Okay, so it's time to head back to school. But there's no need to pout, because you're going to be the most fly kid on campus with all the latest gadgets and gizmos.
Of course there are the basics: pens, paper, laptop, phone and the other usual suspects, but what else can you use that financial aid for?
Wearables
What is a wearable? Well, it's a piece of tech you put on, usually a watch or a band. So this year, pick your poison: fitness band or smartwatch.
If you're looking to set some goals or track the long nights with no sleep as you cram for the latest exam, then a FitBit is the way to go.
If you're more of a multitasker and like things streamlined and all in one place, look no further than a smartwatch. For those with Android phones, check out the Moto 360 or the Asus ZenWatch and for iPhone users, the Apple Watch and Pebble are the way to go.
Polaroid Camera
No, this isn't a list from 1999 and no, the photos are not stickers, but Polaroid cameras are still pretty cool.
For those on a budget looking to catalog some memories, check out the Fujifilm instax series, which prints great photos at a low cost.
For the Instagram-heavy users looking to prove themselves, the Polaroid Socialmatic is where it's at. This thing even shoots video, though you can't print it out so don't try.
Seriously, why would you try that?
Evernote
Evernote is one of those apps you'll never think you need, but once you discover what it does you no longer use 90% of your other apps. You can record voice, take snapshots, draw on your notes and share your documents in a group.
For the incoming college freshman, this thing is a lifesaver for those 8 a.m. classes.
While not ever really fun, taking notes is a lot easier now. But there's another option...
Dragon Dictation
If even remotely taking notes isn't your thing, there's Dragon Dictation. Though it's rather expensive, this program for phones and computers alike allows users to record conversations, lectures, interviews and more and transcribe them as they happen.
For journalism majors, no more recorders, and for three-hour Thursday night lectures, just make sure you try and stay awake while this thing does the work for you.
Record Player
Vinyl is dead. Long live vinyl!
For the music enthusiast college kid, nothing says music enthusiast like a record player. Be the DJ of your dorm as you blast the classics or maybe even some newer stuff.
If you're in DFW, check out places like Good Records in Dallas or Mad World Records in Denton. Usually they're fun daytrips with friends.
Periscope
Recently purchased by Twitter, Periscope is a new way to invade the security and privacy of our own lives. But on the bright side, it's also extremely unique and unbelievably ambitious.
The app lets you live stream from your phone's camera, so you could host a tutoring session, watch a press conference or just see what people are up to.
It's also great in keeping up with current events, as a lot of boots on the ground people will Periscope events immediately.
Kindle
Sure, you probably have a tablet, but having a Kindle too isn't the worst idea in the world.
The fairly affordable, black and white e-ink reader is great for loading textbooks and has a spectacular battery life.
So, if you carry your laptop everywhere and don't want to lug a tablet around with you, the paper-light Kindle is a great substitute. (Most e-textbooks are cheaper, too, but you didn't hear that from me).
Wolfram Alpha
No, you can't cheat on homework or tests with this insanely intelligent app, but it does help. You can ask WA most questions regarding math or science and it bites back with a solid answer.
Graph a curve. Solve an equation. But most of all, it teaches you how to do so. For those in statistics or economics (I feel your pain) this app will keep you up to par.
Yik Yak
Okay so you're new to a college campus and want to know what's hip and what's happening?
Well then, Yik Yak, the anonymous college social network is your Holy Grail. Most of its posts are moderated, so don't worry about NSFW content, and use Yik Yak as a way to find out about on campus events, start Twitter follow trains or even just keep up with a sports game.
Lastly, this thing.
So the tablets and the apps and the cameras didn't do it for you. That's okay, because this backpack exists for you and you alone.
Co-alition is an urban backpack designed for the tech addict in all of us. It sports charging cables for any and all of your devices, a wall-outlet cable, water resistant storage and a built-in hard drive with storage options ranging from 500GB to 1TB.
But that's not all. You can also create a Wi-Fi hotspot with this thing. That's right, no slug-speed campus Wi-Fi for you, because you've got a $400 backpack.
