Starting college or graduate school is one of the biggest and best decisions you will make in your lifetime. To succeed, you need to be prepared, though. That means knowing what to expect from college life and having all of the tools you need to do well. College essentials are more than just textbooks. They include the necessary electronics to help you do your best on a consistent basis.

Lenovo works to ensure you have all of the college essentials you need. That may include the best laptops and tablets but also the day-to-day items necessary to keep you on top of your game. In today's digital and computer-based world, a student that is unprepared is likely to make their day a bit harder. Luckily, you are sure to find just about everything you need for the best experience right here. Let us help you make it happen. Check out our recommendations for the back to college essentials you need to make this your best semester yet.

The Right Monitor

One of the college must haves for your dorm is a computer with a quality monitor. Mostly today's college students need to be able to work long into the night on research, or they need to use photo editing or other graphically intense programs. A good monitor helps to ensure you get the experience you need. Luckily, there are few different options in these back to college essentials available.

You can buy one of the outstanding thin monitors available that provide fantastic graphic images with superior screen color and clarity. These are a solid choice when you want to use your monitor for not just coursework but also for things like watching videos or movies in your dorm.

If you are one of the students that need to be more mobile today, consider a mobile monitor. These are slim and lightweight, allowing you to take them with you anywhere. They even have multiple connection ports to allow you to hook them up to gaming systems, computers, or other items. Few have key features like tilt and height adjustments.

Back to college essentials also are gaming monitors. Sure, they may not be what you need for your actual classes, but gaming, for people, is one of the best ways to relax and unwind. That is what makes it a must-have for your college experience. The good news is that you can buy a wide range of monitors that allow you to game with the best of them, including 4K monitors with superior graphics detailing and a fast refresh rate. These can be fun to have in your dorm room.

You can choose from monitors of a wide range of styles and sizes. Most of today’s college students want a larger monitor, such as 23 inches or larger. That takes up space, though. You can choose one that is 19 inches and still have a great overall experience. Check out all monitors to find one that is going to help you perform at your best. Monitors are college must haves that you do not want to overlook purchasing.

Laptop Bags

When it comes to college supplies, one of the most important investments for nearly any student is a laptop bag. You likely need to take your laptop with you from one classroom to the next. You may study in dorms or at various locations on campus. The more you carry your laptop, the more risk there is of damage to it. Laptop bags are a solid solution. They are the type of college essentials for class that you cannot overlook.

Choose those that offer a waterproof or water-resistant design. They should have at least some padding to offer protection to the laptop itself. They offer storage organization tools as well. There are a wide range of styles to make carrying your bag perfect for your needs. Do not overlook these college supplies, as they could help minimize damage to your belongings.

If you are looking for something that is lighter in weight and easier to use, check out laptop sleeves. They are designed specifically for the size laptop you have. These are student essentials for those who want to protect the monitor and laptop from damage but do not want to carry around a bulky backpack to do so.

Chargers and Adapters

It helps to have a second charging cord for your laptop. That way, you can keep one in your bag and leave the other at the dorm pulled in and ready to go after a long day. These are college necessities, too, because it is not uncommon to lose them. You may want to check out available adapters, too, especially if you need to plug your monitor into various components or you want to be able to display what is on your laptop screen on a monitor.

When buying these college necessities, be sure to choose those that are designed specifically for your make and model of laptop. You can get the model number off the laptop (either within the computer information in your settings or through a sticker on the bottom of the laptop). Use this whenever you are buying student essentials for your laptop or computer. You want to be sure that what you buy is compatible.

A Mouse

You may be using a laptop and feel just fine about using the touchpad to handle most of your tasks. However, that is not always easy when it comes to working quickly. There are times when you need more help. For few, then a mouse is one of the essentials for college students. Be sure to choose one that is ergonomic and fits your hand well. You also want to be sure the mouse is a reliable product from a brand you trust. That way, you know it is going to last. While you can buy a corded mouse, majority of those purchased today­­­­ are wireless and use batteries (also rechargeable).

A Stylus

College essentials for class may include a stylus or active pen. These pens allow you to write on the screen of your laptop and tablet. The system recognizes that touch and can communicate with the software programs you are using to­ input data. When buying these essential college supplies, there are things to keep in mind.

For example, you need a pen that is comfortable and lightweight to hold, especially if you are likely to use them on a consistent basis. Next, check the pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. Again, you want them to work for your needs. Look for those that have quick-access side buttons that allow you to use them a bit easier, too. All have a USB port to connect the device so it can be used wirelessly. Be sure they are compatible with the laptop or tablet you are using them for classwork or even everyday drawing or writing. Today's products are highly durable, but you need to be sure you are not going to lose them.

A Keyboard

If you are using a desktop computer, you need a keyboard. However, even if you are using a laptop, you may want to buy a keyboard to go with it. These are essentials for college students because they can allow you to type faster and input data at a faster rate than some very small laptop keyboards. People just perform better on a keyboard than they do using a traditional laptop computer screen.

Check out college kid essentials that combine a wireless keyboard and mouse. This can help keep the costs down when you know you need to buy both. You are sure to find a wide range of styles, including those perfect for ergonomic comfort. College student essentials like these are a good idea to have on hand just in case your existing keyboard fails, too.

A Webcam

Are you studying from home? College freshman essentials often include a webcam for those who are studying from home and need to participate in lectures or day-to-day classroom education. That is not all that these are good for, though.

Webcams are college kid essentials for reasons. They can let you interact with other students to study together or work on a project together, even when you cannot connect in person. They are also a good investment for those who are looking for a way to stay in connection with friends and family back home. Having a reliable webcam with good overall high-definition resolution and an integrated mic works well for these goals. That is why they are essential college supplies.

What Else Could You Need?

College freshman essentials may include other items. You may want to buy gaming equipment, including a gaming mouse, keyboard, and backpack, especially if you plan to do gaming in your downtime. You may want to consider headphones and better microphones if you want to improve your overall ability to communicate online. For some, one of the most important college student essentials is a new laptop that works reliably to ensure that you can always connect with class and do all of the work needed for the day.

Lenovo can help you with all of these needs and many more. If it is time to buy a new laptop or computer, or you just need the essentials to help you get work done for class, you will find just what you need available to you here. Our team is happy to help you. Check out our price match feature or compare several models of items to each other to ensure you are getting the very best value for your investment. We make it easy for you to find the best price on the gear that you need on a consistent basis.