Bag is a stylish solution that will protect your laptop. As a bonus, it can also be used as a backpack.

Laptop lock

I know the stress of coffee shop computing. You’re working away, being very productive, but you need to go to the bathroom. Do you pack up all your stuff, or do you risk your computer disappearing? With a laptop lock like the StarTech Laptop Lock, you can secure your laptop and safely go for the bathroom break you desperately need.

USB flash drive

 

 

Do you have a file to transfer that’s too big for an email? Are you in too much of a hurry to spend an hour or more uploading the file to the cloud? A USB thumb drive is the answer. A drive like the Sandisk iXpand LUXE 2-in-1 128GB USB-C Flash Drive lets you quickly transfer larger files from your computer to someone else’s.

Noise-cancelling headphones

 

 

Noise is a distraction. And in crowded spaces with other students, noise is unavoidable. That’s why you need noise-cancelling headphones. A pair of noise cancelling headphones like the Sennheiser HD 350BT will let you tune out the distractions and stay focused and productive.

Computer accessories to improve your workspace at home

When you get back home, your laptop becomes a workstation. And your workstation will be much more productive with the right accessories.

Cooling laptop stand

 

Your laptop gives off a fair amount of heat. You can ignore it, but heat is not your computer’s best friend. By adding the Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ cool laptop stand, you’ll keep the laptop’s temperature down. A cooler computer means better performance.

Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for ergonomics

Your laptop keyboard and touchpad are useful and they make good use of the space available. But it’s still cramped. And they’re fixed in position. A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo like the Logitech MK850 will give you a more comfortable and ergonomic option for long computer use sessions.

Compact printer

 

You have limited desk space, but you need a printer. A printer like the HP DeskJet 3755 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer is a small but mighty printer solution for tight workspaces. Scanning, printing and copying at your fingertips, without taking up too much room.

USB hub

 

Your laptop is great, but there are some limitations that most laptops come with. A shortage of USB ports is one of them.

There’s only so much room for ports. With a USB hub like the Insignia 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub, you can connect all the USB devices you need to, at the same time. No more juggling between an external keyboard, a USB drive, and your external speakers.

Webcam and Microphone

Your laptop will likely have both a webcam and microphone built-in, and they will fulfill the basic requirements for a video conference. But if you’re going to be giving presentations or recording content for your courses, you’ll see better results with better hardware.

The Razer Kiyo Webcam & Seiren X Microphone Streaming Kit is a good example of high quality hardware that will upgrade your digital content to professional standards.

Essential back-to-school computer accessories

Your best computer accessories for a great school year are usually the ones you don’t think about. Hours and hours of using your computer in a cramped and ergonomically hostile environment will make it harder to learn. Make physical comfort a priority, and your body will thank you. Check out all of the other great back to school blog posts for even more helpful advice.

Chris is a novelist, avid gamer, tech enthusiast, and proud dad of a 13-year-old video game master.