5 Tools That Make University Life Easier

In this digital age, university students have far more tools at their disposal than the classic notebooks, highlighters, and flashcards. Whereas all these traditional tools are still useful, you’ll make your life at university much easier if you also invest in a few basic gadgets.

1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

It makes sense to fit in some studying whenever you have a few minutes to spare. However, this is often easier said than done. If you’re unable to make it back to your apartment (or even to the campus library), you may need to sit down anywhere you can find, such as in a crowded coffee shop or the cafeteria. All the noise around you can be distracting — but you can block it out if you have noise-cancelling headphones. If it helps you to focus, play music; otherwise, experiment with white, pink, and brown noise.

2. Digital Notebook

Buying a notebook for each class along with plenty of pens and pencils can lead to clutter — not to mention, you’ll need to carry everything around with you all day. A digital notebook will allow you to keep all your notes in one place and to organize them even more effectively. Plus, you’ll be able to review your notes, spend time on homework, and check other information you’ve jotted down whenever you want.

3. Phone Charging Case

Your phone battery is unlikely to last a full day when you’re out and about. However, it can be inconvenient trying to find somewhere to charge it — and there’s always the risk you’ll forget your charger at home. Keeping your phone in a charging case solves this problem, as you can top it up at the click of a button as soon as it starts running low.

4. Fitness Tracker

It’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits at university, even though you have many opportunities to stay fit. You should find that having a fitness tracker keeps you disciplined. Depending on the model and the settings you choose, your fitness tracker can count the calories you’ve burned and set goals for each day, remind you to stand up and move around at regular intervals, draw your attention to your mental health, and even push you to take screen breaks or divide your study time into smaller chunks.

5. Laptop Cooling Mat

Using your laptop for high-power tasks can make it overheat, which can cause permanent hardware damage. Your laptop may even shut itself down for protection, forcing you to stop using it for a few minutes. To prevent everything from inconvenience to broken components, make sure your laptop stays the right temperature by using a cooling mat. You’ll then be able to use it for long periods without limitations.

All the above can make a difference to your life at university, but it’s the big things that matter the most — like housing. Search for an apartment where you’ll have your own space, be comfortable, and have access to a range of great amenities. For Waterloo student housing that ticks all the boxes, there’s myREZ. You’ll be living just steps from campus in a spacious, fully-furnished suite that comes with in-suite laundry. There are also large study spaces and a games room on site. Book a tour to see it for yourself.